A hot agenda in the Obama camp these days is the up and coming health care reform. Yet for some reason, the media isn’t giving it the needed attention it deserves. Did you know that the cost of our health care system is the most expensive in the world? Let’s explore this topic further because we, as owners of our own body and citizens of this nation, touches health care physically, emotionally and financially.
The Problem
Currently, Americans are paying for coverage that’s much more expensive than other developed nations. With rates of premiums rising, the problem is only getting worst and many families are deciding to forgo coverage in order to pay rent. In a study done in 2006, it is estimated that 47 million people in United States does not have health insurance coverage, totaling 16% of the population. Fast forward three years and in the mist of one of the deepest recession we have ever seen, it’s likely that the current situation is even worst.
Unneeded tests, higher than necessary administration fees are all culprits of the current system. Everyone has their different theories, but you’ve got to admit that something is wrong with our system.
The Proposal
Obama’s solution is to create an universal health care system that brings health care coverage to every American. The problem? It’s EXPENSIVE. In a time when our nation is severely in debt, we just don’t have the money to pay for it. In addition, extending coverage to every American would bring on unforeseen consequences.
Here’s what one reader wrote about the health care plan:
Personally, if I had low cost health insurance, like $100/month or less, I would not be working – I’d retire. That’s the thing that’s keeping me working. That would be good for me, and good for someone else, as my job would become available…. economic stimulus through job creation due to lots of people retiring who are only working for the health insurance.
Where I used to work, I know five people that are working only because of the employer-sponsored health benefits. Sure, five people retiring may create five openings, but that translates to the lost of five known productive employees for my former boss. Not a good thing for the short term.
And for the economy? Five retirees means five people who are earning and spending less. The new employees might fill the hole, but I doubt that they will be getting nearly as much salary as the retired employees who know the company inside out.
Here’s another writer comment about the system:
Will there be too much abuse of the system? There already is, so I would imagine it will only get worse. There needs to be limits on what is covered and what is not. Basic care, but not million dollar care, and who draws that line?
Growing up, I was privileged to witness one of the most comprehensive government-run health care coverage in the world – I lived in Canada. Abuse was out of control back then. Everyone would go to the emergency room for the “littleist” of problems. Doctors were booked for weeks, because everything was free. Worst of all, the government was going bankrupt. Another problem, which this comment illustrates perfectly:
And if the government keeps handing out ‘free stuff’, the incentive to work a real job is gone – no need to if the government will provide everything for us…. we turn even more into a welfare society.
In Canada (back then at least), people didn’t have the motivation to work. I mean, what’s the incentive if everything is free and you are taxed to death? In order to fund all the social programs, the highest tax bracket was 52% in Ontario, Canada. Yes, 52%! You can never say for sure that it’s the main cause, but what I noticed in Canada was that people are much more laid back. There’s less urgency to get things done, and more of “there’s always tomorrow”. That didn’t work, so with a bit of reform, the tax rate in Canada along with a health care system is a bit more refined.
I’ve heard many stories of people in the United States not worrying about their health and treatment in their dying days, but instead about their insurance coverage. They aren’t battling the disease like they should, but they are battling the blood sucking companies over the phone.
When my grandfather was having surgery a couple of years ago in Canada. We were upset about the situation but never have any of us worried about coverage or anything that shouldn’t matter during that time. My grandpa received first class treatment and it gave him the best chance to survive. Perhaps there are some benefits to an universal health care system, no matter the cost.
What do you think?
Further reading:
- Health Care Page – WhiteHouse.gov
- Obama’s Heatlh Care Reform Plan – in PDF
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Read more of Health Care Reform – Government Improvement Series…
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