In order to improve health care quality and create better health care access (with inevitably a rising cost), our group aligns its belief with Obama’s: expand the existing employer and government-based insurance system via the expansion of Medicaid and SCHIP. In this way, more Americans would be subjected to insurance, imparticularily the uninsured and children. Obama’s plan would require that all employers either offer health benefits to their employees or contribute to the cost of a new public program while smaller employers or individuals with no job-based insurance could receive insurance with this new insurance plan. Furthermore, all children would be required by law to have health insurance. Not only does Obama want to expand access in this way, he also wants to require that hospitals and providers make costs and quality outcomes public. While the price of $1.17 trillion to create this plan may shock Americans, it stands alone when compared to McCain’s proposed plan of $2.05 trillion, according to one researcher. This amount may also seem a little more agreeable knowing the fact that this money will reduce the number of uninsured by over 34 million Americans not to mention the ways Obama wants to improve health care quality using it. Not only does Obama want to improve the prevention and care of chronic conditions, allow drug reimportation, and promote generic drugs, he also wants to push for Medicare to be allowed to negotiate with drug companies on prices. Obama’s plan clearly cuts out unnecessary costs and Americans will be getting the most bang for their buck. It is highly unlikely that any other plan could create this heightened amount of access and health care quality. The biggest concern are those uninsured and children which this plan addresses directly. Even though this will cause an increase in cost, any plan that allows for this much coverage will see inflation. While some may believe that spending this kind of money during a recession is incompetent and careless, it is important to remember that the health of individuals is always of the most importance. Without healthy individuals, we won’t be able to lift the United States. Furthermore, this plan calls for a lesser amount of money than that of Senator John McCain. It is a very thought out plan that could benefit all Americans into creating the United States a healthier nation.
Arnst, Cathy. "Health-Care Reform: McCain vs. Obama." Business Week. 13 Oct. 2008. 14 Mar. 2009
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What about the people that are just beyond the requirements for Medicaid eligibility? How will this reform help them?
ReplyDeleteI think promoting generic brands of prescriptions is huge for cutting out costs. Just this weekend I had to get a new prescription and was asked if I wanted the generic brand. My theory is that if the generic is the same as the brand name, just posed in a more boring looking bottle, why not save a few dollars and choose that option? I think this will be a good thing for our system.
ReplyDeleteI think requiring that hospitals and providers make costs and quality outcomes public would be a good idea. This way we get to see what things are being spent the most on. These figures may also influence where people choose to go to receive their healthcare (if they get to choose) which will lead to increased competition between healthcare facilities to see who can provide the best quality care for the lowest cost.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like common sense that we need to cut back on unnecessary costs, and have Americans to get the most of what their money should be worth. Isn't that what we are trying to get at? More access for all Americans at lower costs (making the most of everyones money)
ReplyDeleteI like that Obama's plan cuts out unnecessary costs. From the beginning, Obama has a big problem to get passed... its not going to be easy and any little bit counts. I think this proposal makes allows a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the aim to begin first with the uninsured and children is crucial. These two populations should be the number one priority when it comes to our health care system. Two, I believe that creating a universal plan like this is crucial. In this way, everyone has an opportunity for healthcare; thus, improving access. I especially agree with the fact that employers need to offer benefits OR contribute to this plan. It makes me sick hearing about how CEO's are making six digit figures while their employers cannot even afford minor surgeries because of the companies lack of health care coverage. It's about time we start making this country's citizens responsible.
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