Presidential Election

Okay, my homework is done and it's time for bed. I just need to put one more comment up here that will get me started on a topic that I'm sure will arise quite often over the next 6 to 8 months.

While I am not 100% in favor with John McCain and his views on political issues, he is a far better candidate (in my opinion) than Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. One issue that raises major concerns in the debate is "Universal Health Care". Now believe me, I am one who will always believe that those who need health care should have it. But I also think that those who receive the benefits should earn it. No free rides here.

The problem with the health care plan that Clinton and Obama are proposing is the lack of preparation for one key issue, "The Cost of Health Care". Health Care is expensive for many reasons, some of which I will list here: 1) Insurance Companies, 2) The cost of health care related education, 3) The increasing population, and 4) Technology. If the cost of health care is converted over so that the government is paying it all for everyone, nobody will have any money left over after taxes. That's just all there is too it.

Health care insurance companies are the only organizations in the public health care sector that make money. They profit more than 1 billion dollars a year, while hospitals are having to take out loans just to keep their staff paid.

Did you know that to attend dental school for 4 years, it would cost more than $160,000 just in tuition expenses? Add in living costs, and emergencies and you are well over $200k to become a dentist. So is it any wonder that a dentist charges $1000 for one root canal? I don't think so. While we should not undermine the quality of medical education, it should become more affordable so that it does not increase the cost of care down the road.

Also, the population is increasing at alarming rates in some areas, that the health care sector is understaffed. I don't think a single hospital in the valley has enough nurses that are necessary to keep their stations running smoothly. All this does is decrease the quality, while the cost rises with inflation.

Finally, technology is getting better and better, but that means that the cost is going to increase. However, better technology often brings with it shorter recovery times, and less invasive procedures. Improving technology is one area that should not be restricted.

If you ask me, there should be regulations set on the insurance companies. First, limit how much money they can make. If they go over that amount, all the excess funds should be placed into an account that will pay for health care for those who don't have insurance. Excess profits can also be funnelled to hospitals to help reduce debt so that they can have nice facilities and sufficient staff.

There should also be a program started that will help new doctors pay off debt. I would bet $100 that there would be thousands of doctors that would give more money to charity and to the needy if their debt was paid off. Limit their salary to $100 k a year for 5 years, and every dollar they make after that goes to health insurance for those who don't have it. As a reward for such generosity, their student loans will paid off. How does that sound?

I'm curious to hear what you think. Maybe I was just rambling, but that's what a blog is for.