Unfortunately in this age of hyper-partisan politics, the issue isn't getting much real discussion focused on practical solutions. Democrats and Republicans have retreated to their respective corners and are preaching to their choirs. Democrats think they have a winner defending the Affordable Care Act with their base: Half of their campaign advertising cash is being spent on ads about Obamacare. Having failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Republicans aren't saying too much, hoping other issues will steal the limelight.
In Nevada however, health care is a particularly contentious issue. After briefly flirting with Whig centrism, Democratic Senate challenger Jacky Rosen has returned to her central theme: attacking Republican Dean Heller over his "flip flop on Obamacare". Dean Heller has in turn pointed out that while he did fall into line to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, he has since worked hard to ensure that the popular pre-existing conditions mandate is maintained. As early voting begins, the race has tightened to a dead-heat.
On the morning of Tuesday November 7, we're going to be left with the same mess. Is there a way out?
For many of us, health care is an issue that can trigger our deepest fears both for us and our families. Facing a serious injury or disease, could we get financially wiped out or discover we can't get the medical care we need? If we feel reasonably secure about our health care coverage, how much is it costing us? These worries and concerns cut across party lines and our poorest neighbors feel them most keenly.
What can we agree on? The Affordable Care Act was developed and implemented in a partisan manner which has led to the current impasse. Nonetheless, it was at least an attempt to fix problems with the health care system that have built up over the past 90 years. Reminds me of certain early aircraft designs.
Wouldn't it be nice to design something better?
The Modern Whig Party recognizes that government has clearly established its central role in our health care system and believes that:
- Health insurance should be available, portable and affordable for all citizens, with means-tested government subsidies for those who cannot pay in full.
- Health benefits should be separated from employment -- the practice of saddling employers with costly pension and health insurance benefit obligations is hurting the ability of American companies to compete in the global economy.
- The Affordable Care Act does not do the full job of extending health care coverage to all Americans. More research and work needs to be done, and legislative changes will have to be made in order to correct some of the shortfalls of the ACA while preserving some of its successes.
- The ultimate goal should be to reduce overall healthcare spending while improving access, quality and efficiency and ensuring health care providers are fairly compensated for the vital services they perform.
Who knows? If it proved popular, one of the main parties might steal it and implement it. I'd call that success - the aim here is to help America move forward to a better system of health care.
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