The ACA and its best attributes: First off, I am not a fan of all aspects of the law but it seems to have been the only avenue through the politics. I would have much preferred a single payer approach as there are several certified studies by respected organizatons (Kaiser, Rand, WHO) on the nations that have implemented that system showing it to be cheaper, easier to implement, more efficient, and covers everyone (regardless of false GOP claims to the contrary). That being said, the ACA is a far cry better than the system it replaced. Here are its most important improvements: 1.) Cheaper in the long run. The ACA pays for and stresses preventative care. Studies have shown this to be the number one factor in decreasing costs. Catching ailments early can lessen the cost of treatment drastically. It also lessens the number of people who use emergancy rooms for their primary care which can more than triple the cost of treatment. That additional cost isnt free. The cost results in higher premiums and taxes. This is an aspect of free market health that has been a major failure. We pay double per year for our care than any other nation without improved results. As a matter of fact, we dont rank higher than 17 on any study by the major analysts in the industry on almost all metrics except research. The percentage of our GDP taken up by health costs was growing so acute that economists were targeting it as the major threat to our future economic health. 2. It is more fair. Gone are the days where the insurance industry can refuse coverage for those with preexisting conditions, take away coverage when you get sick, cap your lifetime coverage, raise premium rates on a whim. Pure free market health has been an abject failure in this regard too. I have listened to the GOP whine incessantly about the ACA while providing no data to support their claims. A recent foray into the debate was to claim that we wouldnt reach the goals for participation. We have according to several sources. Still, the GOP just comes back now and claims the books are being coked (not according to the data), The sad thing is that the major complaint, the mandate, was their idea (Heritage Foundation) and successfully implemented by a Republican in MA. Only when Obama chose to implement it did it become a problem for them. Their motives have become clear...pure politics. There is an experiment going on in Vermont. They are implementing a single payer system. It will be interesting to watch. If it is succesful, and I believe it will be from an economic and health care perspective as shown in studies, California will probaably try it next. What will the GOP do then with proof it can work in the US? Will they admit they were wrong? Time will tell.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:18:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015