Confidence In Our Goverment To Manage Health Care?

I listened very intently as the President made his passionate plea for Congress to act on and pass the current health care legislation.  He spoke of the plight of millions of people who are currently without health insurance.  He also spoke about those that have serious medical conditions that either prohibit them from getting coverage or are in jeopardy of loosing coverage.  There's no doubt that these stories tug at the heartstrings of every American.  The President also made a statement that really hit me in a very profound way.  He said that the American people are waiting for them [the federal government] to act.  Moreover, that our future, yours and mine, depends on whether or not they act.

With all do respect, Mr. President, I think it's terribly arrogant to think that you, and those in Washington, can somehow take better care of my family then I can.  After all, you don't even know me or anyone in my family.  Aside from the few Americans you've spoken to about their plight with the current health care system, you really don't know anything about the rest of us.  And what in the federal governments history of implementing programs and services can you point to that is an overwhelming success, and therefore, warrants pursuing your proposal?  Isn't that what you're really saying, that the federal government is the only mechanism to bring about effective reform?  It seems to me that the federal government has a long-standing history of exactly the opposite - complete failure regardless of the party in charge! 

Don't take my word for it, let's look at some simple facts.  Over the last 70 years, the federal government has tried it's hand at many different business endeavors such as, transportation (AMTRAK), package delivery (USPS), health care (Medicare), welfare, food distribution (Food Stamps), the auto industry, retirement planning, financial institutions and many more.  Let's examine just a few that many Americans would be very familiar with.

First, we have the nation-wide package delivery system called the United States Postal Service.  The USPS hasn't actually generated any sort of profit for years and the recent announcement of canceling Saturday deliveries came as no surprise.  The fact is, that long before the popularity of email, the USPS was in financial peril.  If it weren't for a constant stream of funding from Congress - they would have to close their doors completely.

Secondly, we have the federal governments attempt at providing transportation in - Amtrak.  Again, if it weren't for the constant stream of operating capital supplied by Congress, this form of transportation would be gone.  I happen to believe that a high-speed rail system is vital to the growth of our nation and our economy but I don't have faith in the governments ability to make it happen.  If you look at how we rank around the world with respect to well operated high-speed rail systems we are at the bottom of the list.

Lastly, let's look at the federal governments fifty year plus experiment with a health care delivery system called Medicare.  Ladies and gentlemen, I don't care whether you're a Democrat, Republican or Independent.  We can all look to the current system of health care for seniors and consider it a failure on so many levels.  The President himself points out the need to provide massive funding to keep Medicare solvent for only another 10 years.  Most seniors are grateful to have the kind of coverage they have with Medicare but most cite the unending barrage of red tape, changes in regulations, cost and coverage as some of the biggest problems with the system.  The rules governing Medicare are so enormous that brokers like myself are required to go through a separate certification process just to be able to offer Medicare Advantage Plans.  After going through it, I understand why.

I haven't yet mentioned one other huge factor with all these Federal Government attempts at private sector ventures, they become huge political footballs for those who find themselves in power.  You need to ask yourself, is that what I really want for my health care?  Polls overwhelming show that the American people want some sort of health insurance reform.  But I think an even better question to ask the America people is, do they have complete faith in our federal government to run and manage the health insurance industry?  Or would they rather it be left to the health insurance carriers like Aetna, Health America, United Health Care and Capital Blue Cross?  The over-whelming response has to be - no to the federal government!  Base your decision on history - not on sound bites or talking points.  I do believe that there is a healthy combination of government and private sector reforms that would bring about meaningful change.  If you're interested to find out what those ideas are - email me.

Whether you agree or disagree with me I'd like to hear you make your case as to why or why not the Federal Government is better suited to run our health care system by emailing me at bknauss@employeemployersolutions.com or visit my website at www.employeemployersolutions.com Thanks