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The following healthcare Op-Ed is: Copyright (C) 2012 by F. Scott Sinclair. All Rights Reserved.
How do we provide health care without bankrupting the country, aggravating the unemployment problem, and destroying consumerism as we know it? It's actually quite simple... How's that...? Eliminate all health care premiums. Yes, that's right, and for both employers, employees and the general public. How in the hell can you do that? A national health care vat or sales tax, that's how. And if you don't want to participate, you just don't have to buy that 50 inch Plasma TV you've always wanted, but couldn't afford before (but can now), or anything else for that matter. That's up to you. But I can tell you, with one-sixth of the U.S. economy (dollar-wise) freed up to buy things, health care becomes affordable almost instantly. Sure, you can buy supplemental insurance from private companies if you want to, but a national plan that's sponsored by the government, and/or the private sector (or a combo thereof) is free to all in a sense. Yes, it's another tax, but the money freed up from the elimination of premiums (for both businesses and employees and everyone else) such freed-up money (from the elimination of premiums) far exceeds any sales tax (or vat tax) you'll have to pay. That's right, everyone (which includes premiums paid by employers) would free-up on average about $15,000 per person per year. Now that's an economic stimulus par excellence if I've ever heard of one. And you in turn get something for your money: a new car, a big screen TV, a cruise around the world, new home, boat, or whatever you want in the form of a moderate sales or vat tax. Or if you're frugal, don't buy anything; hence, no health vat or sales tax needs to be paid whatsoever. And of course, nobody pays such a health tax on essentials like food, gas, etc. What do businesses or individuals get for their premiums nowadays? Most get nothing at all. Sure, some get a lot, but that's not the case for most people. You give insurance companies 10 or 15 thousand dollars per year to fatten the lining of their (the fat-cats) pockets, for nothing. Why nothing.. Because in most cases, you're responsible for co-pays and deductibles besides your outrageous monthly (yearly) premiums. Currently, you're in a lose-lose proposition. They (the insurance companies) are betting you won't get sick, and you're paying an inflated (enormous amount) monthly premium that says you're betting that you'll get sick. It's kind of like Las Vegas, the Casino has stacked the odds against you. In the end, you'll lose your money (bet). But if businesses (and you) aren't burdened with monthly premiums, it's a win-win proposition. This way businesses can hire more people because they don't have the burden of health care (premiums) forced upon them (or upon you as well). And likewise by having more people employed, the economy is resuscitated. When people have an extra 10 to 20 thousand in their pockets (and not in the greedy hands of the insurance companies & their flunkies: lobbyists), the economy thrives...generating new revenues, jobs and manufacturing opportunities, allowing everyone to prosper, not just the rich or businesses. Insurance companies are sucking the well dry of dollars and cents. A specific tax as mentioned above could only be used for healthcare purposes. In my opinion, the problem regarding health care (and our economy) could be solved in one fell swoop--or something of the sort. Take care, my friends. Best wishes. May God bless America. Sincerely, novelist F. F Scott Sinclair.
