Healthcare...

Not many years ago a granddaughter was born with a heart defect. Because it was not detected before leaving the hospital, she nearly died. Her parents had good health coverage that made it possible for her be kept alive until she could have the life saving surgery she needed. They were lucky. They had good health coverage and only had to pay $7000 of the $150,000 bill to keep their infant girl alive and did not loose their home. For too long, health care in the United States has been a luxury for those who can afford it. The question is, why does the "greatest" country in the world not have universal health coverage? The answer is, profits. Until the Affordable Care Act, more than 30% of health care dollars spent in the United States went to administration, billing, and profits. The ACA, when enacted, included the 80/20 provision. This requirement applies a penalty to the insurer if less than 80% of health premiums are spent on health care. While I have issues with the ACA not being a true, single payer system, I now understand why insurers and the Republican Party have lobbied so strongly against it. The 80% requirement eats into profits that were going into pockets. Universal health care would not cost more than what we now have. The dollars currently spent on billing and profits would cover everyone in the U.S. with no additional dollars. People would not loose their homes because of health care costs and people would not have to choose their health care over providing for their families. Sent January 28, 2017