Quote:
Originally Posted by Rekna
Ok, now that we have discussed some of the problems what are the solutions? How can we increase coverage and lower costs of health care?
|
Tort reform:
1) Trial lawyers do not get a cent out of punitive damages. They are compensated a set rate for hours worked. Time records will be audited against their entire office to ensure they aren't double-dipping the rates.
2) The plantiff does not receive one cent of punitive damages. Punitive damages should go to a comparable charity. ie - McDonald's who paid $20M to Stella for the coffee burn should have paid the $20M to St. Judes Children's hospital burn unit.
3) If a plantiff brings suit and loses then the trial is reviewed by a legal panel of judges. If the suit is determined to be a "frivilous suit", the plantiff must pay the legal fees of the defendant. Obviously, this standard for "frivilous" needs to be vetted, but I think you understand the intent.
Graduated rates:
1) 70% of healthcare bills are related to heart disease, cancer, and obesity related issues. A vast majorities of these cases are preventable through the person just taking care of themselves. In short, if you are 200 lbs overweight, you are high risk and your rates should reflect that. The same as auto insurance - if you have 4 tickets, 2 at-fault accidents, and a DUI, you pay a lot for insurance. If you are a good driver, the rates are dirt cheap. Don't like your rate? Quit smoking and lose 200 lbs. If you are 22, in good shape, and a non-smoker: your rate should be about $30/mo.
2) Open the industry to allow the consumer to shop across the country. It's all electronic anyway. Who cares if my insurance company is in Montana, as long as it is the most competitive rate.
3) Take colds/flu out of health insurance. If the diagnosis is something like that - the customer pays for the entire visit. Auto insurance doesn't cover oil changes.
4) Build cold/flu centers in adjacent buildings in hospitals with reduced rates to keep these people out of the ER.
The tough pill to swallow:
Illegal aliens who show up in the healthcare system will be given care and then placed on a plane and placed in a tent jail to serve a 6-month sentence. After which, they will be deported. All illegal aliens who are caught anywhere are taken to the tent jail to serve their 6-month time. The risk of losing 6 months of income will serve as a deterent. I know this will offend many, but we are denying care to U.S. citizens so that we can give it to illegal aliens.