Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Republicans, in a Fantasy League of their Own on Health Care.


Let's take a look at two health care scenarios to decide which one would work best for Americans. The premise, according to the NY Times:
Last month, a government-appointed but independent panel of doctors and scientists said women generally should begin routine mammograms in their 50s, rather than their 40s. Republicans seized on those recommendations as early signs of rationing of care they say would happen under the Democrats' 10-year, nearly $1 trillion health bill.

Scenario #1: What if health care reform is defeated and insurers continue to control the market, allowing the panels recommendations to be adopted by the insurance industry, essentially banning mammogram coverage for women in their 40's.

a. Will a public outcry force the insurance industry to reinstate mammogram coverage, or

b. Will a public outcry have no effect on insurance policies?

Scenario #2: If reform is passed with a public option, and the panels recommendation not to cover mammograms for women in their 40's is adopted by the government plan,

a. Will a public outcry force the government plan to reinstate mammogram coverage, or

b. Will a public outcry fall on the deaf ears our elected representatives who will go against the public will?

I know, this is a real puzzler. It's called government accountability.

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