Their Plan for Healthcare

If you would like to read the Democrats Plan for "Healthcare Reform" the full text of H.R. 3590 and the Reconciliation Act is available here: Thomas.loc.gov

For a more digestible version please continue: 

The situation with Health Care in the United States is not a crisis in quality; it is a crisis of cost. The Democrats' solution to this crisis, while having a few praise-worthy aspects, is ultimately flawed. Prohibiting insurance companies from denying customers due to pre-existing conditions, and the elimination of payout caps are certainly part of the solution to the problem. However, I find that too much of the bill as signed by President Obama is in the wrong direction, and must therefore oppose it for several reasons.

More Government Control = Less Individual Control

The Democrats plan for a government run option will only stifle competition and leave the private sector in the dust, no matter what they may say otherwise. The idea of creating a government option is nothing more than an attempt for the federal government to gain control over 1/6 of our economy. Democrats claim that their solution will not cost anything, but how is that possible?

Paying for the Experiment

They propose funding this bill by cutting funding on popular Medicare Advantage Plans and taxing healthcare plans which offer "Cadillac Benefits". They are also going to increase the scope of Medicaid which will increase the financial burden this program already places on fiscally strapped states like Ohio. Finally they will place fines on businesses which do not already provide their employees health insurance, a la play or pay.

Mandating Insurance

Attaching a mandate on all American citizens from birth to carry health insurance makes very little sense to the average person. Unlike automobile insurance, which you are forced to buy, you are not forced to own a car. But by nature, we all posses a body and cannot opt out of participating in healthcare. The government will be forcing you to buy a product/service, no matter what you say. The government will provide minor subsidies, but the bottom line is everyone will pay something for health insurance.

Time For Common Sense Healthcare Reform

The Democrats' plan does not address three key issues that I believe would help us to restructure our Health Care system for the better. These ideas are TORT reform, loser pays on medical disputes, and Interstate trade in regards to insurance companies. More about these ideas are located in the "My plan" section.

Yes, there are problems in our current Health Care system. However, unlike the Democrats, I do not believe we should scrap it and start from square one. Reforms and changes to our current system, so that Health Care is more readily available and less likely to bankrupt our citizens is the answer to the problem that I believe is most beneficial and most Americans would agree with.