Gov. Romney does not think a federal government overhaul is the answer to the nation’s healthcare problem. Romney believes the issues should be addressed on a state level. Basically, states should develop plans that will be tailored for their specific state because developing a universal health care plan is bound to fail. Instead, the federal government would play a supporting role by offering tax breaks for individuals to purchase private insurance, granting governors more flexibility in using federal healthcare funds, overhauling the malpractice litigation system and making other changes.
I have yet to see a comprehensive universal healthcare plan from Romney. However, he has made stump speeches putting forth points from his plan. The plan is predicated on federal tax breaks and incentives to states to help the uninsured afford coverage. Instead of using federal money to reimburse hospitals for treating people without insurance, Romney would direct States to use that money to help low-income people buy insurance at a lower cost.
So here’s the big issue, how much will this cost? Apparently, the plan would not require any new money. It relies entirely on reallocating existing federal spending on healthcare and creating a more vigorous market to drive down premium prices. Also, there would be no free rides according to Romney. Everyone would have to pay for healthcare but it would go according to what one can afford. Hmmm, I’m not sure I see how this is going to work. Will this be like section 8 for healthcare?! Also, if it’s the federal government’s role to facilitate the plan then, what division would be responsible? There will definitely be cost associated with the administration of this plan.
Romney's proposal also looks to make insurance premiums more affordable for individuals by deeming health costs tax deductible once they enroll in a plan. This is similar to what Romney did in Massachusetts. A law was passed to give individuals access to the same tax deductions available to businesses and other groups. Unlike the Massachusetts law, Romney's proposal would not penalize anyone for failing to buy insurance…it won’t be a mandate to have health insurance. Apparently, this did not go over well in Massachusetts when he made health insurance a mandate.
To lower healthcare cost for states, Romney has proposed federal incentives for those that deregulate their insurance market. For example, it would require states to get rid of laws that require insurers to pay for certain medical services, such as in-vitro fertilization. This is pretty conservative if you ask me. I know plenty of folks that utilized this option in their healthcare plan because they were unable to get pregnant. Hell, maybe one day I might want to take advantage of this option! So I’m not happy about him requiring states to discontinue paying for this service. As a Mormon with 5 kids, one would think he was all about building families!
Romney’s plan would really put the ball in the state’s court with more flexibility in how they use federal Medicaid dollars, making it easier for states to develop innovative programs. I think if State’s could have gotten a handle on healthcare we wouldn’t be discussing this in the presidential election. So far, the plan appears to be unrealistic. This should be interesting as it unfolds…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
This seems like a slick way of taking pressure off of the federal government, and i'm not feeling that at all. i think affordable healthcare is definitely something worth fixing and regulating on the federal level.
It's real suspect, which is why he hasn't the entire plan for people to really read and scrutinize. There is no way to address healthcare and not shell out any money. If the states could of handled this before now I think they would of!
Post a Comment