Reforming health care now goes to the Senate. More than
likely the Senate will make major revisions to the House plan, or may even come
up with a totally different plan.
My advise to the Senate: Focus on the Patients, since every family will be affected. The best care for costs will be the second
goal. The US does spend more than other countries and get less care.
Issues:
1) The Affordable Care Act is going Bankrupt. State health care co-ops are failing. Only 7 of 23 co-ops
remain and they are losing money. $1.7 Billion in federal loans that will not
be paid as of 2016
2) Coverage costs are rising
quickly and insurance companies are dropping out. Heard of someone making
~$24,000 per year, their coverage would cost ~$7,000 per year. Who can afford
that much?
3) Lack of Cost
Controls. Especially prescription medicines.
4) Legal costs.
Malpractice insurance for doctors and hospitals range from 15% to 25% of health
care expenses. Jury awards are out of control.
5) End of Life Care.
Almost everyone will be bedridden needing assistance or a nursing home for the
last months or years. What about dementia care?
6) Coverage Limits
will Fail. Some patients live longer than their coverage. Taxpayers will
wind up covering that.
7) Consumer driven health care is a good theory. Whole Foods
has had success with it. However some patients will need more than they saved in some severe cases. Who will pick
up the tab?
8) Patients with severe issues or dementia will not be able
to make their own choices. Who will
advocate for them?
Health care is a complex problem, which can only be managed. It is too complicated
to have a simple solution. The best ideas need to focus on patients and getting
the best care for the cost.
