Monday, March 22, 2010

Obama Health care reform – is the glass half empty or half full?


There has been much debate about President Obama’s proposal to reform health care in the US. The debate has split along party and ideological lines with little room for bi-partisanship. Republicans describe it as a Government takeover of the health care system. This is simply not true. In fact most Americans will not be affected by Obama’s health care legislation as they will continue to receive cover through their employers. The Reagan era created a health care system which relied on large for-profit insurance providers whose primary motive is to make money rather than improve health care. Government intervention is necessary to protect those who cannot afford coverage.

Obama has been forced to row back and compromise on his favored public option. The latest plan requires most Americans to carry health insurance coverage, with Government subsides to help those who cannot afford premiums. The plan also allows the Government to deny or roll back what democrats describe as ‘egregious insurance premium increases’ which infuriate customers. The plan does not provide Universal State Health care and will be a disappointment for some. However it is a step forward and will provide coverage to tens of millions of Americans without cover. Depending on their perspective I suspect people will view the final passing of reform as the glass being half empty of half full.

1 comment:

  1. Good to see the Bill has finally been passed

    ReplyDelete