The Federal Government has bankrupt Social Security, bankrupt Medicare/Medicaid, bankrupt Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, is helpless in dealing with the unregistered residents that live and work in this country without paying taxes and has yet to effectively respond to the deception and dysfunction of the financial markets. This is not a Republican vs. Democrat issue – this is an incompetent government issue.
As noble as the vision may be – the reality is that any implementation will result in disaster. I think our agenda should be:
- Eliminate the employer/employee bond. Have all healthcare providers deliver services directly to consumers. HSA accounts already exist – some moderate adjustments can provide for tax exempt business contributions and personal contributions that could insure more buying power and give every American independence and security.
- Establish a standard for medical record information – not a central repository – simply a standard to which every medical provider must adhere.
- Have all healthcare providers / networks establish pricing based on the demographics of a particular region – I think each region should be a Congressional District. Providers that sell their services to consumers in a particular region, must also provide a percentage of care for the indigent or needy. This effectively builds a healthcare tax into the cost of care – but in the most efficient manner.
- Encourage and incent more hosptial centric and/or pharmacy centric networks of providers. This will establish a stronger more resiliant infrastructure, lower costs and improve treatment outcomes.
- Require clear and transparent pricing. No hidden physician fees, lab fees, etc. All costs are clear and known so that patients and families can make fully informed decisions about their healthcare.
I DO NOT WANT A GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTHCARE PLAN – period
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