Changes must be made

Americans don’t like to be forced to do things, even if they are good for them, which is the primary reason Republicans and Libertarians want to repeal a health care system that is currently meeting the needs of more Americans better than ever before.

Republicans’ assumption that repealing Obamacare can decrease the costs of health care are totally erroneous. Trumpcare keeps costs from rising by decreasing the quality and quantity of care available to the neediest people in our society. Trumpcare is really “Trump Don’t Care.”

Rather than repealing Obamacare, Republicans could do more good by making changes to existing law. Modifications to Obamacare might truly reduce costs without compromising the quality and quantity of service provided. Costs might be controlled if health plans could be sold across state lines, medications could be imported, and limits are set on optional procedures such as IVF for reproduction, cosmetic plastic surgery such as face lifts and extreme measures to save life.

In addition, limits could be set on the amount top officials can earn in corporations that provide health care. Admittedly, these kinds of changes are controversial and not likely to be embraced by all. But, if these types of changes are not made, the only way to truly keep medical costs from increasing dramatically, while also providing care to all Americans, is to have a single-payer system. If Republicans want a lasting legacy, they need to focus on ensuring that people get the care they need, rather than increasing corporations’ profits.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 9:54 PM with the headline "Changes must be made."