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As a physician with a strong commitment to improving the health of our nation. I have seen firsthand the challenges plaguing our health care system. I wrote about these in Make America Healthy Again back in 2020.
Sadly, we are worse off now than we were then. The new presidential administration has an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that prioritize patient care. personal responsibility and the strengths of American innovation
Here are five key steps the administration should take to make America strong again:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President-elect Trump (Getty Images)
1. Promote free market principles in health care.
America’s strength lies in the free market. And this principle should continue to be extended to health care. By reducing cumbersome regulations and promoting competition. We can reduce costs and improve care. Price transparency is also key to improving the quality of our private health care system.
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Requiring hospitals to publish cash prices for services will help patients make informed comparisons of services. regardless of network status with insurance carriers Insurance companies should allow money spent on all medical care. Whether in the network or outside the network will be counted towards deductions. If the patient chooses a provider with a lower cost than the average price They should share in the cost savings created for the insurance company.
Patients should not go bankrupt for emergency medical care. What we continue to see is insurance companies playing the usual game of squeezing patients or doctors by not covering the services provided, and then “surprise charging” patients because they did not pay the beneficiary’s bill for emergency services. Insurance companies should pay for emergency services regardless of network status. Patients should focus on saving their own lives. Not making sure they’re headed to the right emergency department.
Promoting free market principles will require expanding health savings accounts (HSAs) to be used for any medical service. And it should be allowed for anything related to health. Even if it’s transportation to the doctor or running shoes.
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A free market environment encourages providers to compete on price, quality, and service, which leads to improved health care delivery. HSAs give patients control over their health care costs. Providers hoping to attract those dollars must compete on quality or price or both.
2. Fight the epidemic of chronic disease
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity account for the majority of health care costs and preventable deaths in America. Management must prioritize preventive care by incentivizing healthy choices.
Tax Deductions for Gym Memberships nutritional counseling And health programs can encourage lifestyle changes. Reforming agricultural subsidies to prioritize nutrient-dense foods over processed and sugary products. It will help transform our country towards better health outcomes. Government subsidies should be limited to healthy foods that nourish the body and mind. Meanwhile, local municipalities must make neighborhoods safe for outdoor exercise.
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3. Give the state the power to create new things.
Health care must reflect the diversity of our nation. States should have the freedom to design health care systems that meet their specific needs. The state has existing relationships with hospitals, primary care physicians, insurance companies. and non-profit organizations which can be used to improve the health of the population
Converting Medicaid funding to block grants would allow states to innovate and use resources more efficiently. This approach promotes creativity and responsibility. while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. States can also allow health insurance plans. It is “emergencies only” while allowing patients to use expanded HSA funds to pay discounted cash payments for preventive and routine care.
States can also expand Telehealth services to improve access to care and limit drug co-payments to make essential medicines more affordable.
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4. Restore the relationship between doctor and patient.
Too much regulation and bureaucracy has eroded it. Relationship between doctor and patientTurning personal care into an assembly line The administration must reduce onerous reporting requirements from Medicare and private insurance companies. This gives doctors more time to spend with patients.
Removing large hospital systems based on independent physician practices. and the elimination of restrictive covenants together. It will force competition to keep costs down. At the same time improving the quality of care. and helping patients choose their doctor.
Insurance companies have made deals with large hospital systems that consolidate care to save money and force good doctors to leave. They do this by keeping reimbursement rates so low that doctors and other medical providers are forced to bundle them into bunkered care or stop taking insurance altogether.
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5. Ensure a safe pharmaceutical supply chain.
COVID-19 outbreak It reveals the fragility of our pharmaceutical supply chain. Over-reliance on foreign production puts us at risk of shortages of critical medicines. The administration should incentivize domestic production of essential drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to protect public health. A strong “Buy American” policy for health care supplies is critical for national security and preparedness.
Restoring America’s health requires bold action. Commitment to free market principles and a focus on empowering individuals. By using these five strategies The new administration will be able to build a health care system that is affordable, effective, and patient-centered. It’s time to prioritize health over bureaucracy. and empower Americans to care for their well-being.
Click here for more information from DR. Nicole Safir.
