This week's Economist contrasts John McCain's focus on the cost of health care (see figure at left) that has caused the proportion of firms offering health care to their employees to fall from 69% in 2000 to 60% now, with the Democratic candidates' focus on universal coverage. McCain
...does not pretend to be able to solve this problem, but he offers a number of mechanisms that will help. The most important is to shake up the insurance market, by, for instance, allowing health-insurance companies to tout for business across state lines.
1) Make all health benefit contributions taxable income.
ReplyDelete2) Natural reductions in level and scope of health insurance coverage will occur without the subsidy.
3) First dollar coverage items such as physician visits will drop out of coverage and be paid full price out of pocket.
4) Increased competition over reduced demand will occur.
5) Happiness will ensue .... for some.