Campaign Ad on Healthcare Is Misleading

In the final days before the November 2018 election, Representative Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania) launched a campaign ad that criticized his Democratic challenger's support for universal healthcare. Rep. Perry drew a negative comparison to Britain’s National Health Service. The ad was misleading. Below is my Letter to the Editor on the subject. The Letter was posted … Continue reading Campaign Ad on Healthcare Is Misleading →

“Single-payer healthcare is socialism!” – Why That’s Wrong & Wrongheaded

There are two technical reasons that the “socialism” claim is wrong: First, single-payer does not mean government-single-owner. Second, single-payer is best understood as a public-private hybrid, which is fundamentally different from socialism. This blog has avoided over-politicizing the healthcare reform debate. It has, in fact, cautioned Americans to steer clear of inflammatory loaded words like … Continue reading “Single-payer healthcare is socialism!” – Why That’s Wrong & Wrongheaded →

So, You Want Competition to Bring Down Healthcare Costs? – Then, Logically You’re Talking Single-Payer

Debates over fixing U.S. healthcare often end up with each party choosing a side – either “Competition” or “Government.” But in a strange twist of politics, logic, and the broken healthcare market, turns out that Competition and Government are on the same side. Let me explain… In order for there to be competition, there must be … Continue reading So, You Want Competition to Bring Down Healthcare Costs? – Then, Logically You’re Talking Single-Payer →

Healthcare Reform: Where to Start?

Fixing U.S. Healthcare blog has made the case for reform that reins in spending in the whole system. But where possibly to start on such a massive undertaking? Here are four ideas. Klein’s “Muddling incrementalism” Redefining Price’s “essential benefits” using Oregon-style cost-benefit analysis Rosenthal’s “Salami strategy” Emanuel’s “low-hanging fruit” Let’s look at each one. Idea #1: … Continue reading Healthcare Reform: Where to Start? →

What If U.S. Healthcare CAN’T Be Fixed?

What if Americans are too divided to reach any common ground? Or what if healthcare has become so rigged and so enmeshed that it can’t be untangled? Or what if vested interests have become so powerful that they can’t be overcome? Not so fast, claims the Beyond Intractability project championed by Heidi and Guy Burgess based … Continue reading What If U.S. Healthcare CAN’T Be Fixed? →