States are right place to address health care: Moped and Health Insurance Quotes Medicare

States are right place to address health care

As the debate over health care reform reaches a fevered pitch in Washington, I think it is appropriate for members of the General Assembly to put forward a state-based approach to lower health care costs and open up greater access.

States are right place to address health care

We’ve made some progress here already with dramatic medical malpractice tort reform. But the current federal proposal would eventually squeeze out private health coverage and quality care, replacing it with government-run coverage and mediocre care.

With fall sessions resuming, we have an opportunity to provide other states with a template for resistance to a federal takeover of health coverage and define a proactive approach to lowering costs and creating access for all Ohioans. I suggest the following:
PASS SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2

Universal health care is a goal shared by people from both parties, but states can define the context of that reform by taking a strong stand against an individual mandate and government-run health care.

Early this year while the health care debate still was simmering, I introduced SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment protecting the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and to purchase private health care coverage. It also prohibits the General Assembly from requiring any person to participate in any health care system or plan, or to impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan. This addition to our state constitution will be a clear expression by the people of Ohio that we do not want compulsory government-run health care
URGE CONGRESS TO REMOVE THE HANDCUFFS

We should pass resolutions urging Congress to provide the two most meaningful reforms they can: tax equality and interstate pooling of risk. Congress must address the disparity in tax treatment between those who have health care provided by an employer and those who purchase it themselves.
EXPLORE MULTI-STATE PARTNERSHIPS

The legislature should explore the legality and feasibility of entering into a multi-state compact for the provision of multi-state private health insurance. Compacts have allowed states to innovate while asserting their sovereignty. We should pass legislation directing Ohio to work with the Council of State Government’s Center for Interstate Compacts to explore this possibility.
ADDRESS WELLNESS AND PREVENTION

Healthy people cost less. While much can be done without legislation, I would urge legislators to think about ways the state can combat preventable chronic diseases, reduce childhood obesity and help local governments with healthy design. State Sen. Eric Kearney and I are set to introduce a bill addressing childhood obesity and school nutrition and activity.
COLLABORATION WITH THE PRIVATE INSURERS

We should seize the initiative and engage the health insurance and health care stakeholders to develop a low-cost bare bones product that anyone not eligible for Medicaid can afford. Remember that the private health insurance market is primarily regulated by the states, not by the federal government. Our ability to change the private market in Ohio, preferably by consensus, is important in showing that states are the rightful place for this reform.
ONE STOP SHOP FOR HEALTH CARE CONSUMERISM

Advanced consumerism in health care will lead to better quality and lower costs as providers compete for patients. The state should be taking steps to allow Ohioans to become better, more empowered consumers of health care. That means providing information to help them choose providers.

We should pass legislation establishing a Web site providing information on quality, cost and efficiency, so people can make informed decisions when choosing an insurance provider. The state already collects a host of data, including but not limited to hospital infection rates, disciplinary action, violations and much more. We also should collect information on the costs of procedures and services and their outcomes. Ohioans should have the opportunity to share their reviews of providers.

There is much more that Ohio and other states can do. But within the remaining timeframe of our session and with Congress moving quickly on federal reform, I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to show the nation why states are the right place to address critical health care issues.

Coughlin, a Republican, is a state senator from Cuyahoga Falls.

« Doctor-owned hospitals a lucrative practice | Leave Government Out Of Insurance Plan »

Instant Motorcycle Assurance Payments

Many women want to query about business motorbike insurance breakdown in El Paso or on-line road device assurance breakdown for teenagers. The answer is simple: look at the theme "States are right place to address health care" about health insurance quotes medicare and read the threads for women driver from the direct motorbike insurance adjusters.

States are right place to address health care

Category Health Insurance Quotes Medicare

Health Insurance Quotes Medicare

Levine Critiques Obama Plan to Health-Care. As the state Secretary of Health and Hospitals Alan Levine speaks at the monthly meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, ...

Local health care provider decries option. Local health care provider decries government option: Steve McConnellAuthor: Chad A major health-insurance provider that serves Wayne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania ...

Don’t mess up health insurance care. Chambliss: Don't "mess up" health care system: Charles OliverAuthor: Individual Health Insurance The United States has the best health care system ...

• Search option on automotive website

  • Find out the most affordable deals and prices here.