1. Yep, there are a handful of "plans" but of course there is no plan supported by the majority of Republicans because that'd require actually making hard choices.

You know, something more substantive than "new health care choices for small employers." And none of these ideas do anything for Medicare which is unsustainable at current rates.

Posted by: John Jensen on September 28, 2009 03:52 PM

2. These ideas are nothing more than common sense and should have a positive effect. But let's be willing to change things incrementally. If we find that it's not possible to enact all of them as a body, how about trying for just one? Get it in place, then go for the next. Over perhaps five years the whole system could be improved, one workable area at a time. Malpractice caps would be a good start. I suspect the only people against limits would be the lawyers who file outrageous lawsuits. Can you imagine a tea party filled with wing-tipped lawyers waving signs? Neither can I.

Posted by: Bob in Bellevue on September 28, 2009 05:49 PM

3. It's good to see Rep. Ericksen keeping the conversation in the community. However, the "House Republican health care solutions," at least the ones offered on Rep. Ericksen's site, seem a little weak. For example:

1 - allowing for tailored health care plans that meet the needs and budgets of young adults ages 19 to 34.
I'm 27, and I have a fantastically tailored plan already: high-deductible plan + HSA = ~$100 /mo. So, nothing new here.

2 - the purchasing of health care plans approved in other states.
Ok, this is big.

3 - new health care choices for small employers.
Weak. Small employer's don't need more choices, they need affordable choices.

4 - Reforming the state's Basic Health Plan.
Reform?
Sure, but at the end of the day it needs more funding to increase accessibility. Even so, getting people on the plan isn't a long-term solution.

5 - Comprehensive medical malpractice reform.
Yes, this will decrease costs, but much less than some might think.

My point is that it is frustrating to see the republican party flounder about without a united message or strategy. While democrats aren't all on the same page either, they're in the majority right now so republicans need to step it up, stop being shrill, and honing in on a well-crafted health strategy.

Posted by: R.T. Moore on September 28, 2009 05:54 PM

4. Now THESE sound like measures that actually WOULD cut costs in medical care without cutting the quality that we are already used to having. I haven't heard anything sensible like this coming from democrats.

Posted by: Michele on September 28, 2009 05:54 PM

5. AFAICT the Obama health plan minus any consideration of immigration reform is about as far to the right as it can get. Obama foreign policy doesn't look too liberal either.

There is no easy way to do health given the current federal budget structure and tax code.

Three ideas:

Set a 16.67 percent flat tax and get rid of the personal exemption, and most other deductions, credits, exemptions. Eliminate double taxation where it affects working people such as simple interest.

Setup a single payer car insurance system using free software, Internet, medicare admin experience, Prop 103 (California) experience, tort reform etc.

Setup a revenue positive quota auction system for citizenship or birth certificates. Non compliance automatically puts one into the Selective Service System (Jimmy Carters lasting "gift" to humanity) which is currently operational and funded.

Posted by: donbless on September 28, 2009 11:47 PM

6. The "solutions" posted on this page are so weak that they would only lower costs for those who already have insurance but do NOTHING for those 30+ million people -- like myself -- who can't get affordable health insurance.

I keep waiting for the damn Republican party to put out a serious bill that is not "socialist" and yet answers the problem of universal coverage. So far they have been silent, mum and pathetic. They aren't solving anything; they are only bitching and whining about the other side.

The last time I checked, Republicans work for ME as well. If you all REALLY want to do something for the American people, then put forward your own bill, one that makes sense and one that answers all questions and one that gives moral universal coverage.

Posted by: Tex Crawford on September 29, 2009 10:10 AM

7. Remember all you mindnumbed Robots out there. Obamacare is Bad but Romneycare is good.

Posted by: Beth on September 29, 2009 12:43 PM

8. Dang, all you critics really should have been there last night. I was. All your concerns - and evidence contrary to some of your claims - were presented, and presented well. There was even a liberal nurse - who supported a single payer system at the beginning, and fought with insurance companies all day - who was convinced of 9/10 of the points made.

A PowerPoint can't convey all the information presented and the discussion/debate had. Get involved, and bring the debate to your lawmakers.

Posted by: Scott McGhee on September 30, 2009 09:16 AM

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