Will reform come for the US Healthcare System?

The United States has a big problem. Equal access to healthcare for every US citizen is not considered a right. Millions have little or no access to basic care, and many middle class citizens can not afford the health insurance being offered by private insurers. (Thomasma 2001)

The reform of our healthcare system seems inevitable, but how (and when) will real change happen? Part of the problem is that there are two different (and opposite) reasons for revamping the system; 1. The ethical concern that basic care should be a right for all citizens and 2. the financial need to control the upward spiral of increasing costs. These interests seem to compete with each other, but other countries are figuring out ways to combine both interests. Greater coverage at less cost is the goal, but is it possible in the United States? (Thomasma 2001)

The most recent place where this debate has taken place is the current presidential election. According to some polls, a national healthcare insurance program is the top priority for many voters. Since we only have two candidates left, I believe my vote will depend on who convinces me that they will keep healthcare as an early priority and be able to carry through on their promises.

John McCain wants to provide affordable access to healthcare for all by "encouraging personal responsibility" and "promote insurance competition". (Henry Kaiser 2008) Families will pay for health insurance with a tax credit, but he does not know how his plan will be paid for. Barack Obama will require all children to be covered, and will increase public plans. Most of the money to pay for his plan comes from discontinuing tax cuts put in place by President Bush. (Henry Kaiser 2008)

Of course, there is much more to each plan, but the bottom line is that McCain is going to expect people to be accountable for their healthcare costs. Obama is going to make health access more available through more government involvement (public programs). I have to believe that Obama's plan has a better chance of implementation if the financing can be figured out. McCain's plan would require a culture shift that may in the end be the better way, but may take many tens of years to implement. I don't think we have that kind of time. Obama's plan will provide universal coverage for children which is so very important, and in my opinion, will be easier to sell to the American public then "personal responsibility."

I do believe we need to be more accountable for how we spend our money, but quality healthcare is going to need both personal and public effort to achieve.

Lynne

references:
Thomasma, David (2001). Access to healthcare. Managing Ethically: An
Executive's Guide. Chicago: Health Administration Press.
Henry Kaiser Family Foundation (2008). 2008 Presidential candidate
health care proposals side-by-side summary. Health08.org.
Retrieved July 16, 2008 from
http://pdf.kff.org/health08/compare_5_16.pdf