Health Care Reform We Want

We have the best health care system in the world. Could it be made better? Of course, it could. Let’s improve it – not throw it away. We do not need a completely new system. We just need to correct its current problems. Here are things that should be addressed in health care reform.

1. We do not want government run, government controlled health care. The government should not be involved in our medical decisions. These are decisions we should make with the advice of our doctors. Any new plans should be private sector plans.

2. A variety of plans, in the private sector, should be available. Individuals have different needs and should be able to select the plan that best fits them. One size does not fit all in medicine.

3. Pre-existing conditions should not exclude anyone from health care.

4. Small businesses should be able to pool together – like IGA grocers do – so that more affordable health care plans are available to them.

5. One-third of those currently uninsured can afford health care. Some have declined plans available to them at work. They are gambling that they will not need health care insurance. If they do not choose to enroll in a health care plan, they should be required to post a bond=2 0for medical expenses that they can not pay for out-of-pocket.

6. One-third of the uninsured is eligible for Medicaid. Enroll them.

7. Twenty percent of the uninsured are not legally in this country. They should only receive emergency care. They should not be given health care coverage.

8. This would leave less than ten million citizens that need health care. The private sector could offer coverage to this group. The government could supplement premiums, as financially needed. Financial aid should not be given to anyone whose income exceeds the national average income.

9. Health care reform is meaningless if we do not have tort reform. This will lower health care costs. Unnecessary tests are now ordered because doctors are forced to practice defensive medicine. Frivolous law suits would be greatly reduced if the plaintiff, in unsuccessful cases, is required to pay court costs and the legal costs of both parties. Malpractice premiums would be reduced, which in turn would lower health care costs.

10. Fraud is rampant in Medicare and Medicaid. The government needs to better regulate its health care plans. Fraud in the private sector is much lower.

11. Senior coverage is shrinking. It is now being reduced by ten percent, as more and more baby boomers enter the system. Other cuts are being considered. Age will be a determining factor in deciding what treatment – if any – may be used. Old people are becoming disposable.

12. This country needs catastrophic health care coverage. Over half those who are forced into bankruptcy because of medical costs have health care coverage.

These reforms would improve our health care system instead of throwing it on the trash heap. The vast majority of people like their health care plans. We ask Congress to improve our health care plans – not to destroy them. We do not want a government take-over of our health care.

Signed,
The Electorate