I See An America

Link: http://www.iseeanamerica.com

The seamy side of politics has never been exposed so blatantly as what we've witnessed during the health care debates. It's clear that many of the votes have been bought and paid for by the insurance companies, the existing bill is a travesty that holds little promise for improving health care, and that Ted Kennedy is rolling over in his grave. To even consider fining someone who can't afford health insurance for not having health insurance is government hypocrisy at its worst.

As things stand there are no winners (except the insurance companies)...we are all losers. While I identify with the spirit of the public option, I shudder at government administering health care. What's needed is a realistic look at the problems and non-conventional thinking about solutions.

There are plenty of examples of health care systems that work in this country. Kaiser Permanente is a prime example. Their premiums are cheap, their service is excellent, and out of pocket co-pays are minimal. Most importantly, Kaiser makes money, so it is a sustainable model.

Let's look at how they do things: first and foremost, Kaiser emphasizes preventive medicine...let's fix the problem before it becomes something major. I concur. But I think we can do better.

I've long thought that the role of the Federal government is as follows: each citizen of the United States gets born for free, buried for free, is provided free education and medical (including dental and vision)offerings (or can choose to go to private schools or use personal physicians and pay out of their pocket) and if they are willing to work 40 hours they can earn enough to rent lodging, have money for food, and be able to afford payments on a second hand car.
Anything elective (like private school, abortion, plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry) comes out of the citizen's pocket.

The key is to have rational limits on what is covered under this health plan. Here's what I propose: childbirth, annual physical checkups, flu shots, childhood vaccinations, emergencies (heart attack, broken leg, gunshot wound, etc) dental fillings and crowns are covered with a $50 co-pay. Plastic surgery, cosmetic dental work, abortion, liposuction, and other optional treatments are not covered but can be purchased for additional money.) Doctor visits for routine (non vital) ailments like colds, ingrown toenails, poison ivy would have a nominal doctor visit of around $50. Generic prescriptions are filled for cost plus $5. Brand name prescriptions are filled for cost plus $25.

Lab and testing costs need to be factored in. They need to be reduced to reasonable amounts because in this model, our tax dollars will be paying for these lab tests. There are certainly economies of scale that can be arranged to make this so.

The final key to this business model is the scale in which physicians get paid. Currently, the range in pricing for a doctors visit to doctors with private practices is very wide. Depending on the doctor, a visit can range from $50 to $350 for the same thing. To make the plan work, doctors would receive the $50 co-pay plus a reasonable fee for any additional medical treatment (surgery, etc.)

As much as Obama wants to use health care as a signature event in his administration, this bill is not acceptable.