Medical Malpractice

With a massive bill and record-breaking price tag, health care reform has become a hot topic that many are unsure of the impact it will make in their lives. From cancer exams and abortion coverage to higher taxes and the government insurance policy, the issue has always been a tough pill to swallow. With millions in need of either lower costs or getting insured in the first place, everyone agrees that something needs to be done.

The first piece of the legislation to get attention was the idea of creating a health insurance policy, operated by the government and offered at a cheaper price than those already available. The way it's supposed to work is by insuring those who don't have coverage will be able to have some of their expenses paid and the rest is from their pocket. In time, it should lower premiums on everyone's policies and other medical costs. One problem with this: if it fails to lower costs and the policies are still being offered, the government has the unfair advantage of providing service without needing to file for bankruptcy, if they run up a debt. Also, more people will have to switch to the government plan because they'll be unable to pay for their current coverage. This is what Canada has today, as well as many of the countries in Europe and elsewhere. One insurance company that covers everyone with tax-payer money.

Abortion has been another that gets under people's skin. Some want it, but many representatives don't support the idea because of their personal beliefs of those of their constituents. Taxes are being included on medical devices and equipment, which is a guarantee that hospitals will see a jump in cost. Anytime a tax is added onto something, it will raise the price of that item or service. There's also newly added guidelines that propose age limits on breast and cervical cancer. Many women have come out and opposed them because early diagnosis has proven to help fight the disease. Some parts are geared towards funding higher premiums for disaster victims and helping to teach more doctors and nurses. Some of it seems right, the rest seems a little odd after reading the 2,000 page bill.

The road to health care reform may take longer than even Pres. Obama wants it to, but we have to get it done for less. $1 Trillion is not needed to cover 50 million plus lower costs for those who are covered. Tax cuts (rich and poor), better oversight, and evening out the doctor-patient ratio should help get costs down and even improve the quality in the process. Malpractice reform must be in there as well. Without it, costs won't come down as much as they need to. There's a lot that's missing and a lot that be tossed out. Either way health care reform should be taken care of, once we get people working to buy insurance from anyone that's offering coverage whether it's Uncle Sam or a private company.