by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

Fox news reviewed some of the "things" that may have been included in the new stimulus package, which most certainly be passed in a short time. One inclusion that was referenced is the "rationing health care for seniors". Although it does seem out of place in the stimulus package. Most believe that health care will be next on the agenda for our new president.

We all know the time has come that in order to afford the high standard of care that we have become accustomed. Something has to give or most certainly change. It is a hard fact of life and a big step, but it will be taken whether we like it or not.

Rationing health care for seniors makes sense. As long as the priorities are right. Who among us has the least to lose? It would however , require a new mind set. A change in how we believe things should be in our health care delivery system. In health care, the goal has been and should be the pursuit of excellence in care. However, attaining and maintaining this goal, is now cost prohibitive.

There are movements going on in new directions. The latest workshop from "Savings Beyond Price" blog. Robert T. Yoki - President and chief value Strategist. Strategic Value Analysis {R} In Health care. Shares ideas on how to move forward. The early stages for changing health care are as visible as they are necessary.

To change health care, Yoki advocates taking one small step in the right direction. So where do we begin. Wise minds are hopefully working to redesign our health care delivery system. In our lifetime I imagine these changes will not come easily, but they will come none the less.

Perhaps rationing health care for seniors is the beginning of the beginning, but certainly not the end to a long unpaved road. It will not be a pleasure trip. And it will be more like a survival course. Hopefully, the next generation will benefit from a refined health care delivery system.

In the USA, would we be wise to use our advances in health care with a greater respect? To consider carefully about those that would benefit most. And how we are to continue to pay for the delivery and the expertise needed. Limits should be set in the pursuit of a prolonged life, beyond what is reasonable and after it is of no value to the patient. It has been considered morally right by those of us that have such a compass. Yet, we continue to struggle with ambiguity. And against tides. For some of us, there are some religious implications against the removal of a feeding tube, even on a poor lifeless and mindless soul. Considered wrong by some, it has been said, that there is considerate merit to man's suffering.

We need a change . We need appropriate health care that does not have over its head the threats of disproportionate liability for those that are in its practice . This, is what often leads to a " defensive " practice, thus increasing the cost of malparactice insurance and in turn, passing it on to the health care consumer. Health care, could be better with a broad stroke education available to the public on self care as it relates to basic health maintenance, and chronic disease management. It is a possibility whose time has come.

Will the change be to socialized medicine? Many other countries that have this in place are unhappy with it. As it is health care designed for the young and the well.

Many patients from other countries, come to the USA because they can afford its cost. Others who are our citizens, must walk away, as it is not within their reach.

We have been both blessed and cursed by our advances in medicine. Yet, we still have one of the best health care systems. Hopefully, in our attempt to make it affordable, we don't have to "throw out the baby with the bath water".

Learn more about this author, Olivia Bredbenner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.