President hits out at critics of public insurance plan
President Barack Obama warned doctors Monday the U.S. health-care system was a ticking time bomb and urged them to support his overhaul, which includes a public insurance plan that many of them view with skepticism.
Obama took his healthcare campaign to the annual meeting of the influential American Medical Association, which represents 250,000 doctors and has historically been opposed to a bigger government role in the healthcare system.
"If we do not fix our health-care system, America may go the way of GM; paying more, getting less, and going broke," Obama said, likening the system to struggling carmaker General Motors, which has filed for bankruptcy protection.
"Make no mistake: the cost of our health care is a threat to our economy," said Obama, who wants a health-care reform bill on his desk by October.
"It is a ticking time bomb for the federal budget. And it is unsustainable for the United States of America," he said.
The U.S. health-care industry costs about $2.5 trillion annually, but leaves 46 million Americans uninsured and with little access to medical care.
The president's speech comes as debate sharpens over elements of the health-care overhaul being drafted by Congress, including how to pay for the plan and whether it should include a public insurance program to compete with private insurers.
Many Republicans reject a public plan and say there is not enough support in Congress for it. They argue it would ultimately drive private insurers out of business.
The AMA also has expressed doubts about any public plan that would be similar to the Medicare program for the elderly.
"I understand you are concerned that today's Medicare rates will be applied broadly in a way that means our cost savings are coming off your backs," Obama said. "These are legitimate concerns, but ones, I believe, that can be overcome."
After hearing Obama's speech, the AMA said it was premature to judge the administration without knowing details of how it planned to change the health-insurance system.
"What you heard today was a call for a thoughtful analysis of all the options," AMA president Dr. Nancy Nielsen said.
Obama received a standing ovation when he raised the issue of doctors being afraid to practise because of lawsuits, but there were a few boos seconds later when he said he did not support caps on malpractice awards.
Currently only two industrialized countries do not have a nation health care plan, and that is the United States and Turkey... How long do you think it will take us to move to having a national heath care system? and do you think it is a good idea?
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea, I don't think it'll come about still for a while, maybe close to the end of Obama's first term, maybe into his second term, if he gets to that... we'll see what happens there. But yes I think it is a great idea, as long as it gets done right, of course right not our nation can't really afford to do it. but I've been to countries that have national heath care, and medical things just seem to go so much smoother. you have basic health care and if you want more you can buy more. We'll see how Obama's plan plays out.
I've learned it doesn't matter if the nation has enough money or not, it still does what it wants. and especially now that the senate is heavy on the left, i feel that national health care will happen sooner than you think.
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