YOUR COMMENTS

Roger in Rochester,
It's also plain that 'other modern nations' are more socialist than ours. Their socialist healthcare modus operandi does somethings better and somethings worse than ours.

Instead of trying to invoke fear by painting Bass with the 'Bush' brush, why don't you adress the issues? Are Bass's ideas better or worse than Obama's?
I beleive Bass's are better.

Can we craft a reform that maintains our strengths and fixes our weaknesses?
- Jim, Manchester

I think you have a wonderful idea Mr. Bass. Less Government control! and a fair solution to help those uninsurable, which we should help and of course, those that just wanted to buy a wide screen TV instead of health insurance!
- - Mary, Manchester

Excellent Charlie.

In other news, I came home yesterday to find my window broken, so I tore my whole house down and rebuilt it.

Sound familiar?
- DF, Candia

By all means, folks - I'd be in favor of you signing away your right to have police investigate any crimes that may be perpetuated against you or your family, and refuse to have the fire dept. fight any fire at your home. While you're at it, kindly dig your own well and septic system, and stop accepting commie water. I'm guessing you've already decided not to patronize the public libraries.

I hear Texas wants to secede - can't yall move down there and live happily out of my earshot?
- pinko, somewhere in NH

I like Charlie Bass. He did, however, omit one important step to reducing health care costs. Quit giving free health care to illegal alliens!
- Vic, Derry

Bass is just more of Bush, what baloney.

Any person who has to invoke socialism to create a fear in readers does not deserve the public printing of his "ideas."

It is a plain fact that other modern nations have health care every bit as good as ours, covering everyone, at about 60% the per-person cost we are charged. This PLAIN FACT is the elephant in the living room a man like Bass wants to ignore. Germany, Japan, Britain, France, Switzerland and Canada all do it and get great results for their people. That's the fact of the matter. Everything else is Insurance company profit mongering propaganda.

It is unbelievable we have to drag the koolaid addicts away from a health care system that is bankrupting the nation's people. They shouldn't need healthcare - no brain no pain.
- Roger, Rochester

The Democrats have been blocking simpler reform measures like those Mr. Bass proposes here, plus adding mandates to health insurance to make it more expensive, for years for one purpose. To force us into the corner we are in now so we have to accept nationalized health care.
- Jim, Manchester

1. Insurance Companies should offer a 30-60 day open enrollment in the group and individual market--no pre-ex. If you have a Pre-ex, you should be required to keep ins. just like if you have an accident without auto ins.

2. Govt should assist those who cannot afford coverage with subsidy, tax credit or vouchers.

3. Insurance companies should be able to rate accordingly--age banding. Older people use more and should pay more--it's just a fact.

4. Children's programs should be disbanded and children should be insured with their parents. If parents can't afford coverage, govt should subsidize as above.

5. Community clinics should be offered by any entity wishing to employ docs, i.e. Walmart, Target, Rite Aid for colds, flu, ear aches, etc. Insurance would pay for these visits. ER would be strictly bleeding, chest pain, trauma.

6. Veterans would be treated at any hospital. Military Hospitals would only be for PTSD, amputations, burns, head trauma. Vets would have carte blanche at any hospital.

7. Do away with Workers Comp and instead have 24 hour health insurance, short term disability and long term disability. If you get sick or hurt, you get paid immediately. No waiting for worker's comp lawyers and doctors to keep you tied in knots for years.

8. Repeal Cobra. All policies are portable and you can keep them as long as you pay the premiums--if you can't, govt will help you pay for it.

9. Anti-depressants can only be prescribed by mental health practitioners only in conjunction with appropriate counseling.

10. Children having ADD with a subsequent diagnosis of Bi-polar will be required to get a second opinion by a non-affiliated medical practitioner.

11. Standardize insurance forms so that one application can be moved from one carrier to another. Do away with state premium taxes which add 1-3% to costs.

12. No more advertising for specific drugs or specific legal issues. You can advertise your name and what you do, but not for Mesothelioma or Tripitor.

13. In order to attract doctors to rural areas, offer student loan forgiveness, malpractice reform and do away with corporate tax for doctors.

14. Take preventative out of insurance. Let doctors and hospitals offer their own preventative programs and gyms.

15. Skip the mandates and let insurance cover medically necessary care--it's the cancer, heart attack and big things that will kill you, not the $450 physical. You can budget $450, you can't budget $150,000!
- Sonia Pearsall, Hillsboro, NH

Michael Layon - Derry, I especially agree with your last paragraph. It suggests again that career politicians must go. Term limits are needed, and the public MUST seriously review a candidates background and history. 52 percent of those voting overlooked the Obama inexperience and history and his power brokers real goals. But obviously good looks and any kind of change held sway with the masses. What are we in for over the next 3 years??
- Richard, Londonderry, NH

The Republican cycle of fiscal discipline is almost cute, if it weren't so sad and destructive. A brief history:

Republicans wanted tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans (1 trillion $) - not a peep from the right about deficits.

