Anvil Graphics Blog

The wealthiest industrial country in the world can not provide health care for 45 to 50 million Americans, and the number is growing as job losses mount. When the Clinton administration took the issue on 16 years ago the number uninsured was around 40 million. Clearly the time has come to address this issue. Several states have made attempts to fill the gap and cover their uninsured / under-insured population, but much more can be done. First off, let me say that I believe people should PAY for insurance, and the payment would be based on income reported to the IRS (which includes immigrants- legal or not). Many immigrant and low income people are showing up in hospital emergency rooms for the most expensive treatment possible, so we might as well make sure they are paying like everyone else. Everyone should be required to participate in some plan, whether public or private. My automotive or home insurance is not tied to my job, so why should health care be tied to employment? For me, the self-employed, there is not much to choose from which is affordable, that needs to change. Many entrepreneurs and inventive people would pursue their own dreams if they did not need their current job for the health coverage. The public / private partnership needs to cover ALL people, including preexisting conditions. There needs to be a completely new emphasize on preventative care, with a focus on expectant moms and their young children. Children who are healthy with good health habits by age 5 are much more likely to remain healthy into adulthood. There is a lot of paid advertisement starting now in opposition to health care reform, but the truth is many doctors and hospitals are in support of a better system. The opposition says things like “health care will be rationed” or “administrators will make your health care decisions” – but the truth is insurance companies already act in this way, effectively limiting choices and treatments. Care providers need to be rewarded for providing excellent service, not just for procedures. There needs to be a central clearing house of patient information which patients can “opt-in” to. Medical records could be digitized and kept there, and doctors, clinics and hospitals would be given incentives for participating (to them this system is an expense). Providing good health care up front is less expensive then fixing major problems later. I am not a socialist, we need a uniquely American solution which recognizes the free enterprise system in health care. The federal government does a great job providing affordable health care to the armed forces, federal employees and members of Congress – which represents are significant percentage of the U.S. population. We are part of that system through Tri-care. Our monthly premium is affordable and we can select our doctor and get regular care. Why can’t other people have access to purchase health care through a similar public / private plan? I am sick and tired of going into a convenience store and seeing a collection container on the counter because some little kid needs kidney surgery and the family can not afford it. America can do better, and will.