What will the future health care system look like in say 10, 20 and even 50 years? If it is anything like our current situation, then the outlook is pretty bleek. Given our current baby boomer population, within the next 20 years our elderly population will outnumber our portion of society who are under 18. This is an extremely serious issue that we are facing. It's no secret that our elderly have more health care needs than any other age group; adding to increased costs, stress, burdens and demand.
I think most people would agree that health care reform is needed, in some shape or form. Where the pedal meets the metal is where people begin to disagree. Recently, our President has introduced sweeping health care reform ideals, whether or not your a fan of Obama...at least it's a start. Getting dialogue and debate "gears in motion" is a huge step in the right decision. Ironing out the details of reform, how to fund it and the implementation of it is a whole other agenda. We need to start somewhere considering we have an impending baby boomer crisis on the horizon.
Focusing on the elderly, reform is critical for them in many ways. Having access to affordable and reliable prescription drugs, medical insurance, and long-term care are just a few of the top priorities. Currently, we have a very complex and bloated system of health care in United States. As Obama is proposing; cutting and trimming the waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid and within Insurance Companies will help re-organize the entire system. From these actions we will potentially derive billions of dollars in which can be turned around to help support health care reform. Among the reform is an idea for a government-sponsored health care system accessible to all americans. To many this raises questions, concerns and fears. One should always be critical when government expands it's scope and power. But done correctly; with honesty, fairness and oversight, this proposed system could help set the stage for the much needed reform. It could potentially allow for our aging population to recieve the proper care and attention the need as we head into the climax of the baby boomer generation. Providing them with affordable health care and access would be tremendous.
As of right now Obama's health care plan is not fully disclosed, and much of the details are yet to be ironed out. The important thing is that we, as a society, begin to openely and honestly engage in health care reform debates. In order to achieve the system that ultimately works for us, we need to make sure our elected leaders know what actually works for us.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/18/ep.health.reform.basics/
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