Why A Government Option?

When it comes to healthcare reform it's become pretty obvious that the Liberal Democrats in congress want a public option, government run and paid, and a free market solution is not to be considered. But now a fee market solution is on the table. And I like it.

Arizona Representative John Shadegg has come up with a healthcare reform bill which encourages patient choice and competition. The only role the government would play would be to assist people who are unable to afford insurance to pay for the plan of their choice. Imagine if you could shop for your health insurance the way you shop for your car insurance or, for that matter, how you shop for the car itself.

This would empower the consumer of healthcare by allowing them to choose the plan that best suits them, and not relying solely on what their employer offers. If you prefer alternative medicine, you could find a plan that covers that. If you have a pre-existing condition, you could find a plan that doesn't exclude that. If you want only catastrophic coverage, you could get that kind of plan. You could choose something that really meets your own individual needs. This would also enable you to choose a plan that your doctor participates in instead of choosing a doctor from your plan. The cost of the plan would also come into play. The competition on price would necessarily drive the price down.

So why does a healthcare bill that empowers the consumer to control their own plan and encourages competition have little to no chance of passing? Possibly because it does nothing to increase the power of the federal government. This is really the main goal of many of those in our Congress today. And in years past.

If you, like me, like John Shadegg's idea, please let your Congressmen know. There will be no chance of this being considered if we the people do not let our representative in congress know that this is what we want. Without the pressure from us, they will pass the bill that is less concerned with our benefit, than with the increase of their own power.

I offer you this challenge, when a bill is proposed in Congress and up for a vote, ask yourself whether or not that new law will increase the power of the federal government. Then ask yourself if the same end could have been achieved without an increase in federal power. You might be surprised by what you find.


All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. - Thomas Jefferson