The Beginning of the End?

Is the health care delivery system as we know it about to end?

The answer is, it depends.

One of the more fiercely debated issues is health care. Of course the economy came roaring to the front in the last days of the election, but is a change coming in health care as well?

The Galen Institute has done a good job of providing a snapshot of opinions on both sides of the issue.

Paul Krugman observes:

"Legislation could be drafted within weeks, though this would not come into force until 2010 or 2011. There are four pieces to this plan: a community rating, to prevent ‘cherry-picking’ by private insurers; subsidies to help lower-income people afford insurance; a form of mandatory insurance for children; and government-run plans so people can opt out of private insurance.

Community rating does not prevent "cherry picking". Rather, it requires carriers to charge the same rate for males & females, old and young. So a 60 year old pays the same rate as a 20 year old.

Subsidies are code words for support via increased tax rates.

As the Galen Institute has explained, these policies have a track record of driving up health care costs for consumers and taxpayers. The recent example of Hawaii's program for children's insurance is a stark message to those who would mandate insurance for children and provide a "free" government option. When everyone starts signing up for the "free" care -- not the intention of the program -- the government can't sustain it.

Apparently Mr. Krugman is not interested in facts unless they agree with his viewpoint.

As an aside, the above article allows comments to be posted. The first and only comment at this time is from someone who observes the following.

"Health is wealth! That’s why having a healthy body is important than having a healthy pocket . . . If you are unable to cover those unexpected doctor bills, payday installment loans can get you the immediate cash you need to accommodate you on your journey to recovery.

Post Courtesy of Personal Money Store"

And folks think WE have an agenda . . .