My One and Only Post on Health Care

Wow. Talk about a lot of debate and argument. A lot of lies, half truths, kind of truths, and mostly truths. One thing for sure, it is an incredible complex issue and though there are sources of information that try to simplify it, I'm not sure that's possible. It's a perfect environment for the fear mongers.

The current debate seems to be about the public option. This is key because it flies directly in the face of those who say that a competitive marketplace creates the best and most efficient system. On the other side are those who believe that a government run system has been proven effective in other countries and is the way to go here. Public option proponents claim that the current system isn't as competitive as we think. But instead of fixing it they propose the public option that, despite what they claim, will become a single payer system for all intents and purposes. But it is also obvious that the current system isn't working either. I have a hard time even listening to Republican counter-proposals in light of their failure to address the issue during the last 8 years.

I am also surprised at fellow Christians who imply that to not support the proposed universal health care system is anti-Christian. I'm sure there are so called Christians with all sorts of different motivations for their opinions. But like most issues there are perfectly good reasons for Christians to oppose it and those views should be accepted gracefully. Some fear that UHC will limit the amount of money spent of research. I personally think that will not be the case but I understand the concern. (Free market systems can actually stifle innovation too. And this doesn't include the loss of innovative capacity in unrelated fields due to innovator's not being in the right situation due to fears of losing health coverage.)

I have my own concerns about the proposal. I don't want to do something that could have a net negative impact on poor people. In other words, it wouldn't do a lot of good to have UHC if it created an economic environment where the same poor could no longer afford to eat due to an adverse reaction by the job market. I also think it is important to consider all poor people and not just Americans. I know that's not popular but I'm a Christian first. So what happens if drug companies don't make as much profit in the US as they do now? Will they still make drugs available to third world countries at reduced cost? Just how much does our current health care system indirectly support health care in poor countries?

When it comes down to it, the worse part of the proposal is that it ends up in the hands of politicians. I'm cynical enough to have this be a major factor. I think I'm right to be concerned because instead of building and improving on a system (like Massachusetts) that has had at least a degree of success they jumped right to what will give them the most control. Go figure.

It will be interesting to see what happens. I am saddened by the allegations with regard to what is the Christian response from both sides. I believe it is possible to have legitimate points on both side of the issue.