artfulme
01-29-2009, 04:03 PM
A fine article by a Massachusetts Dr. in the new New Yorker. His conclusion asks for a combination of methods (pathways) already in effect...plus insurance subsidies
Citizens MUST enroll in the plan or have a tax penalty; for those of lower incomes govt subsidies paying the premium in whole or part...the citizen "premiums" are at the rate of 8% of income, no higher.
You could still keep your employer-paid-subsidized insurance policy (employer gives ins. or pays a tax) or join the plan.
He says that 2/3 of Mass. people support the system.
Seems we have to learn from any such plans in place and be creative about how to reduce medical costs.
France's system is the most praised...but he says that ANY sytstem will be best available through a path-dependent (via ways already in place) effort.
No reason in the world to support our present out-of-control disastrous system...that leaves the USA as the 37th best present health through medical care systems.
Change soon? (Yes, the economy comes first...but then to health care)
Tax CUTS for Higher Incomes:
Sure, a bone to the Rs. BUT, that policy is counter-productive, reducing the viabilkity and effectiveness for the rest of the stimulus.
A GIANT problerm is the supply-side economics of the Rs. They always call for more investment $$ in the big guys hands and pockets...for the sake of production of goods and services...at the least cost AND least labor costs, wsith such workers having lousy paychecks.
That emphasis provides a near penurious working AND middle class reducing their ability to make those purchases thus limiting the most important factor in keeping out of a depression...or helping us out. Good PURCHASING POWER in the hands of the general population is the starting point of a vibrant economy...including greater responsibility of corporations to society.
Those kind of tax cuts in the bill now going to the senate SHOULD be excised from it! It's like taking two steps forward and one step back.
Citizens MUST enroll in the plan or have a tax penalty; for those of lower incomes govt subsidies paying the premium in whole or part...the citizen "premiums" are at the rate of 8% of income, no higher.
You could still keep your employer-paid-subsidized insurance policy (employer gives ins. or pays a tax) or join the plan.
He says that 2/3 of Mass. people support the system.
Seems we have to learn from any such plans in place and be creative about how to reduce medical costs.
France's system is the most praised...but he says that ANY sytstem will be best available through a path-dependent (via ways already in place) effort.
No reason in the world to support our present out-of-control disastrous system...that leaves the USA as the 37th best present health through medical care systems.
Change soon? (Yes, the economy comes first...but then to health care)
Tax CUTS for Higher Incomes:
Sure, a bone to the Rs. BUT, that policy is counter-productive, reducing the viabilkity and effectiveness for the rest of the stimulus.
A GIANT problerm is the supply-side economics of the Rs. They always call for more investment $$ in the big guys hands and pockets...for the sake of production of goods and services...at the least cost AND least labor costs, wsith such workers having lousy paychecks.
That emphasis provides a near penurious working AND middle class reducing their ability to make those purchases thus limiting the most important factor in keeping out of a depression...or helping us out. Good PURCHASING POWER in the hands of the general population is the starting point of a vibrant economy...including greater responsibility of corporations to society.
Those kind of tax cuts in the bill now going to the senate SHOULD be excised from it! It's like taking two steps forward and one step back.