Four reasons for the need for health care reform

Medical reform requires four reasons. First, health care costs are skyrocketing. In 2011, the average cost of a family of four increased by 7.3% to $19,393. This is almost twice the cost of nine years ago. It is estimated that by 2030, the payroll tax will only account for 38% of medical insurance costs. The rest will lead to a federal budget deficit.


Second, medical reform will improve the quality of medical care. Most Americans are surprised to find that their country has the worst health care in developed countries. 70% of Americans die of chronic diseases and 45% of Americans die of chronic diseases. As the population ages, the incidence of these diseases will increase rapidly.


By 2023, cancer and diabetes will increase by 50% and heart disease will increase by 40%. At the same time, the incidence of hypertension and lung disease will increase by 30%, and the incidence of stroke will increase by 25%. Each year, treatment costs total $1.7 trillion, accounting for 75% of all medical expenses. This cost can be reduced through disease prevention and health programs.


Third, the reform covers almost 25% of Americans with little health insurance. More than 101,000 Americans die each year without insurance. For example, the average visit fee for an emergency room is $1,265. The average cost of chemotherapy is between $7,000 and $30,000. These costs can drain people's savings or make them lose their homes. To make matters worse, many people have to give up treatment because they can't afford it. This is not only bad for them, but also bad for the economy. Half of the bankruptcy was caused by high medical expenses.


Fourth, health care reform needs to curb the economic costs of medical fraud. Every year, 3% to 10% of people suffer losses due to fraud. This is equivalent to $60 billion to $200 billion a year. If these percentages also apply to the $436 billion health insurance plan, the cost of fraud will range from $14 billion to $30 billion.


Recent medical reforms in the United States


In 1993, President Clinton launched the Health and Safety Act under the leadership of First Lady Hillary. It provides universal health insurance and management competition between medical insurance companies. The government will control the cost of doctor's bills and insurance premiums. Health insurers will compete to provide companies and individuals with the best and lowest cost package. This is in contrast to medical insurance where the government directly contracts with doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. Medical insurance is called a single payer system. Most people get insurance through their employer. People who don't have a job can buy health insurance from the regional health league. The federal government will subsidize the cost of low-income individuals. That bill failed in 1994.


In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became law. That year it began to gradually implement new health care benefits and expenses. It has also begun to expand coverage to cover those who have pre-existing conditions, children and dismissed people. It subsidizes small businesses and older people who have high cost of prescription drugs. It also provides funding to alleviate the shortage of doctors and nurses. These costs are offset by higher payroll taxes, prescription drug company fees, and lower hospital fees.


Even before he was elected president, Barack Obama campaigned for reform of health care. He wants those who can't get insurance from the employer to get more insurance. His "public choice" attempts to extend plans like health insurance to anyone who needs it. This will reduce the cost of the government, including young, healthy people who pay a modest premium. But concerns about “social medical care” have led to the exchange of health insurance.


ACA also established a National Health Council. The new federal agency will set a cap on the total amount of health care spending across the country. This means it regulates health insurance costs. For individuals, it limits the maximum pay-as-you-go for the year.


President Donald Trump is trying to reverse these health care reform efforts. Congress tried to abolish Obama’s medical reform but failed. But Congress did cancel the requirement that everyone buy insurance or pay taxes. This can reduce the number of people who are insured. Over time, health care costs will rise faster as uninsured people return to the emergency room as primary care physicians. Trump's health care plan has found many other ways to greatly weaken affordable health care bills.