Health Care reform faced yet another setback as Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown received 51.9% of the vote needed to fill late Senator Kennedy’s seat in the US Senate. This now makes the Republican head count 41, thereby bringing the 60-count Democrats were relying on to pass the health care reform legislation to an end. Brown’s strong statements regarding the negative portions of the bill, such as higher taxes and the destruction of jobs, played a major role in his political success. However, ironic that he fills the seat of a major proponent of universal health care, many are breathing a sigh of relief as the thought is while health care reform is much needed, it is something that needs to be dealt with carefully – not a “fix it later” attitude.
Posts Tagged ‘Universal Health Care’
Brown’s Victory & What it Means for Health Care Reform
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010Oppose the Public Plan NOW!
Friday, July 10th, 2009As you all are aware, the debate regarding the future of our nation’s health care system is raging in Congress right now.
SB 810 (LENO) The California Universal Healthcare Act
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009Senate Bill 810, the Universal Health Care Act, proposes methods to provide affordable and attainable healthcare to all Californians. In a time where there are more uninsured individuals than ever before, and more stringent medical underwriting requirements (leaving those with pre-existing conditions ineligible for coverage), this bill could bring some much needed relief to our strained economy.
Under SB 810, eligibility would be based on residency. All residents would be covered, regardless of health status, employment status, or income level. Would this mean an increase in taxes? Well, theory states that over $200 billion dollars were spent in California on healthcare last year. By utilizing this enormous cash flow already being spent on healthcare by Federal, State, and County funds, such a plan is possible. By changing the way the funds are directed, such as purchasing prescription medication and durable medical equipment in bulk, California can save billions in the first year alone.
Ensuring fair reimbursements to providers, allowing consumers to choose their own doctors, and relying on a shared source of financial support, may be the answer to one of the biggest issues facing our State and Nation as whole.
The Argument Against Government Run Health Plans
Sunday, June 14th, 2009While many people think the answer lies in a Government run health insurance plan, but there is also a negative side to the theory. While the idea of health coverage for all is a dream worth pursuing, we need to make sure the quality of coverage is not sacrificed in doing so.
Currently, there are state and government run plans in place, such as Medicaid and children’s health insurance. While these programs benefit many people who would normally not have any coverage at all, concerns lie in the fact that there are lower reimbursement rates to providers, thus resulting in less access to doctors.
Obama’s plan is to allow those who have a plan they already like to keep their current coverage. However, should Employers have the choice between current higher premiums, or a lower cost option of the Government run plan, the lesser of the two would be elected. Therefore, employees would now be subject to a plan with more limited access to providers, and could possibly lose their current doctors altogether.
In terms of the doctor’s themselves, they may refuse the low reimbursement rates altogether and decide not to accept any insurance. Lower compensation would also means cuts in care and staff at your doctor’s office. Would-be physicians may decide to pursue more lucrative careers, instead of dealing with the red-tape of a government dictated medicine.
