The cost of health care in the US is rising with the employee paying an ever-increasing percentage of the total bill. This year it is projected that the costs will be $5,330 per single employee and $13,998 for a family unit. Over time employees are required to pay more of the total cost each year. The next time you buy ANYTHING check out its “Made in” label. It’s no surprise that the vast majority of US purchases are foreign-made. That is a concern as we rely on others to make the everyday needs we have dependent on countries beyond our control. A good example is computer chips. We depend heavily on a steady supply of chips from abroad and they just aren’t available to meet our growing demand. So what happens? New cars are scarce and prices jump. Home appliances are in short supply. Imagine any of the goods you rely on at home or at work simply unavailable. We believe that the cost of healthcare is a major reason for this out-sourcing of manufacturing in many cases. Yes, it’s true that we pay higher wages than any other country but those costs can be identified and controlled at the local level and through union negotiations. But healthcare costs are not as visible. And with an aging population things will only get worse. So what have we learned from this observation? (1) Since most healthcare costs are related to lifestyle, we need to encourage less smoking, reduced alcohol consumption, a decline in obesity, wearing seatbelts, avoiding dangerous hobbies, eating healthy, getting more exercise and any other activity that will help us live longer and healthier lives. (2) Reward employees who adjust their attitudes to a healthier lifestyle and conversely penalize those who do not–with rare exceptions. (3) Limit the growth and dominance of local healthcare facilities. The Hill-Burton Act of 1957 put a hospital on every street corner and we’re still paying for that law. The simple fact is–once a facility is built–area doctors are persuaded to fill it with patients to justify its existence. That must stop. (4) A cap must be placed on every medical service and drug so that price increases can never exceed the general rate of inflation. And (5) all insurance companies must be converted to not-for-profit enterprises. Healthcare is just as critical for survival as gas and electric utilities and the Water Commission. Allowing a profit margin is simply an unnecessary add-on tax.
ANYONE WHO EVEN SUGGESTS A NATIONAL HEALTHCARE PLAN WITHOUT THESE FOUNDATION BLOCKS IS A FOOL–IN OUR OPINION. WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD THE LIFESTYLES OF PATIENTS, THE INSECURITY OF THE HEATHCARE PROVIDERS (MD’S, HOSPITALS AND LABS) AND THE GREED OF INSURANCE COMPANIES.
THE WORST PART OF THIS PICTURE IS THAT EXCESSIVE COSTS DIRECTLY IMPACT OUR INDEPENDENCE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR MANY GOODS WE USE DAILY. THAT FAILURE HAUNTS US BECAUSE AMERICA WAS ONCE THE HEART OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
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