by C. L. Craven

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

Health Care reform has been a hot topic when politicians run for office. American people without health care long for the day when health care is no longer a desire but a reality. Who are these people without health care? Why can't they afford health care? Has anyone taken the time to actually accumulate accurate data on the health care issue? The only way to resolve the health care issue is know who and why.

First of all, many companies who were providing health care benefits before the economic crisis have totally eliminated benefits or are now charging their employees monthly premiums. Some companies will pay for their employee, but will charge high premiums for the spouse and children. At times as much as $600 per month.

When it comes to Health Insurance, one gets what they pay for. The higher the premium, the better the insurance. Either one pays now or later. Either way, one pays. As in car insurance, life insurance, fire insurance, etc. The better the policy, the more it costs. Understanding the principle of insurance and its origins would be a beginning for health care reform.

For example: A small town with a population of 500 decided to build its own hospital and house it with the appropriate staff. In order to afford the new facility it approached the towns people and stated what it would cost each household based on a percentage of their income. Of course, a waitress would not pay the same as a school teacher, etc. But, on the other hand, as the school teacher stated, should the waitress receive the same level of care if paying less than the school teacher? Thus, the problem with health care reform.

Can the United States Government guarantee quality health care reform? Only if they regulate pharmaceutical companies, physicians, hospitals, medical equipment companies with respect to escalating costs and charges can they begin to change the way health care providers view premiums. Claims obviously dominate the rise in health care premiums on a year to year basis.

Fraud should also be taken in to consideration when evaluating health care reform. How many times has a Physician requested the same test over simply because a hospital failed to run the correct test? Another charge to the patients insurance company with higher claims as a result and more money in the hospital and physician's pocket.

It is time for health care reform and perhaps we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and confess to our own weaknesses. Was that pain medication needed or

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