Just say no to corporations

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

National Health Care that Doesn't Solve the Problem

Obama and Edwards both have specific plans now for universal health care, but they both rely on a system that is fundamentally flawed - the health insurance industry.

The health insurance industry is different from other industries in that they achieve their maximum profitability by denying services to their customers whenever possible. Their entire business structure is based around finding ways to generate the maximum inflow of revenue while providing the least possible benefits.

The millions of uninsured are a big problem in this country, but often those who do have insurance still can't get basic health care because the insurance industry does all it can to discourage or prevent it. Forcing everyone to buy into this system only increases profits for the insurance corporations.

These plans may in some cases help protect individuals from catastrophic costs due to sudden, unexpected illness, but they will do little to help the average uninsured person have access to routine medical care.