19 health care issues that politicians avoid talking about

Photo by Franck V. on Unsplash

Republicans are struggling with their attempts to repeal Obamacare because they avoid addressing the fundamental questions about the role of the government in health care. Without defining the principles of what health care policy should do and how it should be executed, every petty issue becomes an obstacle that’s hard to overcome. It is almost like a poorly planned road trip without a defined destination, where at every intersection the bus stops as passengers — with different ideas of what the destination should be — cannot agree on which way to turn.

Below, in 19 points I outline what, in my view, that ideal health care policy should be. This list, with brief explanations, is not to convince others that I am right. It is to encourage others to challenge me. My position on these issues is of secondary importance. Please consider my points as opening statements in a sincere and, I hope, productive public debate about what health care policy should be.

1. I do not want government involved in my health care at all. As an able-bodied adult, I am convinced that I can afford to pay for my health care, under the condition that other Americans — those who provide health care and health insurance — have the freedom to prepare for me products that I am willing to buy. From the government, I expect only protection from bad…