Breaking Down Barriers

During a campaign, it’s easy to be caught up in the “proper way” to act, what to say, how to say it, and so forth. I’ve lived such a full life with so many experiences that I’m at a point in my life where I’ve thrown out the “proper way” in exchange for just being myself. It’s easy for us to stereotype candidates by the short remarks and the so- called talking points. Over the course of the campaign, I would like to break down those barriers and get to know each other better.

Nothing to fear

I had some advice when I decided to run for office against a career politician: “Stay away from Health Care, your opponent is an expert in the area.” Really? Here’s something my close friends know about me: I’m not afraid to tackle any issue or fight for anyone. I’m also not going to sit back and watch when we clearly need practical health care reform. I look forward to the debate and encourage others who are knowledgeable in the subject matter to express their opinions to me. I will carry the message.

Where’s the common sense?

I was trying to find the best insurance rates for our family. When I was comparing the insurance companies I asked the agent on the phone “How do I know which health insurance company is getting the lowest price advantage since I would be responsible for the other 20% of the bill.” She replied, “ you don’t”. 20% of $100 is a lot different than 20% of $800. It reminds me of the days when we didn’t buy our airline tickets off the internet. One guy would pay $1200 for a ticket while the other guy next to him paid $200. At least when you stay in a hotel, you have an idea of what the room will cost based on the season and the amenities. There is no reason why the medical community can’t operate in a more user friendly way.

Show your price-tag. This isn’t a flea market.

Practical health care reform needs to be addressed. The fact that hospitals are having to negotiate their prices with insurances companies and being reimbursed far less than their cost by the government has created an unhealthy market for heath care products and services; forcing others to pick up the tab. If hospitals set the price and make their prices transparent to the patient this would allow for more competitive rates based on quality of care. As the health care billing system is set up now, one patient receives care for more cost than another based on who is making the payment rather than on the actual care. This makes absolutely no sense from a consumer stand point. The consumers of health care happen to be just about everyone at some point in their life.

The current reform legislation is putting a disinfected band-aid on a system that needs surgery.