The pros and cons of health care reform

May 22, 2012, 9:08 a.m.

As the health care debate rages in many circles, the pros and cons of health care reform each have vocal supporters. It appears that the only agreement on both sides of the health care debate is that "something" must be done. The definition of that all-important "something," however, remains a hotly contested issue.

The federal Health Care Reform Bill, often called Obamacare, is a good example, as both fans and detractors are more than willing to point out. The overriding pro is that some form of health care reform is a necessity. The costs of health care and medical malpractice lawsuits has not only made "pay as you go" care beyond most Americans' ability, but the cost of health insurance is becoming too expensive for even those covered by group insurance.

Read the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court and Medicaid

The primary health care debate con remains the potential trade off between excellent medical care and cost. The widely publicized "horror stories" from the national health care plans in Canada and the U.K., have illustrated how not to settle the health care debate, permitting quality care trade offs that threaten, not resolve, serious medical issues. Health care facilities and insurance companies under government supervision create dangerous risks that have yet to be resolved.

Under current legislation, physicians will not be government employees nor will insurance companies be absorbed by the government. This is a pro for this particular health care reform plan. However, companies large and small will be required to offer health insurance to their employees. In theory, this is certainly a pro . In practice, it can easily become a con for its affects on company budgets and even the quality of care offered.

The health care debate will continue until the pros outweigh the cons. Everyone seemingly agrees, including medical professionals, that health care reform is required. The means to accomplish this goal, however, remains a point of contention. Do you have some opinions on the health care debate that might offer more pros than cons for a workable solution?

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