Partisan Free Politics

The big topic in the campaign is health insurance. Various different presidential candidates have offered their stance on this issue. Some want market forces, others want full coverage. In some states, there are plans for universal health insurance in California and in Massachusetts, taxes is the stick to force companies to give their workers health insurance.

Well, John Edwards recently told of his vision of health care and its a little frightening.

Here is the story link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070902/ap_on_el_pr/edwards_2

Under his plan, he will require all Americans to have a yearly doctor visit. Now preventive care has its good qualities. But having it forced is a different issue. Now for a short media plug, it sounds all nice and dandy, but there is a reason why there is no specifics.

Because if so, then one will see the unintended consequences of requiring mandatory yearly doctor visits.

First, is the rise of strictly physical examination doctors and the possible decline of other types of doctors. Because over 300 million people are going to see a doctor at least once a year, you are going to have to have the supply of doctors to do that. One will also see that supply for other types of doctors might or have their jobs transfer in order to make sure supply is available to cover Edwards plan. A person who might need more test for something may have to be delayed depending if the doctor is busy checking up on an already healthy person.

Next is how does this effect the Patients Bill of Rights. I believe third party interference can be refused by patients in thier medical care and I bet you can add the government there.

Third, is if everyone has to have a yearly check-up, then will there be a schedule for people to go to the doctor or will the government allow Spring Breaks and summer be a time of people going to the doctor for their check-up and long lines to wait.

Fourth, what type of check-up will be needed to ensure a “check-up” under Edwards’ plan.  Because his plan covers dental and vision, will one be forced to have a yearly dentist visit and vision appointment?

I can come up with many more questions, but by doing so, I’m getting chills and I’ll probably get a cold from thinking about it.

 I believe preventive care should be left to the individual and/or their doctor, not some bureaucrat in DC. I think people will decide whether they want to have a yearly check-up or wait every few years. But that should left to them to decide.