A personal perspective on Health Care Reform

By Harry Hall

We have been asked to write an article on Health Care Reform from the Republican perspective. This is written as individuals and does not represent the Republican Party, although we are proud to be Republicans, locally and elsewhere.

We have watched television, listened to the radio and read national news in the nation’s major newspapers regarding what has been termed Obamacare. We have consulted with practicing Physicians who have a personal and Health Care interest. We see the recent House passed Bill as a takeover by the Federal Government of 20 % of the economy of United States. It is an unprecedented legislative move that passed a health care reform bill that is in opposition to the majority opinion of the American people. It is the Congressional Democrat’s Bill and they have complete ownership, lock, stock and barrel.

Knowledgeable sources say that there will be extremely negative effects on hospitals and physicians. It is understood that certain hospitals will suffer a 0.5% decrease in Medicare reimbursements per year, with no expiration date. Physicians are threatened by the legislation with 20 to 23% cuts in Medicare payments. There is no legislated relief in terms of tort reform which drives up office expenses for Physicians and Hospitals. We are of the opinion that the time will soon come when physicians may not be able to afford to make an appointment with Medicare patients, nor hospitals take them. It is because of the lack of reimbursement which you yourself cannot supplement by personal payments, even if you have the funds.

The Attorney Generals of 33 states are reported to be filing lawsuits in behalf of their states and the mandate of required services. Is it Constitutional to mandate that YOU, as an individual, be required to purchase health care insurance or be fined? The proponents of Obamacare say that 32 million will be brought into the health care system. Reportedly 16 million will be added to Medicaid, a welfare program that already rations health care. Governor Blunt relieved Missouri’s rolls of free-loaders who were not eligible and had learned the ropes to access a poorly regulated medical welfare program. Some even crossed over from neighboring states.

Our medical coverage is the Medicare program. Personally we have been satisfied with our medical care physician and hospital. We did not like giving up our prior coverage, or being unable to pay our physician for personal services. Although we have not been affected, it is our understanding that Medicare, along with Medicaid is going broke and cannot sustain the aging population.

The Republicans, and their loyal opposition, the Democrats, speak of reform of the Health Care system and both point to 1) the ability to carry ones health insurance to another job or state, 2) insurance coverage cannot be ceased or denied because of pre-existing conditions, 3) the elimination of fraud within the Medicate and Medicaid systems. 4) And coverage of health concerns of developmental disabilities in children who may otherwise be exempted from coverage. 5) And any other exemptions that might be imposed for those willing to pay a fair premium.

The opinion is being expressed that nationalizing the American health care system is an attempt to bring us into a European-style social welfare state. This is absolutely contrary to our national character and we do not believe it will be tolerated by the American people. A greater number of the world’s population wants to come to America, than want to go to Europe.

Details of the Democrats Healthcare bill are almost too extensive to enumerate fully, but must be of concern. We will annotate those concerns and they can be researched on the internet.

1). Creates special deals for union members. [Union member are treated differently than non-union members.], 2) Increases taxes on real estate investment. [A 3.8% surtax on real estate sale gain would apply.], 3) vastly expands IRS powers. [Employ an estimated 16,400 new IRS agents to conduct audits and investigations. Agents will determine if YOU have adequate health care coverage and fine you if you don't. 4) Imposes new marriage penalties. [Married couples will not receive health care subsidies that single people of the same income receive.], 5) Breaks the Presidents pledge on not taxing the middle class. [Taxes on income, taxes on medical devices, taxes on high cost medical plans, taxes on health care premiums, taxes on tanning services, taxes on employers not meeting mandated standards, taxes on prescription drugs, and taxes on insured and self-insured health plans.

Although we believe the prior Republican administration and Congress forgot their basic tenets, they must return to the principles of individual freedom, a smaller government, lower taxes, and reduce fraud and waste in all branches.