The disappointing plans for health insurance reforms put forth by Obama and Clinton amount to "a let them eat cake" remark worthy of the famed monarchs of long ago. I used to think that the let them eat cake remark was a calloused, inhumane voice of entitlement ignoring the plight of a starving population. Now I'm thinking that like Obama and Clinton, perhaps it was just evidence of being so removed from a problem that it was actually intended as a solution.
Last night both laid out their plans for health insurance reforms (including paying for them, Obama by rolling back tax cuts for the rich and Clinton by rolling back tax cuts and saving money by through the use of electronic medical records). Obama went as far as using the promo used on local radio defending drug plans by comparing the cost of diabetes drugs vs amputating limbs except in Obama's case he switched up the drug company promotion for promotion of dietitians and other preventive coverages.
I wanted to scream at the TV, "Dudes, people aren't going bankrupt because they have to pay for their own dietitians."
Preventive care coverage is only a perk, an extra that promotes the interest of the money pinching insurers while giving individuals the opportunity to consult with a dietitian and others who might support them in lifestyle changes. Guess what, there will still be people with diabetes. There are still people with cancer. There are still people with Alzheimers. People's bodies fail, and age. It is a dangerous game that we are being sold. People want to hear that they can live forever through prevention, insurers save money by replacing care for prevention, and the candidates feel good about getting more people insured with this low-quality insurance.
Hillary Clinton did note that we have the most expensive health care in the world but that we do not do well in infant mortality and life expectancy. Duh...we're being empowered to discuss our diets with some phone person while other people get surgeries, treatments, dialysis.
How 'bout an audit of the health insurers? Blue Cross/Blue Shield noted that duplicate treatments and unnecessary treatments account for more insurance dollars than many other areas. Audits should include where insurers are spending their dollars eg unnecessary subcontracting services, salaries, offices, perks to physicians and other providers.
How 'bout an audit of current government payouts to insurers and providers? The handouts going to these outfits is outrageous according to Ms. Clinton, yet her solution is....electronic medical records, long resisted by physicians who claim patient privacy but more importantly protect themselves from exposure for their poor decisions by keeping their own records, illegible and private.
How 'bout requirements for coverage that include most current treatment for illness and a prima facie cause of action against any insurer who places itself as an obstacle for patients obtaining care?
How 'bout plain English requirements for health insurance contracts so that instead of telling individuals you are now empowered to choose.... the health insurer states, we're saving money by removing coverage for rebuilding your breast after a mastectomy as "cosmetic", but we'll give you a $150 if you go to the gym?
Like Marie Antoinette, perhaps Clinton and Obama mean well by telling the people "let them eat cake," perhaps it appears from their lofty posts a reasonable alternative, but dudes, people aren't going bankrupt from the expense of going to the gym.
