Healthcare Reform! It's Time To Put Up or Shut Up!

It is very perplexing to me that an issue, that by all indications, more than seventy percent (70%) of Americans want reformed is stalled and has been bogged down in Congress for a year and running as of present. The Republicans say America doesn't want this. The Democrats say their plans have not been explained to the American people well enough. Nevertheless, both sides say we must have reform. We cannot just do nothing they say. Having heard all of the above and much more, I don't know about most other everyday Americans like me, but this is mind boggling. Therefore I can only result to studying my own laymen-common sense observations. The Republicans suggest selling/buying insurance across state lines and offering tax credits that amount to about forty-two percent (42%) of an average healthcare cost per American household of $12,000.00. The Republicans just as their Democratic colleagues, also propose to eliminate the ability for insurance companies to decline individuals based upon pre-existing conditions. The Democrats propose a plan that would cover all people specifically the thirty-one million that do not have coverage now. It would be mandatory to obtain coverage via various methods made available based upon income, etc. The Democrats also want to place a cap on what insurance companies can charge their enrollees. There is language from both sides regarding protecting Medicare and both sides have ideas regarding assisting small businesses with providing coverage to their employees either by subsidies or tax relief. The above mentioned are some of the main highlights from each side. Both sides have much more verbiage and ideas listed. Both sides claim to be driven to accomplish the following: (1) Lower cost. (2) End pre-existing conditions being used against individuals. (3) Expand the availability of coverage from its present state.

Now, the understanding that something must be done is correct. The most input I've heard suggesting basically to leave it alone or expressions of fears that reform may make things worst, are coming from seniors who are Medicare recipients presently. Talks suggesting doing nothing clouds the issue and stalls progress. Also, whenever you say "stop this thing" referring to healthcare legislation, but offer no alternative solutions, then you are in essence saying: "do nothing...leave it as is ". As I mentioned within the first few lines of this note, seventy percent plus (70%+) of Americans want healthcare reform addressed. Nothing has happened at this point and its so polarizing because of the lobby power, in Washington. It's sad to say that the whores are still willing and open for business from both sides when it comes to receiving money regardless of what the American people who send them to Washington wants. Here's what I think:

1. As I mentioned above, since many of the individuals who are seemly suggesting the status quo remain are Medicare recipients, raise the medicare eligibility to seventy-five (75) years of age for two years while we fine tune the matter. This action would clear up much rhetoric and bring more broad range of "pinch feeling" or "common endurance" to the "I don't have coverage crowd". Then we get far more honest input void of selfishness. Also, it would save us quite a bit of money. In other words, let's put these folks in the same place as people who do not have coverage right now. They will have to go out and buy it utilizing their own resources. Then if we can still proceed with less people on Medicare and the same individuals who now have to buy their own coverage can survive and are still convinced that we do not need reform due to cost factors, violation of free enterprise, socialism, etc. then make the measure permanent.
2. Have congressmen pay for their healthcare as all other Americans do. Their present salaries should enable them to do so. No special rules or treatment.
   
3. Reduce Medicaid down to children only, unless you can demonstrate clearly identifiable disabilities.
   
4. Pass laws that forbid all healthcare related lobbying in Washington, D.C. Insurance entities, drug companies, medical services suppliers, etc.
   
5. Give states the option to provide coverage for its citizens if they still want to as is now in Massachusetts and few other states. The states citizens can decide via vote.
   
6. Allow or encourage non-profit healthcare insurance providers that may fund themselves via 5013c solicitation of funds and collecting a premium from their enrollees. The state may provide oversight.
   

I could go on perpetually with thoughts. The idea is to clarify the debate by placing more individuals in a situation where honestly rather than selfishness can allow the efforts of reform to flow smoothly.

In conclusion, I do believe that we can reform healthcare, but all Americans must see and feel the need to do so.

Sincerely,

Thinking About You