I have a friend that is generally very left-leaning on most issues. I am trying to write an essay that would lay out a plan on reforming health care. He has been reading some of my writings on the subject, and is beginning to see a bit as to why the current system is unsustainable. I had the most success when summarizing the thoughts of Bastiat on the idea of “legal plunder” and the problems that arise from it.
He asked me to write a piece on what steps I think could be taken to improve the situation. He thinks there is some middle ground between my libertarian ideals based on protection of property rights and freedom of contracts and his view that health care is a “right.” Obviously, this is nonsense. There is no such thing as a little socialism. However, I’m hoping to highlight some major things that could be done that would increase affordability in general as well as provide incentives for people to live healthier lifestyles (he thinks government must do something about Americans’ unhealthy diets and lack of exercise, etc. He isn’t even necessarily against government regulating how much sugar can be in food or how many calories one can consume daily, although he doesn’t want to go that route, just to let you know how much faith he puts in the State).
The idea is to form a way to bridge the gap to free markets as quickly as possible without “throwing out onto the streets” all those currently dependent on Medicaid/Medicare/etc.
Basically, so far, the things I can think of are 1. eliminating all compulsory licensing for doctors, nurses, hospitals, medical schools, etc. 2. eliminating the FDA 3. eliminating insurance regulations.
Of course, I also oppose legal tender laws, the Federal Reserve, almost all forms of government spending to fix a problem, etc. as I believe the free market, if allowed to develop fully, could provide these things more efficiently, and ultimately government intervention into one industry necessarily disrupts all industries to some degree. Yet, I would like to keep my paper limited to matters that directly relate to health care.
My friend does show signs that give hope that he might soon begin to see the light of voluntary exchange over state-sponsored force. He has also been very disappointed by Obama’s presidency. I just need to find the right way to words things to get him interested enough to begin his own research into the subject, as currently, he doesn’t want to borrow any books I’ve offered him.
Anyways, the way I was thinking to help those in need until they can afford health care on their own is to use the savings from eliminating all the bureaucracies of the FDA, licensing, regulations, etc. to supplement the needy so as to free up more taxes to give back to everyone else so they can begin spending their money using their own judgement.
Any suggestions and ideas are very much greatly appreciated. I am sure I will get some great ideas, as I have been lurking around here for a while now, and I know there are some very knowledgable and helpful people here. So, since I finally decided to create an account here, I would like to say hello to all, and I’m happy to be a part of this community!