Health Care--Redux

The conservative pundits, George Will in the lead, are savaging Obama's proposal
for a gov't run alternative to private, for profit insurance plans that presently
cover an estimated 250 million persons. Their mantra is that such a plan, because it
would use the enormous bargaining power of the government, would price the private plans out of the market, limiting choice and diminishing the benefits of "healthy"
competition. If the private plans are so healthy, and competitive, why are we in a health care crisis?
The private health insurance industry consumes hundreds of billions of dollars annually, in which about 33% goes to overhead, profits and dividends. That 33% grows annually by inflation while producing no benefits to patients. In addition, because the insurers must control costs to assure profits, they impose costly and onerous
burdens on providers by pre-treatment approvals, limits on permitted procedures, and claims filing and paperwork. The practice of medicine has become an assembly line business with office managers, computer techs and automated claims and billing.
Medical care is NOT a commodity. Seeking it is not like purchasing an auto, or a Dunkin Donut. Illness and accidents are not optional, and treatment must be sought
without regard for ability to pay. Therefor society must provide it, but in the most efficient manner, recognizing that public resources come from the public.
If a single payor non profit plan were established, the premium dollars allready being payed, plus the savings of 33%, and cost reductions to providers, could easily cover the cost of insuring the 45-50 million currently uninsureds.
There would be some painful readjustments for the for-profit insurers, but we cannot
maintain a failed system just to avoid those.
It will take political courage by the President and Congress to effect such a change.
It is easier to accomplish now, when public pain is fresh, the failures of the status quo are so evident, and the private sector has no solutions to offer. Go for it Mr. President!