Instead of Obamacare we need health care reforms that make economic sense. When health care is free (i.e. single payer systems) or is hidden (current system) the demand creates shortages that cause rationing decided by the payer (government or insurance company). Reforms that encourage greater competition, personal accountability and choice, preventive maintenance, greater transparency of costs, tort reform, and tax fairness would greatly improve the best and most innovative health care system in the world. Here are three reforms that would go a long way in improving our health care system.
Tort Reform would make changes in the way claims are filed against health care providers. Frivolous lawsuits and high damage awards relative to actual damages are driving health care costs up directly and indirectly. The direct costs of high insurance premiums are driving up the costs of care, and driving health care providers out of business; particularly reducing the number of doctors. The indirect costs of unneeded tests and procedures in order to avoid potential litigation carry costs many times the direct costs.
Intra- State Competition among the insurance companies would provide much greater choice and lower costs. Congress restricts purchase of insurance policies to individual states; creating near monopolies for some insurance companies. This is especially true in the less populous states. If insurance companies competed across the entire nation consumers would have dozens or even hundreds of choices and competition would help drive down costs and expand choices.
Equitable Tax Policies for individuals purchasing health insurance would even the playing field. Businesses that provide health care get a tax deduction for the expense. Giving individuals the same benefit would further promote accessibility and fairness, as well as boost portability. Tax fairness will lower cost and eliminate the lack of fairness that creates uncertainty in the current market. Individual and Corporate plans would be treated equal and make health care insurance more affordable and fair for individuals and small businesses.
| AAAMP Blog by Ken Faulkenberry | |
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Ken Faulkenberry earned an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business with an emphasis in investments. Ken has 25 years of investment experience and is dedicated to helping people with self-directed investment management through the Arbor Investment Planner. His asset allocation strategies have an outstanding performance record. |
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