Could this be the answer to the universal health care debate?

Question

Get rid of for profit insurance companies. That way, prices go down, and healthcare becomes more affordable. What do you think?

people suing insurance companies raises prices of medicine, AND insurance. Don't tell me to take an econ class, that doesn't make any sense.

azred, I'll ask it 7000 times, if it takes that long to get a response. I am trying to word it in a way that you guys can understans, and STILL you don't read and understand.

Answer 1

That is an excellent idea, and the only rational policy,

but of course no-one would profit, and a minority of Americans has convinced themselves "that's bad", and we should continue the current corrupt system. the HMO's compete sure, for who can leave the most people to suffer.

Answer 2

Its funny to me that you supporters of UHC blame insurance companies for rising medical costs.

Guess what. Insurance companies have always been around and have always made profits. Unless you can demonstrate that the insurance industry profits have been increasing at record rates, then your solution doesn't hold much water.

BTW, you won't be able to do that, as like any other industry, excess profits would have attracted more competition, thus lowering prices and margins.

If you want to fully understand why costs are rising so much, take a look at our current tax code regarding health care, our fragmented state regulations, or tort system, and our aging and fattening population (increase in demand).

Answer 3

I think that you're dreaming. First of all you have capitalization in the range of $1 trillion, how do you compensate the investors for that money. Second, what makes you assume that the profit that insurance companies are making are driving health care inflation @ four time the rate of inflation?

A good example of this is the Kaiser Foundation, the largest insurance company in California, which is non-profit, and premiums are still rising at 2-3 times the rate of inflation. The problem is the third party payer system itself. People want steak type coverage for hamburger prices. Expensive tests cost money, the doctor makes money on them, the lab makes money on them, and the insurance company makes money on them, and you want to pay one low fee for it. Something has to give.

Answer 4

A government mandate which forces citizens to purchase insurance or face a fine is unconstitutional. The health insurance law requires an amendment to the US Constitution allowing Congress the power to mandate purchasing a private service. Purchasing insurance has nothing to do with health care. Does having auto insurance make a person a better driver?

Answer 5

Competition is what keeps the price down.

Removal of insurance companies would work partially, but more, we have to avoid a socialist solution, which removes almost all competition leaving no reason to keep prices low.

The cost is hidden in the taxes, which in socialist countries goes higher and higher at rates that make ours (which go higher for the same reason, just less) look like a child's "doctor is in" booth.

Answer 6

Naysayers will cry the word socialism. I agree with you, the problem is the ideology that government is intrusive and not capable of running such a system. Responsible government is the only key to providing affordable healthcare for all. When insurance companies have the say as to what medical procedures are covered above a doctors advice it tells you the current system is broken.

Answer 7

if it worked it would be a decent compromise but not an answer for either side.

Edit:
actually.. I missed the get rid of remark... I don't think you should force anyone to shut down... run it like public education is my opinion... and by that I mean give what you think should be given to everyone.. and if people want something different that they feel is better let them buy it... in other words keep private health care and just add in a public program.

Answer 8

So you are saying that we would be better off if no one had insurance and the hospitals would all be non profits? Then I guess all the doctors, anethesiologists, lab techs. and on and on would be too. I dont think so.
The only way is a fair and equitable solution such as everyone having health insurance but paying on a sliding scale according to thier ability to pay.

Answer 9

I think to do that would be a blatant stab in the face to our free market economy. Insurance companies exist because there is a demand for them. As long as consumers create that demand then someone will try and fill it.

Answer 10

Profits do not raise prices. Lack of competition does. Read some economics.