Conservatives, what do you think should be done to fix the healthcare problem?

[Shizzles]

Encourage competition between insurance companies.

Introduce tort reform as well as subsidies for doctor's college bills.

Increase payouts for Medicare so as to attract more quality doctors to the program.

Cut the epic fraud and waste in Medicaid. NYS once surmised it's own medicaid program was something like 50% waste. Those savings alone would help bring more people onto the rolls.

Make employers health insurance tax deductable.

Encourage more free-market competition btw doctors themselves. Alot of doctors charge the rates they do becuase the American public never gets to truly see the bill.

[floridasandy]

i think that ron paul has come up with a solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foXQbmZxWYY

he also suggested support of the following:

bills Congress should pass to reduce health care costs and leave more money in the pockets of families:

HR 3075 provides truly comprehensive health care reform by allowing families to claim a tax credit for the rising cost of health insurance premiums. With many families now spending close to $1000 or even more for their monthly premiums, they need real tax relief – including a dollar-for-dollar credit for every cent they spend on health care premiums – to make medical care more affordable.

HR 3076 is specifically designed to address the medical malpractice crisis that threatens to drive thousands of American doctors – especially obstetricians – out of business. The bill provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit that permits consumers to purchase "negative outcomes" insurance prior to undergoing surgery or other serious medical treatments. Negative outcomes insurance is a novel approach that guarantees those harmed receive fair compensation, while reducing the burden of costly malpractice litigation on the health care system. Patients receive this insurance payout without having to endure lengthy lawsuits, and without having to give away a large portion of their award to a trial lawyer. This also drastically reduces the costs imposed on physicians and hospitals by malpractice litigation. Under HR 3076, individuals can purchase negative outcomes insurance at essentially no cost.

HR 3077 makes it more affordable for parents to provide health care for their children. It creates a $500 per child tax credit for medical expenses and prescription drugs that are not reimbursed by insurance. It also creates a $3,000 tax credit for dependent children with terminal illnesses, cancer, or disabilities. Parents who are struggling to pay for their children's medical care, especially when those children have serious health problems or special needs, need every extra dollar.

HR 3078 is commonsense, compassionate legislation for those suffering from cancer or other terminal illnesses. The sad reality is that many patients battling serious illnesses will never collect Social Security benefits – yet they continue to pay into the Social Security system. When facing a medical crisis, those patients need every extra dollar to pay for medical care, travel, and family matters. HR 3078 waives the employee portion of Social Security payroll taxes (or self-employment taxes) for individuals with documented serious illnesses or cancer. It also suspends Social Security taxes for primary caregivers with a sick spouse or child. There is no justification or excuse for collecting Social Security taxes from sick individuals who literally are fighting for their lives.

i also agree with shizzles that more effort really needs to be made to find and prosecute the fraudulent claims. there is a huge amount of money, which was intended for health CARE, leaving the system through fraud.

[hortysir]

Originally Posted by darstar

Then you would be in favor of getting rid of Income tax ? , State and national.

Flat Tax, actually

[darstar]

Originally Posted by hortysir

Flat Tax, actually

Good idea , but won't work with current Government structure. You need to get rid of lobbys first...then try a flat tax aproach....Good luck with that !

[hortysir]

Originally Posted by darstar

Good idea , but won't work with current Government structure. You need to get rid of lobbys first...then try a flat tax aproach....Good luck with that !

I know....