I wanted to suggest that we begin to outline a (punishing) plan for legislation now, in the case that health care reform fails.
I have some ideas, and would welcome other suggestions. I'll explain below:
Let's say the health care reform fails, what changes could we pursue? Well, if we start to talk about some actions now, maybe it will inspire more cooperation sooner than later.
Here's some ideas that I suggest:
- Negotiate AGGRESSIVELY for Rx drugs under medicare part D
- Limit employer health insurance deductions, under tax code, to only policies that have 'medical loss ratios' of 90% or more -- limiting the skimming that insurers can partake in. (Or else, employers will continue shopping to make sure to get the deduction.)
- We could get back to the no excluding pre-existing conditions.
- And, no dropping sick folks.
- Let's bring up the soda tax, as soda is a big cause of increasing health costs, via diabetes.
- Maybe we could take a look at corn subsidies, which is also a health disaster.
- Menu labeling (at chains w/ 10 stores) is also a great idea, and would lead to heathier offerings at chain restaurants.
I would love to see the democrats talk about how they'll have a series of votes on these issues if we can't get health care reform through. Maybe, it will inspire some powerful forces to our cause!
Any better ideas out there?
PS. I'd especially love to see all R's voting to make it so insurers can drop sick folks. And, you know they'd take the bait!
PSS. Baucus makes me ill.
*Edited to clarify intent.