Healthcare Debate: The Case for a "Public Competitive Option"

I have stayed away from the healthcare debate for personal reasons and bias. I am originally from Nigeria where government is involved in most means of production or the distribution of resources. A Country with so much resources and manpower remains largely impoverished and underdeveloped because of corruption and mismanagement. But it remains undeniable that the U,S. health system has grown into a "monster", largely a monopoly with so little competition and majority control or holding in most States by only one or two players in the market.

Don't get me wrong, we still have one of the best and most vibrant delivery systems in the world; but the beauty and best of our system is achieved with very liberal market forces in operation. I have been wary that a "Public competitive" option would dumb down the system and fail like most operations in Nigeria and other overseas Countries with government control. However, we have other checks and balances here that would prevent the worst case scenario. Our democratic process enables the populace to hold our leaders to account; so that it is almost impossible for the entire system to fail without the electorate changing "Command & Control"

You then wonder why Republicans oppose healthcare reform so vehemently. Talk Radio almost crucified Mrs. Clinton for daring reform. They are at it again. But the cry against ever increasing premiums is on both sides. As an independent observer, I worry that politics is part of the mix why either side is suspicious of the other. There is no good reason why trial lawyers should not be reigned in as part of the reforms. The Class Action ploy by many lawyers have merely become easy way to enrichment. I would envisage capping premiums for health care delivery operators as well as capping amount of damages payable for certain negligent malpractice is a sincere approach. I don't agree that a Doctor ought to go bankrupt for just one mistake, unless there is death as a result or permanent incapacitation for example. But again, the vigor with which talk radio opposes any for of liberalization of the Insurance industry only portends that either their opposition is merely along party loyalty or they are being paid by the health care lobby.

The simplest analogy to what I understand the public or other Competitive option will offer is the equity and competitiveness between the U.S Post Office and private carriers such as Fedex and UPS. These private carriers are very effective but cannot raise their pricing outrageously because they would loose more market share to the Public USPS option. Competition is a good thing. It is the bedrock for capitalism to thrive. Maybe, if we stop this dogfight between Republicans and Democrats... just maybe, if we live out our "AmericanSocioPolicoNometrics, we may really make healthcare work for everyone.

Dated this 27th October, 2009.

Charles Abiahu Esq.

Raleigh, NC.