The Answer to our Medical woes?June, 2007
At the
Midland Daily News, managing editor Ralph Wirtz asks whether universal health insurance coverage is a possible ticket to the White House. "Already in this campaign, three Democratic candidates have talked about universal health insurance." Could such a shift in our
medical health insurance be on the way? And, do we really want it?
According to the article, of the plans that have been put forth by Democratic hopefuls, "all would provide almost 100% coverage across the United States. All would subsidize those with low incomes. All would target drug producers, insurers and businesses that don't currently provide health insurance for employees."
But without raising taxes, could we afford to provide all Americans with medical health insurance? And, what kind of healthcare would we receive in exchange?
Health insurance coverage premiums are up everywhere; nationally, 54% of small companies had health insurance premiums increase between 11 and 15%. And 47% of midsize companies had increases in the same range. Around 36% of midsize companies saw premiums rise between 6 and 10%. As a result, there are around 47 million uninsured Americans right now, and finding some type of medical coverage is certainly on their mind.
But many fear that universal health insurance coverage would cost too much, and would lower the standard of care. Providing a plan that doesn't raise taxes and doesn't burden employers or consumers with outrageous costs could be tricky business, and what about special, and very expensive, treatments and medications? Will revolutionary and life-saving drugs fail to find their way to the market under universal plans?
Facts on:
Universal Health Insurance Coverage
Did you know...
Health insurance coverage premiums are up 54% nationally?
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Those who are suggesting a mandate for medical health insurance say no, and perhaps they can create a plan that balances the best of both worlds, affordability with effective healthcare. And with big corporations climbing aboard like Pepsico, Safeway, and Wal-Mart, there is more and more pressure on the government to think of something, and to think of it fast.
Perhaps universal health insurance coverage will be the ticket to the White House, perhaps not. But it's clear that whoever takes up residence in the Oval Office come 2009 will need to find a solution to our fast growing medical health insurance problems.
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