By Steve Schulte of
Health Advocate Solutions
The day after Brown was elected in MA and a furious debate rages----cum mea culpas and finger-pointing.
What happened? Why did it happen? Was this a rejection of healthcare reform?
It's probably too soon to sort out some of this, but a couple of things should be clear: voters are angry about the Washington "game as usual" (yes, Democrats, too) and the healthcare bill in its current form has lost extensive popular support.
For the record, I would give Pelosi and Reid credit for getting the bills through their respective chambers as the President requested. But, now that this has been done, it't time to get focused and tough and vote out a bill that really reforms.
Having said that, the bills in front of us are too compromised, too skewed with pork, too soft on insurers and do not cover enough people fast enough. It hurts to write this since I know we desperately need big reforms in healthcare. I still believe that most thinking and working Americans agree.
So, now what?
It helps that President Obama, Senators Reid (NV) and Wyden (OR), Representatives Frank (MA) and Weiner (NY) all have called for a slowed process, no "jamming" a bill through and waiting till Brown is seated for MA.
Next, it's time to put all the interest groups who have muddied and harmed the process so far on notice: the people want reform. Make it real, strong, transparent and relatively simple.
To unions: yes, taxing hugely expensive plans is a good way to control costs. Stop looking for favoritism from Democrats. Pitch in here.
To liberals: move to portability for those who are insured. It's a nice, although quaint, idea that insurance should be the responsibility of employers. Businesses can help pay for care, but why should they choose which plans their workers get---and why should they own them and get all the tax advantages.
To insurers: yes, to a national insurance exchange. Better lowering the age for Medicare eligibility to 55. A robust public option would be terrific. Granted you don't like ANY of these ideas. Too, bad. We need expansion of coverage, competition, reform. Oh, and yes, there should be an end to the insurance company exemption on federal trade sanctions.
To Americans: real healthcare reform----no barriers to coverage, basic plans, everyone IN, cost controls, emphasis on quality and "best practices"---will cost more money than the country spends on healthcare now. But, everyone will be covered and longterm costs will go down.
You WON'T get everything you might think you need. I won't either. You will be asked to share the costs. Insurers, hospitals, medical device manufacturers, employers, pharmaceutical companies--and yes, you, will help pay for reform.
But real reform is what we asked for. It is badly needed.
And, finally, after the MA election it is still possible and necessary. Let's pull together and get it done. Soon.
To respond to this blog, email steve6schul@yahoo.com
