America's Accountability for Healthcare
Posted: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
by Kim Bryant
Black Oak Farm
This week a new universal healthcare plan is being unveiled. This plan would require all Americans to purchase healthcare, similar to the car owner requirement to have auto insurance. Unfortunately, I think that again policy is facing in the wrong direction and this personal requirement for American citizens is an infringement on our freedom of choice.
Healthcare in this country is provided for health issues that can be prevented and those that cannot be prevented or predicted. So what can we do about prevention? Many health problems in this country are caused by the personal choices of the individual. Isnt that why we value America, freedom of choice? And it should stay that way. However, I dont believe that everyone should have to pay for the bad behavior of others.
Lets consider the following:(see www.WebMd.com for more information)
-smoking leads to lung disease, heart disease and osteoporosis
-alcohol abuse leads to liver disease, high blood pressure
-obesity leads to high blood pressure, diabetes, plus more
-sun tanning leads to skin cancers
The problem with choice is that we mere mortals do not always make the right choices, especially when it comes to our health. We overeat, drink to excess, stay out in the sun, smoke cigarettes and cigars, etc., etc., etc., all to the detriment of our health. There is information in newspapers, magazines, on-line, on TV that tell us about our risky behavior, and still we do what we want. So what is the solution to better healthcare? Tying our healthcare directly to accountability for our behavior.
Im addicted to red meat. I could eat hamburgers every day and do most times when I have the chance. Knowing that it is not good for me still does not deter me from doing it. Why? Because there is no accountability, no immediate consequence for my bad eating habits.
This is my proposal. First, do not change the health insurance situation for those currently insured. It is a system that while not perfect, works.
Second, if there is going to be a requirement for everyone in America, then let it be a well-patient checkup every year. This is would be a great way for doctors to keep a record of weight, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. for each citizen. Lets face it, most adults do not go to the doctor unless there is a problem. Wouldnt a better solution be prevention for those things that we can work on?
Based on annual check-up information, doctors would make recommendations to their patients, individualized plans for everyone to take better care of their bodies. The following year patients would return for their annual check-up and review. Again everyone has choices. Those patients that return for their check-up and show any sign of improving their healthcare, better blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, better weight management would be rewarded with lower premiums from their health insurance companies. Those who choose not to visit their doctor or do visit, but their health has not improved, for no other reason than the individual has chosen not to take the doctors advice, would have to prepare for an increase in insurance premiums. After a period of time, if individuals continue to choose not to take care of themselves, the insurance companies would have the freedom to drop the insured.
Because we live in a capitalist society, we can allow market conditions to change some policy and behavior. No one loses their freedom of choice, but they would be accountable for the decisions they make. Good behavior, low healthcare costs. Bad behavior, high-risk health insurance or none at all.
I have to believe that linking accountability to prevention would be a huge cost savings for the insurance companies, not universally overhauling the system. With the surplus funds, could insurance companies then provide free insurance for some individuals? They could begin to participate in community building and not just wealth building. And ultimately, could we live a longer, higher quality of life?
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Yes, everything you say is fine for those who can afford. For those who have no means it is the bill collector or worse. Even when finacilly broke they do not let you run from your heathcare bills. My father in law who was on his death bed got a call from a bill collector the morning he died. He had been paying $5.00 a month, all he had because he was an honerable man and felt he did not want to be a "lowlife" as the collector used to say to him. Heathcare took everything from him and his loved ones. They left them with nothing even when they new his situation. Yes, and they got the tax writeoff! There is only one thing left for Americans. I am not advocating it I'm just stating the options and fact, own nothing and let the state pay, or die. Simple and pure. Healthcare in many cases is all about money, not health. Health in my opinion is for those who can pay. I apologize if I sound sarcastic it was not directed at you. I have lived "healthcare" up to my neck!
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