Healthcare Reformation

Our healthcare system is an impressive, progressive, innovative, world class modern medical array of break-outs and breakthroughs – and it sucks, too. Our costs keep going up and our coverage keeps going down. More people are going without what they need and more people are losing insurance coverage as a result of rising medical costs, rising insurance costs AND rising unemployment. The population is aging and medical needs are evolving. And the current system, such as it is, is not supporting our population’s needs – and it’s getting worse. I’m glad this piece of legislation is making SOME headway – and here’s why….

Get Stuff Done – Why I’m Glad SOMETHING is Happening

Have you ever been a part of a large organization (Hi Marriott!!) that will form a committee to decide how to form a committee? At some point you just want to scream, “for Gods sake - do SOMETHING!!” One of the biggest strengths of our government is also one of its significant weaknesses; its inability to make a quick decision. It’s a strength, because you will not see rash, un-thought-out decisions. On the other hand, “for Gods sake – do SOMETHING!!”

I moved to Washington DC during the Clinton era – I went full of enthusiasm for being closer to our government and its inner workings – and anticipating I would gleen a better understanding and respect of our wonderful system. I left three years later glad to distance myself from all those liars and self-serving egotists. And that was just my neighbors ;). I definitely left with a better understanding of the system; maybe not so much the respect part. Recently I'm reminded of one very interesting dynamic I observed - something that may well play out with the Obama administration. Clinton and the Democratic Party were paralyzed when they owned both the Presidency and Congress. It created in-fighting with the democrats and coalesced the republicans into a united front. It wasn’t until Clinton’s second term - when the republicans got congress back - that the two parties got to work and worked together to find solutions. The two party system works – just not always how I thought.

Anyway, as our republican friends unite and fight back as a powerful unit, the healthcare debate has become so overly politicized; it feels like it has lost its way. (Not to worry Democrat friends - when the Republicans get control – the infighting will ramp right back up) So what’s the healthcare debate about again? Oh yeah – money. We’re here because our costs are too high for what we’re getting – so let’s make changes. But… how are we going to pay for the changes? How are the insurance companies going to provide the changes with restrictions and limits on revenue? We’re a compassionate society who will not let people die because they do not have coverage. (For the most part). But… that reality is one of the many factors driving everyone’s medical costs up. But… I’ve got friends and family that have put off care because of these issues – care that threatens their lives! These are heady, politically charged, and important issues that grow with inaction. So “for Gods sake – do SOMETHING!” So after decades of attempts we have some potential healthcare reform – all 2700 pages of it. And here’s my prediction: some if it will work. Some of it will turn out to be foolish. And it will never be perfect. But we will learn from it. And it will improve.

Paying For It – Ouch!! – Why I’m worried

Let’s face it – this is the hardest part – and there will likely be no easy answers. But let’s simplify it. If a member of your family get’s really sick and much of the care has to come out of your pocket, and you don’t have anything in your savings account, what do you do? Do you do some stuff you don’t want to do? Do you downsize some other things? Do you sell your BMW and drive a Honda? Well, until about 2007, the answer is, “NO!” You take out a second mortgage, lease an SUV, and with the surplus, pick up a piece-of-crap condo with a 3 year ARM as an “investment property” that is selling for three times its eventual value – and you feel good about it – until... POP! Now a Honda is looking pretty good – and a Ford maybe even better!

You’re smarter than me, so I don’t have to spell out the analogy, but to entertain myself, I will anyway. The country’s health care system has gotten sick. So will we get rid of that new aircraft carrier and settle for a battle ship? NO! With the current state of the world? Make that - TWO new aircraft carriers!! Wait – what’s that sound…? POP!! Did you ever see the movie “Dave”? The scene where the look-a-like president (Kevin Klein) brings in his Jewish accountant (Charles Groden) to look at the un-balanced budget and this small town accountant looks it all over and says, “are you kidding me!? If I did my books like this I’d be in jail!” It’s good to be the goernement…

But it will all come home to roost at some point. Much political hay is being made from the concept that “we’re handing this debt to our children!” Which I believe has some truth to it – but we won’t actually have THAT much time. We’ll have to deal with it sooner. Aren’t you glad you’re not a congress(wo)man? Sure there’s lots of money, power and sex, but do you want a smaller military presence? Do you want to say “no” to some more funding to New Orleans? (There is actually a provision in the Health Care Reform Bill that provides more funding to Louisiana – and an amendment already being penned to nix that) Do you want seniors to go without their prescription drugs? Do you want to close National Parks? Do you want to cut back on funding to Israel?

Operating from Fear

Speaking of political hay - Our politicians relish in getting attention by playing on our fears. But let’s try to stay on point – healthcare – what needs to be provided – how are we going to pay for it - OK – I’m NOT on the far right OR the far left. Here it is where I alienate my REALLY conservative and REALLY liberal friends (cuz yes, I have have and love them both) –

John’s half-glass-full 30 second trust memorandum -

Does anyone REALLY believe George Bush is a war-monger? Does anyone REALLY believe Obama can make the USA a socialist state? I truly believe they are both dedicated, true-blue Americans that want what’s best for the country. Congress will keep Presidents in check – mostly. And the courts will make sure neither a president or congress(wo)man’s ego gets completely out of hand. And I trust that in the end, it will be better. (I know – this is where I just lost you – “John said “trust” a politician… hahahahaha!”) Vote for who best represents your priorities and beliefs – give your representatives your feedback (whether you voted for them or not) and in the end, TRY to trust whoever that rep is. Because I believe… Some if it will work. Some of it will turn out to be foolish. And it will never be perfect. But we will learn from it. And it will improve.

And remember, as the saying goes, “Democracy sucks – but it’s the best political system in the world.” Or something like that…