EDITORIAL: Promise more care, not coverage, and win the election
Though not seen much in punditry of late, health care remains the top policy worry throughout the country.
An annual Gallup poll in March revealed "health care" as the highest concern for the fifth year in a row. It found 55 percent of Americans surveyed worry "a great deal" about health care. Crime and violence, federal spending, and gun policy follow at 51 percent each. Drug problems trail at 45 percent.
Democratic nominee
His campaign website pitches a plan of "Medicare for all," and a "Single-Payer System" throughout a consortium of western states.
That is a brave pitch, given that
Polis declares his support of President
A Magellan Strategies poll of likely 2018 voters finds enthusiastic support for Obamacare won't do much. Among Coloradans, 48 percent oppose the law and 47 percent support it. Among unaffiliated voters, 48 percent support the health care act and 45 percent oppose it. That means
Republican nominee
Polis means well but mostly talks about health care in terms of readjusting third-party payer schemes. That's like addressing a perpetual food shortage with more food stamps, rather than food.
For better health care access at lower prices, we need more health care. We need market infusion, causing a surplus of innovative providers competing for patients -- whether paying with government assistance, insurance, or out of pocket.
Stapleton on Wednesday announced state Rep.
Sias co-sponsored House Bill 1365 this year to increase "investment in primary care."
This bill was not about redistributing coverage from one demographic to another, based on grievance status or need. It wasn't about promising health care for all with paper certificates that cause soaring deductibles and other forms of rationing.
Imagine we had a crisis of inaccessible, unaffordable bread. This bill would address the problem by directing investment into bakeries, not just certificates that buy bread if one can find it.
The bill is full of language to ensure more care, not just more insurance chasing an insufficient supply of doctors and nurses. Example:
"A primary care system with adequate resources would ensure delivery of the right care, in the right place, at the right time." In other words, let's have market response to demand.
The bill directed the
Key phrase: expand the capacity.
Finally, someone with a vision to create more care and not just coverage on paper. Legislators didn't pass it, but voters may have a different view. Unlike politicians, they don't answer to health care lobbyists. Properly communicated, a plan for health care surplus could resonate across party lines.
Health care is the prize in the fall election, regardless of noise about
Competition and supply provide the key to better care, easier access, and lower prices. Candidates with plans for a consumer-friendly, supply side disruption can win their elections.
The Gazette editorial board
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