This is my health care reform “pass-fail” check list:
1. Government needs to fix/make Medicare a viable program first, proving to tax payers that government knows how to direct, manage health care Otherwise, why should we believe we are getting something better, or creating even bigger government funded heath care program.
2. Government health care benefit must be a self-sustaining system, without the aids of other form of taxes. What’s being collected in premium, out of pocket expense shall be the same as the payout for medical service.
3. The “so call minimal heath care” shall be clearly defined. Everyone needs to know “what are we buying” and “how much we are paying”. The definition of “minimal health care” needs to be adjusted yearly according to our ability to pay.
The maximum tax rate burden to fund “minimal health care”, should not exceed 1.45% of the income; it’s an arbitrary number, but it is to keep the definition “minimal health care’ in check.
4 Health care premiums should be same for everyone, regardless of income level. The benefit package should be the same for everyone – everyone’s being created equal. If we collectively want more in benefit, then we will have to pay more. No cheating, no special treatment – everyone must be treated equally.
If special assistance is need to low income earner (progressive tax is implemented), at a minimum of 4 out 5 rate payers (80% rate payers) are set to maximum tax rate. Assistance/progressive rates can only apply to 1 out of 5 rate payers.
