Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

joshbaumgartner · 01-02-2008, 02:20 PM

1) Is there a problem, and if yes what is the problem?

A: Yes, a grave and growing problem. We are spending upwards of $6,700 per person for a system that doesn't provide for tens of millions of Americans. Health insurance premiums are rising at 7-8% annually (faster than salaries). Average premium for a family of four was about $11,500 in 2006.

2) Is it likely to work itself out?

A: Not likely, at least not in a way positive to the nation's health and economy. The trends indicate the situation will continue to spiral more rapidly out of control and the idea that it will self-regulate at some point is rapidly becoming a vanishing possibility.

3) What is the best way to fix it?

A: Single-payer universal comprehensive medical service. People can choose their doctors. Excellent hospitals, doctors, medical technology and pharmaceutical companies, all will be able to reap profits for their contributions. Eliminating the yoke of for profit insurance from the equation is the key to cost control.

4) Why (explain your answer)?

A: For all of its challenges, government oversight offers the only way to ensure that the people can continue to exercise power over the system that serves them. A single-payer system will allow for maximum bargaining power on behalf of the American people. Making it universal is the only way to make it fair (I don't mind millionaires taking advantage of the freely provided care, after all, they are as entitled as anyone else in the country to be served by the government.) Comprehensive care is a key to controlling costs and bettering health as a whole. A healthier populace is less expensive to care for.

5) Who is in a position to enact this change?

A: The people, the Congress, and the President, in that order. The people must make clear their desire for a solution, send representatives to Congress with a mandate to enact that solution, and elect a President that will execute that solution effectively and enthusiastically.

6) What can I do to make this change?

Good old political activism. Vote. Challenge candidates to address the issue. Engage in the media to highlight the solution. Share information and the solution with others. Exercise your 1st Amendment rights. Nothing fancy, just good old positive activism. Do it at every level. Local and State politics are a good way to push the Feds if they are slow to act.

01-02-2008, 02:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
joshbaumgartner Insane	1) Is there a problem, and if yes what is the problem? A: Yes, a grave and growing problem. We are spending upwards of $6,700 per person for a system that doesn't provide for tens of millions of Americans. Health insurance premiums are rising at 7-8% annually (faster than salaries). Average premium for a family of four was about $11,500 in 2006. 2) Is it likely to work itself out? A: Not likely, at least not in a way positive to the nation's health and economy. The trends indicate the situation will continue to spiral more rapidly out of control and the idea that it will self-regulate at some point is rapidly becoming a vanishing possibility. 3) What is the best way to fix it? A: Single-payer universal comprehensive medical service. People can choose their doctors. Excellent hospitals, doctors, medical technology and pharmaceutical companies, all will be able to reap profits for their contributions. Eliminating the yoke of for profit insurance from the equation is the key to cost control. 4) Why (explain your answer)? A: For all of its challenges, government oversight offers the only way to ensure that the people can continue to exercise power over the system that serves them. A single-payer system will allow for maximum bargaining power on behalf of the American people. Making it universal is the only way to make it fair (I don't mind millionaires taking advantage of the freely provided care, after all, they are as entitled as anyone else in the country to be served by the government.) Comprehensive care is a key to controlling costs and bettering health as a whole. A healthier populace is less expensive to care for. 5) Who is in a position to enact this change? A: The people, the Congress, and the President, in that order. The people must make clear their desire for a solution, send representatives to Congress with a mandate to enact that solution, and elect a President that will execute that solution effectively and enthusiastically. 6) What can I do to make this change? Good old political activism. Vote. Challenge candidates to address the issue. Engage in the media to highlight the solution. Share information and the solution with others. Exercise your 1st Amendment rights. Nothing fancy, just good old positive activism. Do it at every level. Local and State politics are a good way to push the Feds if they are slow to act.