The inability of our politicians to reach a cross-party consensus on health care reform is enough to drive a person crazy. Just as the Democrats reached a vote in the House of Representatives on the health care bill, (House passes health care bill), the Republicans finally offered a proposal of their own, (Text of GOP Health Care Bill)
In reality the Democrats have some good ideas and the Republicans have some good ideas. Why can’t they come together a get something done that really would benefit the citizens of this country, or just leave the system alone?
What bothers me the most about the Democratic plan in the House is that it will eventually lead us to a government-controlled system while we watch the private system go by the wayside. In doing this, the next generations are going to be left with debts that they won’t be able to pay.
I’d encourage you to contact your legislators regarding the GOP plan and insist on the following five points:
- Put a cap on medical malpractice damages. Trial lawyers (who benefit from lengthy court battles) have consistently supported the Democrats and meaningful tort reform has always been out of the question as long as the Dems control Congress. Well, it’s time to stand up to the lawyers and put a limit on medical malpractice damages. The actual chances that a victim of lousy care would be shorted are actually very slim.
- Create real incentives for individuals to open health savings accounts. I’ve consistently maintained that the only real way to reform health care in to turn patients into intelligent consumers. This is just one way to empower patients.
- Allow insurance companies to sell their plans across state lines; it’s simply putting our free enterprise system to work.
- Allow trade associations and guild members the ability to band together and purchase group insurance.
- Create state-based high-risk insurance pools for individuals who have difficulty obtaining insurance coverage.
The GOP bill doesn’t include the prohibition against denying care for people with pre-existing conditions, nor does it require individuals to have insurance or employers to provide it. While I agree with these positions, Republicans, nevertheless, should change their stance, because no bill stands a chance of passage unless it includes these particular points.
On the positive side, the GOP would not increase taxes.