Republicans wanted a whole new government agency- the highly redundant Department of Homeland Security (2 or 3 hundred billion) - and not a peep about bureaucracy, deficits, or government expansion.

The Republican administration wanted war with Afghanistan, then Iraq (1 trillion $), and not a peep from the right about spending.

John McCain suspended his campaign to race back to Washington and help craft an economic rescue bill (just under a trillion $) and barely a peep from the right about government takeover, spending, or deficits.

Now, Obama wants to extend health care security to the millions of Americans that are uninsured, and suddenly it costs too much, it's socialism, it's a government takeover, it's a power grab, blah blah blah...

Even George Will has thoroughly and famously flip-flopped on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, because he's smart enough to see that the hypocrisy is becoming laughable. You can't be a cheerleader for tax cuts, costly invasions, government bureaucracy, and corporate deregulation, then tighten the purse strings only when your own citizens - particulalry your less advantaged citizens - need help. That would be... well, cynical and cruel, wouldn't it?

Welcome to the GOP.
- Dave, Sandwich

Let's get real on this issue.

Nick from Derry stated that 30 to 50 million people don't have healthcare. First, where did those numbers come from and are they verifiable. Second, do they not have healthcare or insurance for healthcare?

Either way, let's look at this statement and put it into perspective:

There are 305 million people in the US (Census Bureau). If 50 million don't have healthcare insurance, that means 275 million Americans do. In other words, 90% of Americans are covered.

Where's the problem if over 90% of the population is covered? Let's not wreck a perfectly good system to take care of the last 10%. Let's find a creative way to get them covered and not destroy a very workable system!
- Bill, Candia

You want to improve health care insurance? Get the government out of it. Completely.
- Tom, Campton

As I reread the piece, I realized that Rep. Bass has already addressed my concern about risk pools, community rating, and skyrocketing premiums for people who become ill. IMO, these are some really good ideas!

Maybe if we add an increase in the Medicaid income ceiling or some new tax credits so low-income folks can afford insurance, they could get something passed.

I'd even accept taxing employer provided health care (instead of a tax cut for me), if that's what it takes to keep it revenue neutral.

The important thing, as Rep. Bass has indicated is to level the playing field. There's no reason for employer provided health insurance to continue to get a government handout.
- Jim, Portsmouth

Hey Charlie,
It might be easier for those elected officials to listen to what their constiuents were saying if fringe health care opponents weren't shouting them down.
- Michael, Cambridge, MA

Thanks Rep. Bass. It's great to see folks on the right offering sound proposals rather than just shouting. As you know, the system we have needs an overhaul and all the ranting and screaming isn't helping to get the job done.

As someone who buys health insurance in the NH individual market, I have some first hand experience to add in to the mix.

First, here's what I like about your proposal:

1) Yay for tax deductible premiums. It burns me to no end that everyone else is getting subsidized insurance through employer tax breaks, but I pay full freight because I don't get insurance through work. How can anyone justify this disparate treatment?

2) Yay to portability and national insurance standards. Practically speaking, there isn't much competition for individual insurance in NH. When I applied, I thought I was in great health but got rejected by Celtic over something dumb, meanwhile Anthem gave me a "preferred" rating (what's up with that?). In any case, my "choice" was Anthem or nothing (at least I could get insured).

The one thing you haven't addressed is my biggest fear. What if I get sick and the insurance company reneges on my coverage or inflates my premiums. Insurance companies inflate premiums for sick people by creating "pools" of individuals and pricing each pool independently based on the expenses of the pool. Over time, each pool gets older and sicker and rates go up. People who are still healthy can re-apply and get into a fresh new pool with a lower rate (because it's made up of all healthy people). The result is only sick people stay in the old pool and premiums skyrocket out of control. This is broken and needs to be fixed. People mistakenly think that as long as they keep continuous coverage, they'll be safe, but they later find out that's not true because the system is seriously rigged against people who get sick.
- Jim, Portsmouth

The insurance companies often DO NOT hire RNs....too expensive. Charlie is a doof and this article proves it. Too bad so many are so ingnorant that they will swallow his nonsense.

