A healthcare plan is going to be passed. Obama’s future depends on it. It will be the end of his second term before knowing if it works or not. The promise of insurance to the 31 million people currently uninsured, will not be fulfilled for years. What if the plan does not work?
I have observed over the years that once a government program has begun it can never be reduced or eliminated. Once people have been hired to manage government deals, they will never be fired. Big buildings will be constructed to house thousands of bureaucrats who will have better pay and benefits than their counterparts in the private sector. Healthcare represents 1/6th of our economy and it is about to be moved into the hands of government. What if it ends up being a bad idea? One thing is for sure, there will be no turning back.
The healthcare plan promises insurance for all, lower medical costs, deficit reduction, jobs, and a stronger economy. If this happens, then additional taxes and fees to pay for the plan will be well worth it. If it doesn’t happen, we will be like the guy falling off the cliff who said about half way down, “it’s okay so far”.
I tune in to progressive talk radio and television. Most of these people are smart and have a huge commitment to the disadvantaged. They want healthcare passed at all costs. They will not consider, however, the possibility that a government program could fail. That it could be a bad idea. That it will make a situation worse. That is, unless it’s a conservative president that is taking us into a war. Only then will an exit strategy be demanded.
If the progressive numbers are correct, there are many more casualties due to Americans inability to get healthcare than the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan combined. What if the healthcare plan costs more lives than it does now? A bill being passed in congress may constitute a miracle these days, but it can’t guarantee a better path to healing for the sick.
I would feel better if Obama would include an exit strategy. Why can’t he propose an honest review in 2020. Ask how many people are still uninsured. What medical services are being denied certain groups (elderly)? Has there been a rationing of services? Are there longer waits to getting urgent care? What is the condition of end of life programs for the terminally ill? How many people are dying because they can’t get adequate care when they need it? You get the idea.
I am burdened for the people who do not have access to quality healthcare. But I am scared to death about the government taking it over. I still believe the free market would provide better healthcare faster, and lower costs if given the chance. State insurance boards should be eliminated and the insurance industry opened up to competition, for starters. Oops, I forgot, you can’t eliminate government agencies.
Tags: healthcare plan, insurance, uninsured