Part I: Car Ins. vs. Health Ins.

We have a system in place to copy our health insurance after and that is the auto insurance industry. You have insurance to protect you if there is damage to your vehicle, there is a deductible and a maximum coverage. The insurance also covers medical cost for you, any passengers and if it is your fault, the other vehicles driver and passengers. It works well.

If you car needs gas or any maintenance issues, such as oil change or new fuel pump, you pay for them. You don’t turn in a claim to the insurance company for these minor items (There is a company trying to promote a maintenance insurance policy but I would bet it fails). Only in catastrophic situations do you need to file a claim, accident, vandalism or act of nature (hail or flood).

Health insurance use to be this way too. Most early policies covered only hospitalization costs and most other visits to the doctor were paid by the policy holder. My father did not have health insurance when both I and my sister were born. This was 1966 & 1968 and costs were less but the system was the same. My mom saw the doctor multi times for prenatal care and took a check and the doctor’s services were completely paid by the time I was born. The hospital presented a bill after the care and he paid if off over a few months. Why was it cheaper? Because the doctor and hospital knew its patients were not wealthy and their fees were set accordingly.

As health insurance became more common and hospitals and doctors could charge higher rates, they had deeper pockets and lawyers began to file lawsuits and premiums went up for those institutions, who then had to charge even more.

I propose that the “National Healthcare” be hospitalization/major medical coverage. If the people on this insurance have to go to the doctor for routine check-ups, the patient should pay all or the vast majority of the costs (supplemental ins. could be offered). Only if the care is needed in an emergency room or admission to the hospital does the national policy kick in.

This would be only offered to those currently without insurance.

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  No companies forced to offer it, except to make their employees aware of the policy.
  Tax credits for small companies who offer health insurance (public or private)
  This health insurance is just an addition to the Medicaid system and not an addition.
  Tax credits for individuals who take the plan if not offered through their employer.
  Allow insurance to cross state boarders just like auto insurance.
  Government oversight on reimbursement rates, much like utility companies.
  Limits on awards for malpractice suits.