ACA Repeal/Replace: Progressives Face Moral Dilemma

[Bob Butler 54]

(08-18-2017, 10:31 AM)David Horn Wrote:

(08-18-2017, 07:23 AM)Kinser79 Wrote: If I were to suggest a model, I would suggest that it be as follows:

1. Abolish medicaid, SCHIP, VA Hospitals (and yes I'm a "vet" too--I just served during a time of relative peace in a service unlikely to see action except in "big ones") and other sundry programs.
   
2. Expand medicare to cover everyone and cover any procedures deemed by doctors to be medically necessary. 
   
3. Allow private insurance to cover elective procedures.
   
4. Reduce total qualification age of medicare to birth.
   

Problem solved.  It will never be implemented of course because it makes too much sense.  Also this is the very ideas that have been pushed by Dennis Kuchinich since forever.

This has a shot, but not soon, but if ti does, I would leave the specialized health systems in place.  The VA is the best service for PTSD and rehab of war injuries.  The Indian and Native American Health Services also have special knowledge and support staffs that are hard to replace by a one-size-fits-all system.  Of course, the CDC and NIH are specialized, important, but not direct providers.

Good points.  If possible I might try to streamline the upper level administration and bureaucracy while keeping the specialist stuff intact at a meet-the-patient level.