The Nightmare Begins-No Cure for Health Care

It is truly amazing that 60 U.S. Senators could support a 2000+ page bill that the vast majority of the population does not want, and haven't even read. Pressure from their leaders and "Pay Backs" should not be the sole reason for passing any legislation.

Hopefully, when this bill goes to conference it will be killed or at least stalled until the November elections. The constitutionality of this bill will/should be tested and hopefully stricken down.

Why is this such a bad bill? As I posted previously, this Health Care Reform Bill does nothing to promote health, reduce costs or improve our system in any way.

The tax and "Mandatory" purchase of insurance will drive the economy even further into recession. Health care will become more expensive and harder to get. Demand will rise (30,000,000+ new consumers) and supply will decrease (up to 30% of current doctors will quit practice or retire early). We are currently in a primary care shortage. Adding 30 million new consumers alone will overrun the system. Over worked Primary Care Providers (PCP's) will be worked even harder to meet the demand. I don't know about you, but when it comes to my health care, I want a doctor that is fresh, well rested, happy and well paid!

Since there will most likely be a public option in this reform, expect insurance companies to go out of business, as they cannot compete against the government. Public plans will most likely be based on a Medicare model which means a drastic cut in doctor and hospital income. Working 60-80 hours per week for a wage less than most factory workers, with potential malpractice liability and student loans pushing $200,000; why would anyone do this?

If doctors can opt out of the program, i.e. not accept insurance and treat patients on a strictly cash basis, many of the top physicians will probably do this. But now you have a situation in which only the "rich" can afford quality care, leaving the poor and middle class depending on the over-worked, under-paid insurance doctors for care.

So, once again, in the infinite wisdom of our federal government, trying to help the poor and uninsured, we may in fact be making the problem worse and increasing costs at the same time.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave below or send me an e-mail directly newcaredoc@aol.com