With all the talk about the auto industry bailout and the latest stimulus package, I've been somewhat worried about Obama's commitment to pushing for health care early on in the administration. (I would like universal coverage but sadly, Obama's plan technically falls short of that). I've heard the issue dismissed recently in the belief that with all the money required to save the economy from another depression, we simply don't have enough for comprehensive health care reform.
Not only do I think that this is not true, it misses the point. Almost everybody can agree that the way to get out of this crisis is through more spending, hence the stimulus plans. I can't think of a better way to put more money into the pockets of everybody than a real, functioning health care system.
Our current system has become an unquestioned burden on far too many Americans; one that strains our economy in countless ways. People are less likely to look for better jobs for fear of losing their employee health benefits during the process; this also discourages people from becoming self-employed or starting their own business. In addition, businesses of all sizes have become increasingly burdened by the costs of keeping their employees covered. One of the most expensive costs that the auto industry has to face is the health coverage for its workers, even after they retire.
I really don't see pushing for health care reform as being an impossible task, in fact I think now would be the best time to do it. Forget about not having 60 Senate seats to work with. Obama would face some opposition from Southern Democrats anyway, but there was always going to be enough Republicans he could pick off. Just off the top of my head, Olympia Snow, Susan Collins, George Voinovich, Mel Martinez , Arlen Spector and Norm Coleman (presuming he holds on to his seat) come to mind.
The issue could be sold to the pro-business crowd in Congress as something that’s necessary for businesses to survive, for the reasons mentioned above. I would even think it would be possible for Democrats to cut a deal – agree to universal health care, and in exchange, Democrats won't push for Card Check. This might anger the unions, and it would be a broken campaign promise, but there are other ways to deal with them. The UAW isn't going to be in much position to argue, and Obama can placate them by saving the auto industry. (As mentioned above, saving the industry would be easier with health care reform). SEIU wouldn't be as easy, but universal health care would benefit its member so significantly that I think a deal could be brokered with them. Union's have typically been very good about fighting for government programs that would technically make them useless. While pushing for quality health benefits for their members is one of the main reasons for their existence today, past behavior indicates that they would be more than happy to abdicate that job if it brought its members health care. This could especially work if Democrats allowed the unions to take credit with its members for passing the plan.
I also see this as something that has the potential to really cement Obama's legacy as a President. It could even have a lasting effect on the political landscape, giving Democrats a loyal base in the same way the New Deal reforms did. (Just think of what the National Health Service did for the Labour Party in Britain). Contrast this with a stimulus package that nobody would ever really know for sure its actual effects.
The only issue left would be what would the plan look like. While I actually like Senator Ron Wyden's (which was pretty similar to Hillary's) I don't know if something like that would be feasible at the moment. It's also not what Obama pushed for in the primaries. I do think however that moving towards as system similar to France's would work in the States – as long as we don’t say were basing it off of the French. By creating a government run program that everybody can buy into – regardless of past medical conditions, we would be giving affordable access to millions who don't have it now. We would also be giving people currently paying too much health bills a more affordable option. The plan would be immune from those who warn of the pitfalls of socialized medicine, because individuals could still choose from any private plan they wish. It is true requiring companies to not deny coverage based on previous medical conditions would raise premiums for us healthy folks, but that pool of people is shrinking anyway. Besides, there would always be the government plan for us. Sure the powerful Health care lobby would put up a huge fight, as they would be bound to lose a lot of money in the event, but polls during the last election showed support for universal coverage at an all-time high. This isn't 1994, it’s a different environment and Obama needs to take advantage of the situation he's in.
Not only do I think that this is not true, it misses the point. Almost everybody can agree that the way to get out of this crisis is through more spending, hence the stimulus plans. I can't think of a better way to put more money into the pockets of everybody than a real, functioning health care system.
Our current system has become an unquestioned burden on far too many Americans; one that strains our economy in countless ways. People are less likely to look for better jobs for fear of losing their employee health benefits during the process; this also discourages people from becoming self-employed or starting their own business. In addition, businesses of all sizes have become increasingly burdened by the costs of keeping their employees covered. One of the most expensive costs that the auto industry has to face is the health coverage for its workers, even after they retire.
I really don't see pushing for health care reform as being an impossible task, in fact I think now would be the best time to do it. Forget about not having 60 Senate seats to work with. Obama would face some opposition from Southern Democrats anyway, but there was always going to be enough Republicans he could pick off. Just off the top of my head, Olympia Snow, Susan Collins, George Voinovich, Mel Martinez , Arlen Spector and Norm Coleman (presuming he holds on to his seat) come to mind.
The issue could be sold to the pro-business crowd in Congress as something that’s necessary for businesses to survive, for the reasons mentioned above. I would even think it would be possible for Democrats to cut a deal – agree to universal health care, and in exchange, Democrats won't push for Card Check. This might anger the unions, and it would be a broken campaign promise, but there are other ways to deal with them. The UAW isn't going to be in much position to argue, and Obama can placate them by saving the auto industry. (As mentioned above, saving the industry would be easier with health care reform). SEIU wouldn't be as easy, but universal health care would benefit its member so significantly that I think a deal could be brokered with them. Union's have typically been very good about fighting for government programs that would technically make them useless. While pushing for quality health benefits for their members is one of the main reasons for their existence today, past behavior indicates that they would be more than happy to abdicate that job if it brought its members health care. This could especially work if Democrats allowed the unions to take credit with its members for passing the plan.
I also see this as something that has the potential to really cement Obama's legacy as a President. It could even have a lasting effect on the political landscape, giving Democrats a loyal base in the same way the New Deal reforms did. (Just think of what the National Health Service did for the Labour Party in Britain). Contrast this with a stimulus package that nobody would ever really know for sure its actual effects.
The only issue left would be what would the plan look like. While I actually like Senator Ron Wyden's (which was pretty similar to Hillary's) I don't know if something like that would be feasible at the moment. It's also not what Obama pushed for in the primaries. I do think however that moving towards as system similar to France's would work in the States – as long as we don’t say were basing it off of the French. By creating a government run program that everybody can buy into – regardless of past medical conditions, we would be giving affordable access to millions who don't have it now. We would also be giving people currently paying too much health bills a more affordable option. The plan would be immune from those who warn of the pitfalls of socialized medicine, because individuals could still choose from any private plan they wish. It is true requiring companies to not deny coverage based on previous medical conditions would raise premiums for us healthy folks, but that pool of people is shrinking anyway. Besides, there would always be the government plan for us. Sure the powerful Health care lobby would put up a huge fight, as they would be bound to lose a lot of money in the event, but polls during the last election showed support for universal coverage at an all-time high. This isn't 1994, it’s a different environment and Obama needs to take advantage of the situation he's in.
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