Originally Posted By: Mike@North Bend
Hank, the Ryan plan, as I understand it, gives seniors vouchers and sends them out to the insurance market; where they will be denied insurance or sent to a high risk pool that will not be affordable for the vast majority.

All of these people know what the problem is; but appear unwilling to solve it for the long term. Obama's plan (which really is a horrible series of compromises) is what's out there and from my perspective much better than the current system; that limits access. So far all I have heard from the Republicans is let the private market solve the problem. But, isn't that what we have now? Todd's right and you know it; the mandate was a Republican idea and Romney; just a few years ago, said the federal goverment needs to adopt the mandate. Gingrich called it personal responsibility. But, now it is a bad idea. Why?? I agree with your last paragraph and maybe instead of argueing with each other over the internet maybe we should make that one common demand of both parties; get your [Bleeeeep!] together and solve this problem.



You can buy anything you want across state lines, except health insurance. Mandates for more and more goodies included in the plans has made it impossible to find a plan at a reasonal cost. If you want to lower costs, have more competition. The hospitals in the area are restricted from adding just any service they want. The keeps certain hospitals protected from competition. BTW McKenna recently said he will get with other govs to push for more competition across state lines.

In theory, paying for insurance is the way to go. The big problem is that young folks wont use the services and they will be subsidizing the premiums of older folks who use up most of the benefits. The second problem is the result of how the affordable care act conflicts with the constitution. If the govt wants to mandate health insurance, then they should also remove any restrictions from the public, to obtain the best policy for the least amount of money. I have no doubt, that obamacare is not about the health of the nation or reducing costs. They want control and they want the power that goes along with it.