Americans overwhelmingly voted for change in the November election. Seems a few of us didn't get the memo, but it's not too late to get on board the train in the debate for realizing true health care reform that puts people before profits and checks special interests at the on ramp to the beltway in Washington.
We have a chance to have a positive impact on this country's health care system for generations if we keep obstructionist from spreading fiction about what health care reform is or isn't. In the latest CNN Poll three quarters of Americans believe we need major structural change to our health care system and when they hear details, are even more in favor of reform.
Rumors that health care reform will eliminate the existing coverage you have are completely false. If I am satisfied with my doctor and the insurance I have, then I get to keep them both under this plan, but I would also have the choice to change plans if I wish. And with a public option, I know my private insurance company will keep my premiums down to compete.
Though far from a done deal or from perfection (in fact I can list a litany of problems with what's being negotiated in the Senate Finance Committee), there are lots of provisions in the health care reform bill under consideration that we need and can cheer about.
Congress has a plan to eliminate co-pays and deductibles for preventive care like routine check ups and physical exams. No longer will people like Willie Green of Cottonwood Point, Missouri face a rate increase for treatment for her chronic pain and numbness due to a stroke she experienced while giving childbirth, or for just being a woman. What's more, no one will have to worry about whether they will be denied insurance because they have a pre-existing condition.
For too long our health care system has been in the grips of private insurance companies, who with the benefit of monopolies in states like North Carolina, can charge astronomical premiums that are simply out of financial reach for so many families. Under the new plan Congress is considering, the amount of money families must pay out-of -pocket will be limited to a set dollar amount. Additionally, insurance companies will no longer be able to set a limit on the amount it will pay over an individual's lifetime for insurance coverage.
The truth is -- the insurance industry will do whatever it takes to distort the facts and protect their profits while spending $1.4 million everyday to kill insurance reform. If only they were spending that much money to heal patients we would really be in the business of fixing healthcare. The American public must be equally committed to winning health care reform.
The truth is -- it's always easier to criticize and tear down progress than it is to offer solutions. And what America needs right now are solutions, not an extreme right fringe of few who are intent on framing this debate with lies. The opponents of reform want to continue to push for the status quo. Being progressive requires a different mindset and a vision of what is so is not what has to be. And we care for the health and wholeness of our collective communities.
Finally, the truth is-- a public insurance option is the only way for the American people to realize true health care reform. No one will win if we do not pass health reform that will provide quality, affordable health care for everyone.
We've dragged our feet long enough. It's time to get it done and that, too, is the truth.
Aaron E. Carroll: The Public Option Is Not Where You Draw the Line
Many are rallying around the public option like it's a singular opportunity to save the world. It's not; it's not even close.
Peter J. Ognibene: Your Health Insurer Will Screw You
Individuals who lack the negotiating leverage that organizations exercise on behalf of their members, wind up paying the highest rates for coverage and are left to hope they won't get trapped by an exclusion or loophole.
Insurance companies add NO value. They simply write the check if they absolutely have to. Let the Govt pay and keep the private sector delivery system like Medicare.
Insurance companies have abused policyholders for too long. Abuse it, you lose it.
Support HR676. It's a Single Payer system that is proven, pro-business and pro-people:
* Slashes at least 30% of costs off the top by removing private insurance overhead.
* Companies take health care expenses off their books. Stock value increases. Better able to compete internationally.
* Small companies could have access to higher skilled workers because previously they couldn't compete in the labor market by offering similar benefits.
* More entrepreneurial ventures will launch since they have more money and less unrelated risk.
* Dramatic drop in bankruptcies.
* Dramatic drop in lawsuits. Most of these lawsuits are simply to obtain money to cover health care if something interrupts their coverage.
* Reduced system complexity. Greater efficiency due to fewer regulations.
* Savings from employees not having to fight with their insurers during work hours.
* HSA and MSA dollars redirected back into the economy for goods and services.
* Additional money to spend from not having to carry "uninsured motorist coverage" on your auto policy.
* Contract employment is more viable for workers since they are guaranteed access to health care.
* People are covered when unemployed. No chance of being wiped out financially if you lose your job.
* Health care providers (doctors, hospitals, therapists...) see increase in business with much less administrative expense.
1) Name any positive influence for-profit health insurance has had on providing health care?
That's it. No other questions.
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Answers (now don't peek until you provide your answer!)
.gnihtoN (1
We are being taken for a ride, even by those who call themselves "progressives". We aren't having a discussion of the real issues, and real solutions aren't being put on the table. What is being exposed is the extent of corruption of our government, a real crisis for democracy.
How much of a failure to discuss this issue and lay bare the various legislation for public scrutiny is the fault of the administration, I can't say. But successful and meaningful reform will not occur until all is laid bare. By leaving it up to the government, we stand a change of worsening, not bettering our situation.