If the debate is about "health care" then we are asking the wrong question. The right question is how can we restore health to our citizenry and reduce the burden of self-inflicted illnesses. Obesity is an epidemic, particularly with our children. This will result in increased diabetes, heart conditions, skeletal and joint problems and accompanying mental and emotional illnesses. We need to restore physical education in our schools, teach healthy eating habits, encourage preventive care by regular check-ups and prenatal care, and attack issues of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Overall health of our population is the critical issue that will determine whether or not Social Security will be a reality in 20, 30, or 40 years.

We spend 2.2 trillion dollars on health care every year in the United States. Of that approximately one-third is spent on salaries, advertising, and administration for private insurance companies. I favor a single payer system on the national level for its efficiency, and its proven success in Medicare and Veteran's care. The private insurance model is the wrong model because insurance companies make their money by taking the premium, investing it, and not paying claims. If we want to improve health, preventive care, which insurance companies seldom are inclined to pay, will suffer.

Back to Issues