That which is right, just and true can still prevail.

"It is simple. You will never forgive yourself. Accept it. You hurt others, many others, that cannot be undone. You will never find personal retribution, but your life does not have to end. That which is right, just and true can still prevail. If you do not fight for what you believe in, all may be lost for everyone else. But do not fight for yourself, fight for others, others that may be saved through your effort. That is the least you can do."
- Teal'c (SG1-"The Arc of Truth)

Healthcare is mostly socialized already.

If you take Federal, State, Local governments along with Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP and V.A. coverage of civilians and veterans nearly 48% of the U.S. population are on a public healthcare program or a private policy funded by public funds through their employment with a government agency.

As to those “uninsured”, many of the 46 million are that way by choice. 18 million (40% of the uninsured) are between 18 and 34 years of age. This group, other than child rearing, have low healthcare costs compared to older Americans and choose to spend their money elsewhere.

17 million (38%) of the “uninsured” have an annual household income of over $50,000.

14 million (31%) of the “uninsured” are eligible for Medicaid or S-Chip but have not enrolled!

12 million or so are illegal immigrants.

Now many of these groups overlap and you get a larger number than 45 million but about 8 million make too much to be on Medicaid, yet need coverage and can’t afford it. This is the target group that the congress and the White house needs to go after. To do that you don’t need to change the whole system which will end up with bad management, I give you:

-Cash for Clunkers
-Most State and Federal deficit explosions for 2009
-Public Education (no competitors) has led to lower test scores and more violence.
-War on Poverty
-War on Drugs
-Fannie Mae & Freddy Mac and all the fallout including:
-TARP (remember it was to buy all the “toxic” assets, which is has yet to do)
-Stimulus Package I (most of the money comes in election year 2010!)

Changes that would help and not hurt would be:
· Doctors & nurses who perform a certain amount of service for free in these clinics will have their student loans reduced and if they full fill a five year contract will have gone to school for free.
· Limits on awards for malpractice suits.
· Companies to make their employees aware of programs like Medicaid & S-CHIP.
· Tax credits for small companies who offer health insurance (public or private)
· A health insurance that 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.

The cost to companies and the public would be minimal and cover those who really do want to get health insurance but cannot afford it.

Part II: Nationalized Healthcare Service at the Clinic Level

There are two tiers to healthcare in the U.S.

The first is the clinic/G.P. doctors. This is the first line of defense against illness and first assessments of the need for hospitalization and long term care. One of the complaints is that people are seeing their doctors for minor health concerns, like colds and common flu, take up time and cost more than just using over the counter solutions. Reimbursements for vaccinations are such that nurses are the ones that usually administrate the shot and perform most of the work, freeing the G.P. for the final review and assess the more complex situations.

The second is the hospital and long term care needs. This is the arena of specialists and the area that per-patient costs are highest. This is where bones are set and life threatening treatments are performed.

The government (Fed or State) have an interest to keep costs under control. I believe that a regulated medical system is needed; however, direct involvement should be kept to a minimum at the hospital & specialist level.

The second approach I believe could work is one were more “free clinic” are available to those without health insurance. Staffing them is always an issue, but I have some ideas on that too. If a person without health insurance comes to a clinic for a non-emergency reason (flu/minor injury) they would have to be means tested. By this I mean that they have to fill out a financial record. Yes, it might be a bit time consuming and I don’t suggest this instead of treatment, but if the “Uninsured” is poor enough then they can sign up for Medicaid. If they have means but their employer doesn’t offer insurance, then a national ins. Policy linked to Medicaid type benefits would be offered but with premiums based on income.

This would be only offered to those currently without insurance.

• Doctors & nurses who perform a certain amount of service for free in these clinics will have their student loans reduced and if they full fill a five year contract will have gone to school for free.
• Limits on awards for malpractice suits.
• 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.