On movie after movie we see the evil of HMOs and the insurance companies. Limit what is covered, denying benefits, denying services, etc. Well folks, oftentimes it is not the fault of the HMOs or the insurance companies, but rather the government. The government has placed restrictions on what a company can or cannot cover. Insurance companies cannot legally develop a plan for an individual. They must instead provide coverage for a predetermined group of benefits. What does that mean??? Well if your are a single individual the premiums you pay cover the cost of these benefits which include, prenatal and pediatric care.

Rather than putting together a package to cover the services I may need, instead because of government regulation, I am paying a premium the covers the cost of services I may never need.

Allow the companies to make individual based coverages, that individuals can choose. Not only will this lower the cost of premiums, but will make insurance more affordable for everyone.

Second, allow insurance companies to operate nationally. There are several states that only allow insurance to be purchased and used in said state. This again causes prices to rise.

Third, pass legislation that places limits on the awards that can be awarded against Doctors and other providers under pain and suffering in civil litigation.

Current Presidential Candidate Edwards made a fortune in civil litigation against OB/GYN doctors in cases regarding Cystic Fibrosis. In one highly covered case in closing arguments Mr Edwards channeled the child in the womb, telling the jury that as the baby was being delivered and a C-Section not performed that fetus was saying help me I am in trouble here, well the jury bought it and brought back a large settlement against a doctor for not performing a C-Section and claiming that this was the reason the child in question has Cystic Fibrosis. One small problem. With all science, it is a never ending learning experience, modern science has now proven that delays in child birth, do not cause CF. BTW has Mr Edwards ever offered to return the money he received???? I think not. Decisions like this have made the cost of insurance for hospitals and doctors sky-rocket. Guess who pays the brunt of this cost?????

Finally, pass legislation that allows Health Savings Accounts that belong to the individual that they can use to pay the cost of medical care. Make this money tax deductible and allow the accounts to roll-over year in and year out. A young person establishing an account like this will be able to save money in the accounts while they are young and healthy and then be able to use it as they age and begin having medical problems. Allow the individuals to use these accounts to pay insurance premiums as well. Yes make medical insurance premiums tax-deductible.

dmk