The Torch, Spring/Summer 2010

16 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2010 Viewpoints JAKUB KRECHOWICZ | ISTOCKPHOTO If we learn anything from the current health care controversy, it will be the force of public debate — its power to oppose radical shifts in the scope and power of government. Learning about the legislation and its influence on our nation is the first step in this process. This is why so many have invested so much time and effort in reading and digesting, as much as possible, the health care proposals. Congress has now passed and the president has signed both the Senate version of the reform bill and the “fixes” from both Houses. Reform was supposed to make health care coverage affordable and available for all Americans. But when affordability comes at the cost of more than a trillion dollars, by some estimates, we are headed for some serious problems. And when increased availability is made impossible for many citizens because of those huge costs, we have equal trouble. Adding Up the Receipts Medical research and innovation have transformed the quality of patient care. Few would disagree that the United States offers the best quality health care in the world. But you can’t have quality service for nothing. Better care inevitably means higher prices. But the government, too, is responsible for raising the cost of health care. For example, states can limit the number of providers who sell insurance in their state. In some states, that number is one. Less competition means higher prices. Also, medical care is heavily regulated, incurring costs but providing minimal benefit. Finally, Medicare and Medicaid are administered by huge, costly bureaucracies. Counting the Cost by Marc A. Clauson, Ph.D.