President Barack Obama's decision to let Congress work out most of the details of a health care reform plan was an acknowledgment that some of his campaign ideals may need to be tempered by economic and political realities.
Administration officials are already signaling a willingness to tax some employee health benefits. Just last year, Obama criticized a similar proposal by his Republican presidential opponent, Sen. John McCain, as "the largest middle-class tax increase in history."
Some on Capitol Hill favor the idea, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates the tax could generate $246 billion annually, money that could be used to provide insurance to the 46 million Americans without health coverage.
At the moment, though, there are more questions than answers. Will Americans be required to buy insurance for themselves or their children? Will businesses be forced to offer benefits? Will government programs be created to cover people rejected by insurance companies, or will those companies be required to accept all applicants, How much will all of this cost?
Toward whatever plan emerges, Obama's budget plan creates a $634 billion reserve fund over the next decade, funded through taxes on the wealthy, the elimination of Medicare subsidies to private insurance companies and negotiations to lower the price of drugs for Medicaid patients.
But the final cost of reform could be double that amount. While taxes on health benefits may be part of the final solution, Obama should pay close attention to alternatives being tested in Massachusetts.
Over the past three years, the state has reduced its uninsured population to just 2.6 percent, but it is now struggling with rising costs and recessionary pressures. State leaders hope to stabilize finances by doing away with a cornerstone of the current health care financial model: insurance reimbursements that pay doctors and hospitals for each patient visit.
Instead, the state would adopt a system in which providers are rewarded for prevention and disease-control. One idea floated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts would establish flat fees for patients based on age, gender and health.
The Massachusetts experiments require federal approval because they will affect both Medicare and Medicaid payments. The White House should help speed those reforms, not only because Massachusetts needs the financial flexibility, but because the country can learn from the state's successes and its mistakes.
Obama and congressional leaders need to consider all funding options, but they also must stay focused on finding a health care plan that a majority of Americans believe is worth paying for.
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Reform the Courts and Medical Expenses Drop
If the govt TRULY wanted to fix the healthcare system it would champion tort reform and require losers of frivolous malpractice suits to pay all court and attorney costs. That is what drives up healthcare costs. It also is causing fewer and fewer college bound students to consider medicine as a field. So we're faced with a growing population and a dwindling pool of MDs. In some places OB-GYN MDs are almost non-existent. America, get a clue, socializing medicine will only reduce the quality for ALL Americans and give the poor even worse care than they get now. Fix the real problems and let the private sector do its job.
Always messy
For 60 years at least, health care reforms have been messy. Back in 1948 hen I was first made aware of the issue as a teenager, most of the grownups condemned any reform as "socialized medicine." That label still condemns attempts to the trash bin. Needed reform will not happen until we get rid of name calling and mis-leading labels.
As a federal retiree, I happen to "enjoy" one of those so-called "gold plated" government sponsored health plans. It's not cheap. Last year we paid about $4800 for the Medicare tax and insurance premiums, not to mention several thousand out of pocket in co-pays, dental bills, prescriptions, etc.
Geezz...
Gee, marvel at how the Pilot explains away yet another blatant lie by Obama about taxing these benefits. Could one imagine if McCain had won the election, and conducted himself in this way? Just review the editorials on all things Bush for an answer on that!
So we're going to continue to put faith and credence in these govt provided estimates about how much this will all cost before it's all said and done with? I invite all to look at how the 'bailout' is going for some guidance.
But at least the Pilot acknowledges some realities that cannot be ignored. Massachusetts is experiencing those realities. As has been proven in the vast majority of things the govt gets involved with, those things almost always end up worse because of that involvement. But as this country continues to dummy down, and we have an increasing number of people who just can't imagine life without their govt deciding everything for them, we'll see more of the media abettors carrying the water for these inane initiatives.
promises made, promises broken
"An end to politics as ususal!" Starting when?
It's coming.
Hopefully in the not too distant future we will not have to work at all,(except for a few Taxpayers). We will have health insurance, mortgage payments, food, power, transportation, ect., ect., paid for by the government. The government will direct and lead us. We can all be Fat, Dumb, and Happy. Yeah! Those twisted individuals with work ethics and a drive to succeed can carry the load. Life will be wonderful. Praise Obama! Hosanah!