I haven't been posting much on this blog, so I'll go ahead and just write something on my mind lately: health care. OMG. I've pretty much stopped watching the news because the debate is so lame.
By lame, I mean it's two groups arguing different points. Liberals want everybody covered. Conservatives don't want government competing in the marketplace.
I'm of the opinion....both groups are right. I don't really like the idea of the government creating a new corporation (in essence) with infinitely deep pockets (taxes) that can compete with "real" businesses that have to have profits to succeed. If government is offering healthcare, it should do it 100% (and I'm not convinced that's a bad idea).
But I really don't like the way things are now with profits being greater by kicking sick people off the rolls.
What I don't understand is: why not go a third way? Regulation.
Liberals can easily point out different aspects of business practices that are harming health spending in this country. In fact, I'll bet there are several that both sides could agree on.
So why not target those issues with legislation (e.g., make it illegal to exclude someone for a pre-existing condition)? A mixed economy works for almost every other huge industry in the country...why not this one?
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I like the way Australia does it- government provides basic (plus a bit) healthcare for everyone. If you want extras like a private room, choose your own doctor, elective surgery, or physiotherapy, you have the option to either pay out of pocket or buy supplementary private health insurance.
ReplyDeleteThis system sets a basis for which everyone is entitled to a certain level of health care, while those who have the means can get the luxurious or comfortable extras. In no way is it perfect, but it is a lot less scary to me than what passes for health care in America.
In Australia, if I lose my job I don't have to worry about losing my health care. If I want to take time off work to take care of my grandparent or a child, still don't have to worry about my health.
AND I can go to the doctor almost any time and see a doctor within 2 hours.
AND AND there still seems to be a lot of medical innovation coming out of Australia, especially with regards to cancer. I might just be heightened to noticing it, and it may be the research is paid for by American pharmaceutical companies, but I don't know.
That's my piece.
Yeah, that's how it is in Canada (I think). If you want something extra, sure. Pay up. But everybody gets the basics.
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