How would you reform the US health insurance system?

Question

I am very leery of government control - I think the bureaucracy would waste dollars, and I'm extremely troubled by the idea of the government having so much control. I'd rather have my HMO cheat me than the government - at least there is one more than one HMO to belong to.

But people who advocate government-run health care have a right to ask what the alternative is.

I have a few ideas.

1) Make employer-supplied health insurance taxable income to the recipient, BUT offset the extra income with a credit for insurance. This would put people in charge of their own health care and keep them more in touch with what it costs. And the self-employed have to pay for insurance with after-tax dollars, which is unfair. Maybe employers would get out of this business somewhat.

2) Allow insurance companies more latitude to compete in a number of states. Increased competition should help some. Also encourage associations of private individuals to band together to buy insurance.

(I'll have to continue this - stay tuned for more details!)

3) Reform the legal system. Punitive damages, contingency fees and the system of awarding attorneys' fees should all be on the table. (I'm a lawyer, and I have many criticisms of the legal system.)

4) Revisit tax policy - what incentives and/or penalties are needed for the insurance industry, the drug manufacturers, etc.

5) Enforce immigration laws to reduce the strain on medical facilities.

6) Coordinate with states and local governments to provide services targeted to the needs of the poor in those particular regions. Keep bureaucracy as minimal as possible.

7) Encourage charitable contributions to hospitals, etc.

What's good about this list? what's bad? What did I leave out?

Hey, it's a try.

Thanks.

Answer 1

STOP giving health care to the 20 million illegal aliens......

Answer 2

Currently lots of people cant get health care through their jobs and getting it yourself is so expensive and provides such poor coverage that its not worth it. Some companies have good prices and some rip you off. Usually you pay higher rates if you don't go to your approved doctor.

I think govt controlled has some good points and bad points to it. If done properly (huge if) its a much better solution.
Good
1. You know your insurance is good anywhere in the country.
2. Everybody can get it.
3. Rates will be equal for everybody in your current medical condition. (hopefully)
4. More people in the plan means better rates.
Bad
1. Govt throws away money like its going out of style.
2. More taxes, although if you have insurance it would replace that.

Answer 3

Allow medical practice to remain private, but get rid of all the health insurance companies, making the US gov't the single payer for all health care, regulating the amount paid for all health procedures. There would no longer be any health insurance premiums, and the taxes the gov't collected for health care would likely be less than the total of the premiums we now pay, now. Partly because there would no profit taken out for Ins. Companies. We do many things together as a community....schools, roads, police, fire, etc. etc. why not health care .... like a public utility.

Answer 4

The government should take care of all the medical bills of its citizens for atleast 5 years to know what exactly is going on.
This will solve lot of problems. Insurance companies monopolies can be dealt with by the government agencies with strict laws. Doctors too had to be brought under the net and Trade unions too should contribute direct to government instead of making payments to the hospital/doctors. And mind you the suing and rewarding part too needs to be
changed. Suing is a laughing matter world wide and is
an example of the ignorant judiciary found nowhere in the world.

e.g. where in the world can you sue for "Coffee container does not mention , coffee is hot" how foolish is it in the eyes of the world.

Answer 5

I've come to the conclusion that most insurance is a fraud, and a waste of money.

Health insurance is one of the biggest factors in escalating health costs. Liability is the second. Drug/pharmacopia is the third.

I'd just go to a national insurance plan. kill the insurance companies. I worked in one. So I personally know that people with high school diplomas are interpreting my medical records and making medical decisions. It's just not appropriate or ethical.

Answer 6

Do away with HMO's. They focus more on the bottom line than patient care. Barack Obama has good ideas...it is not govt. control, but gives people several different options to choose from.

Answer 7

Remove insurance companies and the government and the rabid trial attorneys and medical mistreatment would be affordable.

Answer 8

Like this:
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/HealthPlanFull.pdf

no socialism, saves money on our current system, achieves the objective, and promotes the economy.