Charlie-we vited you out for a reason-and won't vote you back in for the same.
- Debra, Manchester

Here is salient issue which Mr Bass left out under the category of simplifying regulation.
We need a revamp and simplification of the coverage mandates. There are just no simple, cheap insurance policies available partly because each State mandates are different as to what MUST be covered in EVERY policy sold. See this for an eye opening look at the inconsistency. ( http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/HealthInsuranceMandates2008.pdf )
Piggy backing on one of Mr Bass's points, if we established a nationwide minimum mandate of coverages, then authorized insurance companies to compete for that nationwide business, I am certain that we would see cheap insurance in very short order!
- Tommy K, Hollis

Nick in Derry,

It is rather entertaining for you or anyone else to point the finger of blame at insurance companies. Yes, they make money, a lot of money. isn't that what businesses do? Do you work for a company that doesn't mak money? IF so, you either work for the government or will soon be unemployed.

Instead of placing blame on insurance companies ask why they make so much money and why we as citizens pay so much for health insurance. Right here in NH, former Gov. shaheen, now Sen. shaheen, worked with our state congresses to pass so many insurance restrictions that the cost of providing insurance in NH skyrocketed. Nationally, one can not buy insurance across state lines. That drives up the cost of health insurance even more and creates a significant barrier to entry for new insurance companies that might offer a more competitive (better) rate.

You and I can not form a group to purchase insurance. That means we can only compete as individuals for insurance rather than insurance companies competing for our money.

All of the above are not the fault of the insurance companies directly. They are all, yes all a result of career politicians who passed laws to place such restrictions on the people. The insurance companies make out very nicely because we as citizens were dumb enough to elect from amongst ourselves corrupt individuals who valued money more than public service. Until that is fixed, we will never see real healthcare reform.
- Michael Layon, Derry

Someone is actually talking about solving problems rather than grabbing power! But put tort reform on top of the list, and don't just limit unknowable "pain-and-suffering" claims, make the system acknowledge that even our medicine is inexact. Things sometimes don't turn out well, and a doctor's malevolence or incompetence is not the only explanation.

And leave the "national records system" off the list altogether. This increase in efficiency is tiny compared to tort reform; and when Congress does for medical data what it did for retirement savings--move it all to Washington for "safe keeping"--we know what happens to it.

Nick from Derry files a useful message. Increasingly, to defend Obama, one must defend socialism. That's needed clarity.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Charlie raises some very good points, providing a deduction for private health insurance would help many people, except those people who can’t benefit from a deduction. A possible compromise may be to raise the income ceiling for Medicaid. That brings in the people who don’t have insurance today, and can’t afford it.

Providing tax deductions for private plans releases us from having our health insurance only available to us through employers and would increase competition. It’s also critical that we open up private insurance plans to national coverage, so people can move from place to place where their work takes them, and keep their coverage in the process. Having everyone insured would increase the risk pool thereby making it practical to not drop people and take on insurers with pre-existing conditions.

These changes would be good for everyone.
- Gary Way, Bedford

Nick in Derry:
I don't know (and I suspect you don't either) who the '30 to 50 million people without healthcare' are that you're talking about. If you mean 'without insurance', I'm one of them, by choice. I and my family practice preventive measures, are careful about what we eat, and choose our healthcare providers just as carefully. We pay our way and are in no way a burden to society. Why should my freedom to choose my own healthcare be taken away by a bill forcing me, under threat of legal penalties, to buy insurance?

As for your other points about insurance companies: yes, we already have an industry that is over-regulated, price-controlled, and short on competition. Why not allow patients and doctors to deal directly with each other? Now there's a revolutionary idea.
- Eric, Manchester

It's nice to see constructive proposals to set against the monstrousity being devised in Washington. I particularly agree about HSAs, this has been a great boon to myself and my family and I would like to see the limits on them increased.
- Eric, Manchester, NH

I want to thank Mr. Bass for this column. Although I do not agree with him, I do want to understand the argument against health reform, and I have been unable to find a rational, logical converstation on the topic. I think this article presents clear, understandable points. That being said, I have some questions:

1. I agree that health insurnace should not be contingent on employment situation. If changes were to occur, would all individuals be eligible for the same level of benefits? As it currently stands, people who purchase individual insurance do not have access to the same benefits as those provided through an employer, i.e. there is no maternity coverage for individual plans.

2. I agree that insurance regulation should be simplified. Would you be open to nationalixing health insurance regulation or do you feel that it infringes on state sovereignty ?

3. Would there be support for individuals with chronic medical conditions while they are in the "waiting period" after changing plans?

4. Community health centers (both physical and mental) are dramatically under funded. How would you make up such a large gap? Increase taxes, cut services?

5. If you were to promote and more people were to buy into HSAs, how would you address the economies of scale that lower costs of services when purchased in bulk (as is what occurs when an insurance company enters into a contract with a provider)?

