Democrats and liberals of all stripes are hot to get health care reform packages rammed quickly through Congress before anyone knows what hit 'em. We all know that health care in the US is expensive and geared to employment and retirees. We all know someone who lost their insurance or is facing bankruptcy since the new laws make it difficult to discharge them in bankruptcy.
Now an educated guess of the cost of insuring the 40,000,000 legal citizens or residents would be a cost of $6000 each depending upon what exactly is covered. Who PAYS? Short answer is everyone who pays taxes (and not those that get a refund or the Earned Income Credit). The Democrats say that we must do so.
They also say not to worry, your employer will cheerfully raise your wages or salary so as to compensate for not having employer-driven plans. Now why has the past history of Corporations in this country- including Business and Corporate law driven ones not shown themselves to be quite so beneficent? To be sure, we are all told about the many benefits we get (some tax fee) that makes us valuable commodities to employers and gives us a better life. But usually not at the expense of the bottom line.
Effective Leadership and Top management generally does care- no doubt about it. But I do not assume that reform will do anything other than cost upper income workers and the self-employed more suffering. Take from the rich and give to the poor. We all like that idea to a point: but if the reforms come down too hard there will be less incentive to succeed in this country.
I plan to comment further in the days to come. One great fear is that we will be like other countries who have free health care- if you can get it. Rationing is a fact of life. Driving innovation and research in health care is the chance to share the wealth and yes make money. Incentives to have high quality usually come from a proper regulatory climate combined with a good environment to reduce costs/improve outcomes over time.
Fact is, success often happens when Everyone gets something out of the effort (win/win) including rewards, economic comfort, status and social well- being. The proportion is unique to each individual. Take away rewards and the climate becomes quickly one of mediocrity.
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