The Political Economy of Health Care

 

The Affordable Care Act Upheld - A Loss for Society - July 3, 2012

The 2012 decision upholding the ACA contains jurisprudence that may haunt interstate commerce for years to come and a potential poison pill for the ACA itself.

“…Furthermore Justice Roberts, by framing and upholding the Individual Mandate as allowable under Congress’ Tax powers, is telling the country that to overturn ACA they need to go through Congress—electing representatives that will change the law.  He clearly states that it is not the role of the Supreme Court to overturn a law that is constitutionally sound.  He writes: 'The Court does not express any opinion on the wisdom of the Affordable Care Act.  Under the Constitution, that judgment is reserved to the people...'" (read the full essay) 

The Cost of Healthcare (Part 1): The Economic Case for Healthcare Reform - October 5, 2009

The first of a series of essays dedicated to the dysfunctional health care system in the US and arguing for the "Public Option" as a market check and balance.

“… If Big [Health Care] Company A is not as effective diminishing liabilities and increasing profits as Big [Health Care] Company B, the shareholders of A will not be happy, sell Big Company A stock and buy stock in B. The end result of this market structure is that it skews to the healthier and the wealthier, a diminishing pool that eventually has limited growth for A as well as for B ...” (read the full essay)

The Cost of Healthcare (Part 2): The Moral Case for Healthcare Reform - October 5, 2009

The second of a series of essays dedicated to the impact of the dysfunctional health care system in the US.

“… In 2005 a Harvard study found that approximately 700,000 bankruptcies annually, or 50% of the total, were directly caused by medical bills affecting nearly 2 million Americans, that more than 75% of those bankrupted by illness had insurance at the start of the illness and that 38% had lost coverage at the time of filing...” (read the full essay)

The Cost of Healthcare (Part 3): The Political Case for Healthcare Reform - October 9, 2009

A review of the haphazard regulatory system and the industry as a whole, as compared to similar developed countries spending less per capita yet with better outcomes.
"...We can do better." (read the full essay)
Additional commentary and info: "And Talking About the Drug Lobby".

Collected Postings:

On the healthcare industry as a public health hazard. - October 8, 2014

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