The Soap Box

Reviewing the White House response to criticism of the health care bill, a series of videos debunking the “myths” propagated by the opposition,  I have begun to realize that no one will ever directly answer the questions and concern many citizens have regarding this bill. Do not bother looking for any information about cost and methods of paying for the bill.  This rather important question is not addressed. Instead we get more platitudes and promises without substance.

Health Care Myths Debunked

Reform will stop rationing

Until and unless questions regarding cost of the plan are addressed this statement is meaningless.  Unless every citizen is allowed to choose what and when procedures are to be performed health care will be rationed.    Increasing the number of patients in the system without increasing the number of providers will guarantee rationing.  How will the government increase the number of doctors and nurses?  Incentives are built into the plan to entice more people to enter the health care field.  What if the incentives do not work?  More and more doctors are already refusing to accept Medicare and Medicaid due to the complexity of the rules and regulations regarding treatment options and payment.  The more complicated a system is, the less likely people will want to work in that system.

You Can Keep Your Own Insurance

The ultimate destruction of the private health care system is dismissed with more promises.  The President has stated the government plan will not force anyone to change insurance policies. Trust in the government.  The problem is simple.  If I make disposable batteries using elements x,y,z and the government bans the use or increases the cost of element z eliminating my profits,  has the government banned disposable batteries?  No.  Has the government made it impossible for me to make disposable batteries?  Yes.  This is not complicated.  The ultimate aim is the elimination of private insurance.  The public option is simply a means to an end.

Reform will benefit small business

Small business will not be impacted by the health care legislation because small business will not be forced to provide insurance for employees.  Will small business be forced to pay additional taxes to fund the legislation?  Then small business will be impacted by the health care legislation.

The Euthanasia distortion

According to the White House  euthanasia fears are unfounded.  End of life counseling is depicted as the main problem and concern , with soothing words about how complicated government language can be:  those reading the bill misunderstand the purpose of the counseling.  Questions about coverage plans and procedures are not addressed at all.  A committee yet to be appointed will determine treatment options.  Is euthanasia a part of the current health care bill? No.  Will treatment options be limited by cost, potential survival rates, age, etc?  Unknown.

Vet’s Health Care is Safe and Sound

Since when?  Health care for Veterans is a disgrace and needs to be addressed.   Why is no one talking about the problems with the VA?  The lack of available VA centers?  The waiting list for care?

Medicare is safe and stronger with reform

Ludicrous.  Medicare is bankrupt now.  Adding more people to an overburdened system will not make that system safer.  Government has proven its inability to control cost.  Best examples: Medicare and Medicaid.

Problems do exist with health care in the US.  The cost of obtaining insurance if you have a preexisting condition is prohibitive.  Insurance companies have misused the right to cancel (rescind) coverage in some, perhaps even many cases.  We do not require nationalized health care to correct these problems.

Real questions regarding nationalized health care exist.  Real answers do not.

White House Health Care Reality Check

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