I'm kinda torn on the whole health care reform issue. On one hand, yea, it would be great if health care was made more available to people. On the other, I don't really like any of the options. And for the record, though I have ideas on the topic, everything I say kinda mitigated by the fact that I'm already on government health care (military tricare)
First off, the government health insurance plan. I don't like it. The fact is, we're a capitalist society, and I like it that way. Sure, I understand that private health coverage can be expensive, but as pointed out above, that's not all the insurance companies fault. They have to make a profit just like anyone else. Now, if you introduce a government health insurance, despite assurances that say private healthcare will still be available, it's going to turn into a monopoly. The fact is, that government subsidized insurance companies can and , in my opinion, will operate at a loss. This will not only make it difficult for private insurance companies to compete, but it will pass that loss back to the taxpayer.
On the other hand, I recognize the need to provide for those who can't afford health insurance. I wouldn't be opposed to a low-income health care system, which I believe some areas already have. If you fall under a certain income bracket, you can opt into the 'public option', which would charge based on income.
Overall, I guess I can see that healthcare needs refore, but I don't think we're going to do it in a productive way anytime soon. And to be honest, I don't know what that productive way is.
Oh, and yes, fining you for not being able to afford something is retarded.
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