The "Real" Problem with Health Care Reform

In life, there are always problems that arise. To solve these problems, there are some specific steps that must be followed. Einstein is quoted (I believe it was Einstein), "You cannot solve a problem with the same level of thinking that caused the problem." Our current "Health Care" reform endeavor is trying to solve a problem. Let's look at the problem:

Not enough access to affordable health care.

The problem statement above seems to be an accurate description of what we are trying to fix. But let's take a deeper look at the above statement. There are many false premises that need to be clarified to truly define the problem. The above statement is not true.

First of all; medical care and health care are two separate entities, they are NOT the same! The above statement is based on the presumption that health care is too expensive for people to afford with out insurance. The truth is "Medical" care is too expensive. Health care is FREE! You don't need a doctor when you are healthy. They do come in handy when you are actually sick or injured, but healthy people don't need doctors, and therefore, don't need medical care.

Second of all; The Law of Supply and Demand is being ignored. We have too many people consuming medical care. If we increased the number of healthy people, this would reduce the demand for medical services and, according to the Law of Supply and Demand, the price will go down. Lower price = affordable.

Thirdly; our health as a nation is pathetic. We rank near the bottom in all health statistics and markers. Yet we spend more than any other developed country, and consume more prescription drugs. We also eat more processed food, and exercise less. So, clearly our "medical" care is not healthy.

Much like our current medical system, the proposals on the table to "Reform Health Care" are nothing more than doing something to cover up the apparent problem (symptom),create new problems (side effects) and do nothing to address the underlying cause of the problem. We are trying to solve a problem with the same level of thinking that got us into this mess!

The best solution is most often the simplest solution. To reduce health care costs, reduce the demand by keeping people healthy.

I have outlined several steps in previous posts. Please review those for more information. Please leave a comment or question.