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What would a Real Universal Health Plan look like?
11-08-2009, 05:13 PM
11-08-2009, 05:13 PM
The current plans being tossed around fall far short of what would really help America. It creates a huge bloated bureaucracy and does little to solve the real problems with health care in America today.
Here are my thoughts on what a real system might look like.
First, it would cover all American's, not just some.
Costs would be done through a separate tax.
Those under 18, and those earning less than $15,000 would pay nothing.
Those who choose to have private insurance receive a fair tax credit.
Cost is deducted via payroll tax like FICA/SSI/etc.
FICA taxes are collected at a rate of 7.65% on gross earnings - earnings before any deductions. The breakdown of FICA is 6.2% for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI) and 1.45% for Medicare. There are upper limits to what is taxed. This system can be used here.
Using a 2% rate, someone grossing $20k would pay about $34/month in costs.
The plan would cover:
1 eye exam and 1 pair of glasses every 2 years.
Basic Dental Care
Basic Drug Care
Recommended Primary visits
Basic tests
Emergency Services.
Depending on your plan level, a copay may apply.
Some drugs, treatments and services may not be covered.
Cosmetic treatments, as well as vanity services would not be covered.
This is much like any other policy.
Doctors may choose to opt-out of accepting the insurance.
Your Social Security number could (though shouldn't be) all you need to access for treatment. As long as you file a tax return, you are covered.
I still dispute the constitutionality of a forced health plan, and I dispute the constitutionality of a forced retirement plan, however, if we are to be forced to have something, this seems at the moment the less intrusive manner. It retains choice, it allows for the purchasing of superior coverage through a private firm, and it allows for the ones most in need to get the basics needed.
Thoughts?
Here are my thoughts on what a real system might look like.
First, it would cover all American's, not just some.
Costs would be done through a separate tax.
Those under 18, and those earning less than $15,000 would pay nothing.
Those who choose to have private insurance receive a fair tax credit.
Cost is deducted via payroll tax like FICA/SSI/etc.
FICA taxes are collected at a rate of 7.65% on gross earnings - earnings before any deductions. The breakdown of FICA is 6.2% for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI) and 1.45% for Medicare. There are upper limits to what is taxed. This system can be used here.
Using a 2% rate, someone grossing $20k would pay about $34/month in costs.
The plan would cover:
1 eye exam and 1 pair of glasses every 2 years.
Basic Dental Care
Basic Drug Care
Recommended Primary visits
Basic tests
Emergency Services.
Depending on your plan level, a copay may apply.
Some drugs, treatments and services may not be covered.
Cosmetic treatments, as well as vanity services would not be covered.
This is much like any other policy.
Doctors may choose to opt-out of accepting the insurance.
Your Social Security number could (though shouldn't be) all you need to access for treatment. As long as you file a tax return, you are covered.
I still dispute the constitutionality of a forced health plan, and I dispute the constitutionality of a forced retirement plan, however, if we are to be forced to have something, this seems at the moment the less intrusive manner. It retains choice, it allows for the purchasing of superior coverage through a private firm, and it allows for the ones most in need to get the basics needed.
Thoughts?
Fee structures.
ReplyDeleteMany stores now offer low cost drugs. Walmart, Target, Walgreens all offer a $4 prescription plan.
Xrays.
I've never been clear why my chiropractor can charge $50 for an xray, while my orthopedist charges $150, and my dentist $100, especially when they all seem to be using the same gear. Seems some of them have much larger markups than others. Standardize payouts for doctors accepting the national plan. This is already in existing plans.