Healthcare Reform is Not Just Expensive, It's Necessary

The main argument against health care reform is that it will cause an increase in taxes and an increase in the national debt. However, thousands of uninsured Americans leave the hospital each day without paying, leaving the bill to be paid by the state and national government. This article addresses the bills being currently being pushed forward in Congress in regards to health care reform and regulation.

Laura Meckler not only describes the view of the Democrats in Congress who are progressing the bills forward, but also includes important view points from fiscally conservative Democrats who fear the cost of the bills, and the insurance companies who fear the outcome of the bills. Throughout his presidential campaign, President Obama encouraged the idea of increased health care coverage from the national government, but also providing a government health insurance option that increased competitive rates between private providers. Although this still appears to be the ultimate goal, private health care providers argue that new fees imposed on the companies will simply continue to increase the cost of premiums, rather than make the prices more competitive. The fees themselves are meant to fund the new health care program, which is estimated to cost over $1 trillion. This article properly addresses the problem of cost, but also describes the current problems with our health care system. Ultimately Laura Meckler gives a balanced view of the current progression of health care reform in Congress.

Laura Meckler’s article, Democrats Turn Up the Heat on Insurance Industry, can be found in the online version of the Wall Street Journal.