Healthcare Poll

Ok, this healthcare situation in Washington is getting annoying. Both the Republicans and Democrats ( the entire Congress) really needs to go. They appear not to be representing the people, only their own self interests. So, that being said, I am offering a solution and want to understand if my ideas are way off of the general public desires.So, please give me a comment below on this proposal.

The current Congress has attempted to take on a challenge in its entirity.This was a major mistake. There are about 20- 25 different issues which cover about 90% of all healthcare issues. Thus, I propose that the Congress develop 5 independent bills that cover the 25 different issues. Each bill would cover 5 items that progressively are more difficult to agree on. The first bill consists of the below 5 items which I believe will have little disagreement. The next bill which will be in 6 months will take the next 5 items and so on. Maybe in 2 or 3 years we will have a great health care plan for every American.

The first bill will consist of the following items:

1) Definition of what "minimum coverage" each American would have.
Based on the fact that each state controls insurance requirements and I fear that a Federal Government requirement overriding the state may be unconstitutional, all states need to send representatives to a conference and develop a common denominator of basic coverage all states can accept as a minimum. A facilitator will be present to ensure progress goes forward and some concenses is reached. For this reason, I would define basic coverage being something like "major medical" is currently offering. Drug and other optional coverage would not be included as required but would be offered by the employers at an additional cost. Depending on the employer, the employee would have to pay for any other coverage or be offered it free as a hiring incentative. This also would create lower prices by increasing competition and allowing employees to buy only the coverage they need.

2) Government defined "required minimum" would be mandated to be offered by all employers or an equivalent amount of money given to an employee to purchase a "required minimum' from a vendor of their choice.If the employee chooses to buy the insurance elsewhere, they must show proof of insurance to their employer or the employer would be required to sign them up under the company plan. The advantage here would be that companies would be better incentivize employees with wellness programs to lower their costs when negotiating plan costs.

3) Employers would be able to buy the coverage for their employees from anywhere in the United States from any vendor in the country. This will allow companies to negotiate prices between companies and lower costs.

4)Everyone would be offered a plan, even those with pre-existing conditions.Those with pre-existing conditions could not be charged more than 50% over the average base amount for people without pre-existing conditions. This applies to individual policies not corporate policies.

5) Insurance plans can be taken with you when you are laid off or change jobs.

Ok, this is what the first bill will cover and nothing else and should be able to start by January 1, 2011. Over the next 6 months, a committee from Congress would decide on the next 6 items for the next bill.

Well, what do you say ?.........Can we get agreement on these 5 items ........and go forward ?. We need to be all winners, not one party or another. As time goes on, I'll make suggestions on Bill #2 and #3 and so forth. Check back for their details.