HEALTH CARE AND THE RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE

With the November elections almost upon us, what are the prospects for a National Health Insurance Plan in the near future?  What are the two major party standard-bearers proposing for health care reform? What are the major differences between John McCain’s proposals and Barak Obama’s proposals for the nation’s health?

John McCain's Vision for Health Care Reform: 

According to his web page, “John McCain believes the key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves. We want a system of health care in which everyone can afford and acquire the treatment and preventive care they need. Health care should be available to all and not limited by where you work or how much you make. Families should be in charge of their health care dollars and have more control over care.”   Well and good – but how does McCain propose to get there? “…use competition to improve the quality of health insurance…a direct refundable tax credit…expanded Health Savings Accounts…making insurance more portable…develop a best practice model that states can follow - a Guaranteed Access Plan or GAP…(Now, there’s an unfortunate acronym!)… assistance would be available…below a certain income level…the right incentives to reduce costs…greater competition to our drug markets…safe re-importation of drugs…faster introduction of generic drugs…emphasizing prevention, early intervention, healthy habits, new treatment models, new public health infrastructure and the use of information technology…coordinated care — with providers collaborating to produce the best health care…pay a single bill for care…will make every single provider accountable…walk-in clinics in retail outlets…information systems and technology…eliminate frivolous lawsuits…etc.

Barak Obama’s Plan for a Healthy America:

According to his web page, Obama said: “We now face an opportunity — and an obligation — to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates… My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness.” - but how does Obama propose to get there? “…quality, affordable…coverage for all…lower costs by modernizing the U.S. health care system…fight for new initiatives… a new national health plan…affordable health coverage similar to the plan available to members of Congress…guaranteed eligibility…comprehensive benefits…affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles… income-related federal subsidy…simplified paperwork…reined-in health costs…easy enrollment…portability and choice… quality and efficiency… mandatory coverage of children… small business health tax credit…expand eligibility…etc.”

Sadly, neither of the major candidates comes to grips with the real problem: an insurance industry with a “successful” business model where success is measured by not paying for health care that people need. Neither proposes a public service model where success is measured by seeing that all of us get the health care we need.  We need to eliminate the “private” health insurance industry and we need a national health care system!

OFFICE SPACE NEEDED!

The Health Care Council’s lease ends in September. We need to find new office space.  If you have, or if you know of a small, inexpensive (or free) office to house us as we continue to strive to keep the Health Care Council (and this newsletter) alive, it would be greatly appreciated, as would your generous tax-free contributions!

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