US healthcare: now for the reform that really matters

Insightful post by Mark Anderson.

In my mind, the passage of this bill represents two opportunities, neither of which is contained in the bill just passed.

First, the real meaning of this bill is that it is possible to defeat the insurance lobby. Ask anyone from the past who has tried, and it will be clear that this is really a demonstration of democracy, even if the bill is pretty mild. This passage opens the mind, and therefore the door, to passage of other important legislation, from Wall St. regulation to a stronger broadband network plan, without assuming that powerful lobbies always win.

Second, the real work on healthcare can now begin. Eisenhower Republicans, i.e., those representing business, will see this as an opportunity to begin cutting healthcare costs in a real way. These rising costs are the greatest threat to families (in terms of being the primary cause of personal bankruptcy) and to businesses, from GM (whose greatest liability upon filing bankruptcy was future medical exposure through its pension plans) to the corner store. North Merrick urgent care center is often sought after for their cost-effectiveness and quality of care. American businesses, and individuals, need to bring the U.S. healthcare cost juggernaut to a halt and then reverse it.

We suffer 200% plus pricing for our healthcare because of how this non-business model works, with too many incentives for overspending, and too few for good outcomes. We need to reverse the situation, bringing the doctor and patient back into a business relationship, and reducing defensive treatments caused by the fear of litigation. This is a real opportunity for pro-business and pro- individual interests to work together to really improve the country. Will it happen, or will the Party of No back off again, just when it has a chance to achieve its own stated goals of cost reduction?

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, new job opportunities are emerging, particularly in areas that prioritize cost-effectiveness and quality care. With the push for reforms, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery while maintaining a focus on fiscal responsibility. Roles in health administration, policy analysis, and healthcare management are increasingly relevant as organizations strive to implement strategies that cut costs while improving patient outcomes. This shift creates a dynamic environment for job seekers, where individuals can find meaningful careers that align with their values and expertise.

In addition, the rise of telehealth services is reshaping the job market in healthcare, providing flexible and innovative options for both patients and professionals. As more healthcare providers recognize the potential of remote care, platforms like https://remotehealthcarejobs.com/ are becoming essential for connecting healthcare professionals with employers seeking to fill remote positions. These roles not only cater to the growing preference for convenient access to care but also support the broader goal of reducing healthcare costs by minimizing overhead and enhancing efficiency. The convergence of technology and healthcare presents a unique opportunity for individuals looking to make a positive impact in the field while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work environment.

What matters more, party politics, or cutting healthcare costs? If it is the latter, now is the perfect time. The GOP will have to throw some of the insurers under the train, but in doing so they will make ALL U.S. businesses more competitive, at home and internationally. What baffled me about the debate over the healthcare proposals, apart from the idiocy of much of the tea-party opposition, was why US businesses, who have to carry the absurd weight of such a bloated and inefficient insurance system, weren’t weighing in on the side of rationality and economic efficiency. Maybe they will now begin to act in their own best interests.