By Doug May
On Christmas Day as many were celebrating God’s gift of a Savior, Senator Tom Udall sent out an e-mail celebrating the Senate’s passage of a health care bill.
He wrote, “I am proud to say that this Christmas Eve vote was a monumental step towards making sure all New Mexicans have the opportunity to live healthier lives for generations to come.” That promise requires a lot of gullibility to believe. But there is no doubt that in so doing the Senate took a giant step toward governmental control of health care. That is more socialism.
The socialist mind favors government control as the only way to be “fair.” In so doing they always demonize the private sector.
Udall explains, “Those who have been refused coverage because of unfair insurance policies like discrimination based on pre-existing conditions will get the protection they need.” What he is saying, for example, is that a woman who is pregnant should be allowed to buy health insurance and have her delivery covered. By paying $500 for a few monthly payments she should have $10,000 to $20,000 in hospital and doctors bills covered by her insurance. And Udall has the gall to call that insurance company “unfair” for not doing that. It is unfair to the insurance company to require it.
Auto insurance companies have a variety of rates based on the type of vehicle and the person’s driving record. If a person has 2 DWI and several speeding tickets his is going to be charged more for insurance. Such a system encourages good conduct. The same should apply to health insurance. Unhealthy life styles on average are going to require more health care. Fairness requires that the one who will receive more help should pay more.
However, the government should continue to support those clinics that charge on the basis of what a person is able to pay.
The bothersome thing is the socialistic mind set that demonizes capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, doing business based on private decision rather than by state control and competing in a free market. Capitalism is in a large part responsible for the good health care system we have. Capitalistic health care encourages innovation and provides better care for more people.
Udall, on the other hand, is promoting “a system where health care is a right for all Americans, not just a privilege for the wealthy.” This is the first time that I have ever fallen into the category of being one of “the wealthy.” I do have good health care. Over 90 percent of our population is “wealthy” because they have good health care. Even those who do not have health insurance are receiving health care.
Our Bill of Rights does not mention health care. But it does say we have the right to pursue happiness. Pursue means we must work for what makes us happy.
There are several factors that have inflated health care costs.
• States that do not allow all insurance companies to compete in their states.
• Insurance companies that only cover treatments at certain hospitals or for certain doctors.
• Costs for those who have insurance is higher to make up for those who do not pay.
•High malpractice insurance for doctors and hospitals that causes them to recommend tests and treatments that are not always necessary.
• Governmental regulations.
If a person would pay cash, most visits and treatment would cost less than one half of what is now charged. We don’t need the socialist’s approach. We need fewer governmental regulations.
Doug May is a retired Lutheran pastor and his views do not necessarily represent the Mountain Mail.
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Udall, on theibc other hand, is promoting “a system where health care is a right for all Americans, not just a privilege for the wealthy.” This is the first 7mtime that I have ever fallen into the category of being one of “the wealthy.” I do have good health
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