The health care industry is sick. Perhaps fatally so. It's no wonder the government wants to fix it; however, we should know now that government rarely fixes anything. They just develop new and more expensive problems. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and there's only so much pie. If I were the government -- and as soon as I finish my Army of Killer Robot Monkeys, I will be -- I'd make the pie larger.
Here's how I would do it:
1. Drugs will cost in the United States exactly what they cost in other countries. America has the highest drug prices in the world, even though the drugs are still the same... Read More. This is an open secret that people in Washington D.C. seem to ignore. For example, the ACTOS for my diabetes costs $400 a month for me. The EXACT same drug in Canada -- made by the same company -- is only $223 a month. It's no wonder people cross the border to buy drugs in Canada. Why is this? Because in other countries, their drug prices are monitored and controlled. And note, no drug company loses money on their drugs or are forced to sell below cost in other countries; they're just not allowed to make a 1,000 percent profit. And ACTOS is the only drug so far that is able to control my diabetes. I have no other choices.
2. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies will pay claims within 45 days. Currently hospitals and doctors wait up to 120 days or more for payment. The hardship that this places on medical establishments is immense.
3. The government will mandate that every insurance company will offer a minimum health plan that will offer: $1000 deductible, $2 million lifetime cap, 20% co-pay until $10,000. This plan will cost per individual $250 a month. This plan will accept everyone. This makes the plan $3,000 a year. This price is fixed. Insurance companies can offer other incentives to get you to purchase their plan: lower deductible, prescription plan, higher caps, etc., and charge for these bonuses. However, they must offer the minimum plan. (Note: I don't have any stats on what a family plan should cost. Need more info.).
4. The government will give a $3,000 tax credit to everyone who makes below $75,000 a year who purchases the plan.
6. Companies will also receive these tax credits for purchasing the plan for each employee.
7. Next, we will pay for medical school for 2,500 general practice medical students. As part of their contract, they will have to work as a GP for five years following their graduation. Per Jean's suggestion, they will have to work during that five years in places that are unable to attract GPs: rural areas, inner cities, etc.
8. We will continue to pay for med school for 2,500 GPs for five years and as necessary.
9. We will also offer scholarships for RNs, PTs, LPNs, PAs, EMTs, etc.
10. We will make excellent prenatal care available for free for low income mothers. It's a shame and disgrace that our infant mortality rate is so high among the Western nations. What is wrong with us?
I have more, but we'll let you react as I continue work on the AKRM. The uprising is coming! Join with me or be swept away!
Ahem. Have a good Thursday!
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