Take a look at the highlights of a proposed healthcare plan from Republicans and tell me who is more in touch with America...the Right or the Left? This is from Family Security Matters - I'm not excerpting the whole article but just the plan that is laid out:
Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (who can be seen here saying that the current bill will give 97 percent of the American people access – not to quality health care, but to the opportunity stand in line) has introduced the Empowering Patients First Act, which it says would grant access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans, and is centered around the patient. By increasing patients’ control over their health decisions, the RSC says coverage will become more affordable, accessible and responsive, while offering more choices and the highest-quality care.
This solution is centered around four main principles:
#1: Access to Coverage for All Americans
The Empowering Patients First Act makes the purchase of health care financially feasible for all Americans, covers pre-existing conditions, protects employer-sponsored insurance, and shines light on existing health care plans.
#2: Coverage is Truly Owned by the Patient
This legislation grants greater choice and portability to the patient, and also gives employers more flexibility in the benefits offered. It also expands the individual market by creating several pooling mechanisms.
#3: Improve the Health Care Delivery Structure
Physicians know the best care for their patient. That's why this legislation establishes doctor-led quality measures, ensuring that you get the quality care you need. It also reimburses physicians to ensure the stability of your care, and encourages healthier lifestyles by allowing employers to offer discounts for healthy habits through wellness and prevention programs.
#4: Rein in Out-of-Control Costs
A key concern in positive reform is reining in out-of control costs. This legislation does this by reforming the medical liability system. Also, the cost of the plan is completely offset through decreasing defensive medicine, savings from health care efficiencies, sifting out waste, fraud and abuse, plus an annual one-percent non defense discretionary spending step down.
2 comments:
There are actually several Republican alternative bills. My own Congressman, John Shadegg, introducted one of the alternatives. His plan would make any private insurance premiums that an individual pays, tax deductible. This is how you reduce costs - by encouraging competition. If we are not locked into whatever our emnployers offer, then we can shop around like we can for auto insurance, home owners insurance, etc.
As it is right now, the only tax deductibility is to employers. This came about as a result of wage and price controls during WWII when employers were attempting to attract and retain talent. They thought up benefits and the IRS said benefits would be acceptable and not taxable to the employees.
Take 30-40 Percent off the top of Health Costs with Tort Reform..... but then try to get that past 400 lawyers.....
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