For those of you that are captivated by the eloquent speeches out of Washington telling us the primary reason for healthcare reform is to cover the millions of uninsured in America, listen up! …
Washington is treating healthcare as if it’s a right. Just when did the historical revisionists rewrite the Declaration of Independence to say, “The Right to Life, Liberty, and Health Insurance”?
I agree we have a problem with our healthcare system in America. It is WAY too expensive. I have said many times I am an insurance agent that doesn’t like insurance.
Co-pay based healthcare plans are doomed to failure by design. When you incentivize people to spend money, don’t act so surprised when they overspend! The way to change utilization is to give every American a vested interest in NOT spending their healthcare dollars. Every time I pull out my Health Savings Account debit card, I’m spending MY MONEY!
Where is personal responsibility in this conversation? How many uninsured people are actually spending more money on cell phones, cable tv, alcohol, tobacco, eating out, movies, and other entertainment than what an HSA qualified health insurance plan would cost? You might be surprised at how affordable these plans can be. Go to www.myHSAguy.com and see for yourself. You do need to be healthy enough to qualify, but most states have guaranteed issue plans available that will cover any health condition. So why doesn’t Washington put a few more dollars into these state plans and make them more affordable?
Now THAT’S a healthcare reform plan I would support!
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The truth comes out.
Now that our former governor is now in Washington, I believe you’ll find her spearheading a Kansas-esque public healthcare program similar to the state taxpayer subsidized plan utilized by state and county employees.
The problem this plan has, much like any PEO, is that it brings in unhealthy people in large numbers who are looking for lower rates. At some point in this process, there are not enough healthy people to spread the risk. Then either rates go up, or groups with serious health issues are dropped, which puts the group in a more serious situation as now no carrier will underwrite them.
America is headed to a two tier system, much like Britain. Those with the intelligence and ability to keep their own coverage will pay twice. Once for with premium and once with taxes.
Welcome to the United Sates of American Socialists
Part of the solution needs to be emphasis on the “Health” side of Health Care. Especially for those individuals who are getting it for “free.” While it may be difficult for those individuals to pay thier fair share (like the government cares about that) in terms of dollars, they could relieve pressure on the system through a systematic approach to their health and general well being. We need to re focus on need based consumption rather than all-you-can eat buffet driven consumption.
I agree – don’t force people to spend – force them to save for health care related expenses. That is exactly what HSA plans are designed to do. And the are very affordable!