Health Care versus Health Insurance

OK, so this debate has been going on now for over a year, and apparently we are no closer to being done with it than we were a year ago. The "Health Care Summit" provided an interesting opportunity for the different sides in the game to give their opinions and ideas, and gave the President the opportunity to look like a consensus builder.

From what I can tell, it comes down to this: The Democrats want a plan by which virtually every person in this country will be required/able to purchase some sort of health insurance. This insurance will have federally mandated minimums and no one may be refused despite any preexisting conditions. In order to pay for those people, the risk pool must be increased to include younger people with fewer health issues. The only way to get them in the pools is to force them into it.

The Democrat bill is predicated on the belief that everyone has a right to health care and that the only way to guarantee this right is to mandate insurance coverage for all. Government must intervene to make a level playing field for all.

The Republicans argue that access to health care is not the issue. In 1987 Congress passed a law that required hospitals to provide health care to anyone who presents themselves with a medical complaint. They contend that if you wish to reform health insurance, they are fine with that, so long as it is done by creating incentives for companies to provide better access to policies. They discuss issues like purchasing insurance across state lines and doing something about tort reform that would reduce the necessity of "defensive" medicine.

To boil it down, Republicans believe that health insurances and health care are two different things. While basic health care may be a right, health insurance is a product that is purchased. While the government may take steps to make it easier for citizens to purchase insurance, and ensure that citizens receive fair treatment in disputes with the insurer, it has no right or authority to mandate that individuals must purchase this service.

Here's my take:

1. Hospitals should create "medicaid" clinics where those without health insurance can go to receive basic care without clogging the emergency rooms.

2. Insurance companies should be forced to compete nationwide, rates should be based on national risk pools and they should provide the opportunity for everyone to purchase insurance, regardless of their current infirmity or preexisting condition.

3. Kill all the lawyers. Props to Shakespeare. Actually do what Texas and other states have done by limiting awards to plaintiffs. Unfortunately, this must be done state to state.

4. Get the Federal Government out of the business of me choosing my health care provider, level of coverage, etc. Mr. President, that's MY BUSINESS not yours.

As Thomas Paine said, "That government is best that governs least"!