« Attack on Health Savings Accounts | Main | Health Savings Account Contribution Limits Set to Rise »
July 01, 2009
Health Savings Accounts are a Better Reform Option
If we are to review of the history of health care in this country since the U.S. government's entry when Lydon Johnson signed into law Medicare and Medicaid, we find disturbing trends. The unconstrained, growth in size and shameful increases in cost and liability have crippled the system putting both in danger of collapse. And yet, we the people have allowed our improvident government to further politicize private health care, further exacerbating cost to every component within the system.
Many questions remain about how to solve our health insurance crisis in this country, but Health Savings Accounts have already proved to have a positive effect on health care.
Has an attempt to overhaul the health care system included an analyzed study of the current delivery on a state-by-state, city-by-city basis? How will the 170 million individuals with health insurance be impacted by a potential public overhaul and subsequent offering? Why are 46 million Americans without health insurance? Are they eligible for private insurance? Estimates have concluded 11 million of the 46 million uninsured are eligible for Medicare.
Increases in health care spending are decreasing, reaching single-digit percentages over the past three years. The smallest increase of 6 percent occurred during 2008. For profit, nonprofit and charitable entities manage and control revenues and expenses by design and per the tax code.
The proposed public solution accomplishes neither while adding uncontrollable inefficiencies and waste to the newly rationed care. This option is formed without natural propensities and incentives aimed at quality and innovation. The Congressional Budget Office projects the proposed public option will reduce the uninsured total by only a third at an expense of $107,000 per uninsured ($1.6 trillion/15 million uninsured), utilizing a 2007 government estimate of 46 million Americans uninsured under the age of 65.
Decisions made by physicians and participating insurance companies are shaped to hedge against liability versus serving the need and care of the patient. Malpractice statutes contort patient care, extending well beyond physician advertencies and controlled processes.
Permanent and portable individually owned Health Savings Accounts will provide and empower the individual with choice. Health Savings Account (HSA) purchase vouchers will extend affordability and equal access to care for the poor.
This solution is the only remedy enabling the health care industry to advance the practice, treatment and discovery of new innovations in the fight against and management of human disease.
Learn more about Health Savings Accounts at HSA for America.
Posted by Wiley Long at July 1, 2009 11:24 AM