Will the Republican’s Healthcare Reform Proposals Be Considered?

The Republicans have put forth their ideas on healthcare reform and although it’s unlikely any items would be adopted, it makes a lot more sense than the 2,000 page bill the Democrats are trying to pass.

The Patient-Doctor alliance in not partisan… but we see the that the Republican proposals do align with our vision of true reform. And they wouldn’t increase debt or lower the standard of care.

They are:

Number one: let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines;

Number two: allow individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do today;

Number three: give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower health care costs; and

Number four: end junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it’s good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued.

These solve the major issues facing American doctors and patients: Lowering health care costs through allowing better choices on insurance; and tort reform to end the practice of defensive medicine.

With the Democrats fully in control of congress, it’s unlikely that these will see the light of day. And unfortunately America is likely to be subjected to reform that does nothing to solve the main issues of health care.

photo credit: Andrew Aliferis