Health Care Debate

• As many of you know, Congress is currently debating legislation that would massively reorganize our health care system under what is euphemistically called a “public option.”  In reality, this new plan would not only limit your options, but cost the “public” enormous amounts of money while only covering 1/3 of those currently without health care.  But, leadership is not pointing out problems, it is finding solutions.  Which is why I was drawn to this.

  As an employer I know what skyrocketing health care costs are doing to our small businesses.  Much like the insurance industry here in Florida, what the health care industry needs is robust competition, incentives and rewards for prevention and healthy living, technology upgrades and tax incentives to make those happen, individual ownership of health care, state action on cleaning up fraud and waste, and much more.  It is refreshing, as the USA Today pointed out, that “On Health Care, Republicans Move Beyond ‘Just Say No’.”

  I would encourage everyone to read this Q and A from Rep. Ryan’s office.  It is full of useful information.

  We are truly at a crossroads.  With government takeovers of the Auto, Banking, Financial Services, and other industries, the time for a serious and informational debate is now.  Those of us who know that government does not create jobs, wealth, opportunity, or growth know we are on the right side of history.  We must make it our mission to convince our fellow Americans.  As the Wall Street Journal put so well, “Will the next health-reform bill lock in a system of job-based health insurance or allow more individual choice and portability to fit a 21st century work force?”  I believe we must innovate…Let the Debate Begin.