Patriotic Wisdom

The United States Congress is currently working on legislation to do what they refer to as “reform” healthcare. In fact, the proposals will not bring about reform, they’ll bring about healthcare control. The Congress, as usual, is working on overly burdensome regulations designed to shift the control of healthcare from the private sector into the hands of Government. The truth of the matter is that only four changes are needed to truly reform healthcare.

The first change is Tort reform. Eliminating frivolous lawsuits will reduce the overhead of Doctors, Hospitals, Clinics, Drug companies and other healthcare providers. While they’re at it, capping Attorneys to a maximum of 50% of any award is also fair. Attorneys need an incentive to fight for their clients but some are now victimizing the victims. It’s not uncommon for Attorneys to charge 1/3rd plus expenses. Unscrupulous lawyers can pad fees until the victim ends up with no more than 30% to 40% of the money they’re awarded.

The second change is to allow healthcare insurance to be purchased across state lines, just as automobile insurance is. This will lower costs as competition opens up throughout the country. Imagine the TV ads touting “we’ll save you hundreds on your healthcare insurance” and “come to our website to compare our rates with the rates of up to four of our competitors”. This will have the greatest affect on lowering costs.

Third, to cover the “uninsurable” and those with pre-existing conditions, form a consortium of healthcare Insurance providers to pool their resources and provide coverage. That would spread the costs among many companies, making it easier to absorb. Incentivize it to get insurance companies to join in. Provide tax credits to those that join the consortium and tax penalties to those that don’t. If the insurers try to pass the penalties on to their customers, they’ll become less competative and lose business.

Last but not least will be a tax credit to anyone buying their own healthcare insurance. Some of this could come from the Billions of dollars lawmakers say we currently spend on the uninsured. Those choosing not to buy insurance could be required to pay up front for non-emergency services, even in an Emergency Room. In the case of actual emergencies, the un-insured could be required to sign, and have on file with some central agency, a legal document allowing for garnishment of a percentage of whatever source of income they have.

Four pieces of Legislation needed, problem solved, healthcare reformed. What’s the downside? None for the people but, for the Government, they don’t gain the control they want. All I can say to that is; Boo freakin’ Hoo.