Because the present health care system costs too much and not everybody can afford it or insurance. But lets just leave it there. Everything is good for you now so that means its good for everybody else. Don't change anything. Got it
We've been over this before but what the heck. . .
Is it smarter to treat the symptoms or the disease?
Symptoms: Healthcare costs rising. Insurance companies eliminating or inflating individual costs far above comparable group policies. Fewer people insured as a result, and those who are insured must absorb the costs for those who are not.
Disease: Lack of competition as a result of government collusion and regulation. Trust situations between states, large companies and insurance companies limiting employee choice. Laws lobbied for by insurance companies that make it difficult, and in many cases impossible, for the operation of small independent clinics outside of insurance company control (networks). Physicians forced to become employees of insurance company controlled clinics, and hospitals, instead of operating as independent contractors with the ability to offer diverse and competitive services.
Treatment for the symptoms: Placement of tight controls on insurance purchasing. Standardization of plans to allow only price competition between established tiers. Centrally administered subsidy based on income level regardless of usage.
RESULT: The only impact this can have on price channel is a reduction in total number of uninsured. Cost will continue to rise because demand will increase as supply decreases. There is no sustainability here, however a continuous flow of power is delivered to policy makers and large insurers in the form of control.
Treatment for the disease: Introduce legislation allowing individuals in all states to purchase healthcare across state lines and allow insurance companies the opportunity to compete against each other. Eliminate insurance company restrictions to group purchasing and allow individuals to join pools outside of employer control. Let individuals decide what level of insurance they desire (within state established standards), therefore forcing insurance companies to compete with innovative offerings and plans. Pass laws abolishing insurance company, and hospital restriction of physicians that bars them from accepting competitive insurance plans. Basically, you make medical insurance as easy to purchase as car, home, or life insurance. Destroy the web of collusion, instead of protecting it.
RESULT: This impacts price channel from several directions. Increased competitive pressure on the basis of quality, price, availability, service, and diversity of offerings. An increase in the number of insured because the value proposition of being insured overcomes the cost of the product. Physicians and other healthcare practitioners are encouraged to innovate and offer services above and beyond those established by insurance providers alone. Removes control of care from the insurance companies and government and delivers it to the consumer.
Flame away libs!