6. Everyone agrees that an EMR would lower costs and increase quality. How would you pay for it?

7. Lastly, and most importantly, do you think that health is a privilege?

Thank you and I hope someone takes time to answer these questions.
- Kelly, Bristol

The best reform for health care is for the government to butt out! No one should be forced to buy coverage they do not want that is a decision between the insurer and the buyer.
On another note, Charlie Bass; please go away!
- Mike Bodruk, Manchester

Nick in Derry. To claim the insurance companies had their chance to do the right thing is clearly avoiding what the lawyers do to the medical profession. You can not honestly think the medical world can absorb the law suits brought on by who I can only assume are the same lawyers who would back a government run system.

I view the lawyers and the politicians who give them the power as just one part of the army pushing us towards a government run system. If people don't think their are those in government who would slowly help push us in this direction because their own ego's make them believe they know what is best then they don't spend much time watching politics or listening to the ego's of those in office today.

At the very least out of all this we will simply be edged one more inch towards a government run system. They will then wait and work on the next generation and simply try again after a bit of manipulation of the masses.
- Deb, Derry

Nick, the fact that you actually believe what you wrote is stunning. Do you really equate schools, fire and police departments with socialism?

You are typical of those on the left who are afraid to work to provide for themselves. No one owes you anything Nick.

Your story about an insurance company doctor is hogwash and looks as if it was cut and pasted from the Daily KOS website.

Your health is your responsibility and no one elses. No where in the constitution does it say that you are entitled to good health or medical care for that matter.

Lastly, no one who seeks it goes without medical care. Please get your facts straight before you comment.
- Ron, Manchester

The problem with common sense is it is not so common. Democrats want to put the government in charge of healthcare, what if anything has the government run effectively????? The reforms that Charlie mentions are ideas that will recieve absolutely no coverage in the mainstream media.All the Democrats like Obama Reid Pelosi want is control. They don't want reform. Reform would bring the cost of healthcare down. All they want to do is create another government bureaucracy at taxpayer expense and at higher cost. That so-called stimulus bill that burdened us and our children with another trillion dollars hasn't worked, what makes anyone think that government run healthcare will work. Where is the common sense???
- Richard Christie, Goffstown

I just do not understand why people believe that the government can manage insurance better and cheaper.
There are no large federal programs that are efficient and cheap. The insurance companies hire RNs to review claims. The govt will hire clerks with barely a high school education.
Let's be honest, the uninsured still get healthcare by law. We currently ration insurance not healthcare through the employer model. Under the govt plan we will have insurance for all and ration healthcare.
Just as there are many democrats that are suddenly surprised at the way Obama is trying to change this country, there will be many democrats surprised when they get turned down by Obamacare for a procedure that was once covered by their union insurance. But I know they will sleep well at night knowing that someone who can not hold a job can get their procedure done for free. This is not scare tactics, if only it were that easy. Educate yourself about what is in the bills and who is behind the writing of them. "Give a mouse a cookie...."
- Pat, Londonderry

Charlie's suggestions have been considered by many of us who question the Obamacare proposals. Sadly, given which party is in charge right now, and its focus on retaining power rather than working for the best interest of all the citizens, ensures many of these common sense proposals will never see the light of day. Democrats are more interested in telling others how to live, and making sure we listen to them. Senator Shaheen, Rep Shea-Porter and Hodes don't care what we want, they want to tell us what they want. One of the biggest reasons health insurance costs so much is government mandates for medically questionable procedures ( infertility? stomach stapling?) . I'm sure the usual suspects will condemn me as an insurance stool, while brainlessly parroting the mostly airheaded arguements of those who wish to take over our health care "for our own good". Very sad. We could accomplish a lot more together but to do that the left has to honestly work with the right, but bipartisanship as defined by the current congress has reverted to the Clinton era definition: The GOP rolls over and does what the left demands. .
- jeff, Goffstown

Insurance companies have had their chance to do the right thing. Yet, their are 30 to 50 million people without healthcare. Worse still many people claim bankruptcy due to health issues who have health insurance.

Insurance companies only want to accept healthy people as policy holders. They don't want to actually pay when people have major health issues. We can't blame them, they are just doing what is most profitable. This is what we get for allowing a business to manage our health. (Not just yours, or mine, but us as a Nation)

Only a few years ago, one of their Doctors came forth and testified in front of Congress. She believed she was guilty of mass murder due to her denying medically necessary procedures. The Doctor said, she knew the insurance policy of denying those benefits would result in peoples death!

For those who don't know, you can't sue an insurance company. Many insurance companies pay fines for fraud, or for failing to provide service. Meanwhile people die.

Are we such a greedy selfish society that we can justify peoples' death for some extra cash in our (stock holders) pockets?

And let's take a closer look at so called "socialism", that word which Republicans use so often. Our Schools, Police, Firemen, Postal Service, Military, and roads are all paid for by us ... they are all Socialist programs.

Would you like it if the firemen only put out a fire if you were up to date with their bill?

Stop this nonsense, start acting like a Nation.
- Nick, Derry