Best approach to advocate healthcare cost reform

Started by Jman22, June 20, 2017, 07:09:02 PM

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Jman22

Hi everyone,

I am looking to advocate healthcare cost reform in my spare time but want to do so in the most effective way possible.  Our basic healthcare costs of prescription drugs and services are out of control compared to the rest of the world indicating a strong case for price gouging. 

Now, what I found is that there are actually numerous bills over the years both GOP and Dems that would cut healthcare costs.  For example, McCain has sponsored Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act.  But as you can see from link https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2017/01/a-senate-vote-on-prescription-drug-price/, these types of bills will always be blocked by politicians who have been bought by the Big Pharma lobbyists.  Keeping in mind that we have a congress bought by corporations who in this case would fight tooth and nail for their bottom line and not American's healthcare I see the following options to advocate.

.1.  Fix lobby problem via Anti Corruption Act - by limiting the influence of lobbyists, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.2.  Fix lobby problem via public campaign funding - if a system is properly setup to where all campaign funds come from a public fund and zero from donors/groups/corporations/etc (no influence), then effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.3.  Raise awareness of lobby bought politicians blocking effective healthcare bills (call for recall elections) - by getting Americans to raise voice against who is blocking affordable healthcare, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.4.  Advocate citizens to call representatives on effective healthcare bills - by getting Americans to raise voice in support of good policies, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.5.  Back a representative who advocates your agenda - by helping a representative get elected or re elected who supports my agenda, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.6.  Advocate a campaign promise tracker - by advocating a method where citizens hold representatives to their campaign processes, such as healthcare costs, effective healthcare bills may have a better chance to pass.

What do you think would be the most effective approach(s)?

Thanks,
J

Solar

The only way healthcare will ever be reformed is, get the govt out of it altogether and turn it over to a private entity to oversee.
There is no other answer.
Official Trump Cult Member

#WWG1WGA

Q PATRIOT!!!

taxed

Quote from: Jman22 on June 20, 2017, 07:09:02 PM
Hi everyone,

I am looking to advocate healthcare cost reform in my spare time but want to do so in the most effective way possible.  Our basic healthcare costs of prescription drugs and services are out of control compared to the rest of the world indicating a strong case for price gouging. 

Now, what I found is that there are actually numerous bills over the years both GOP and Dems that would cut healthcare costs.  For example, McCain has sponsored Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act.  But as you can see from link https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2017/01/a-senate-vote-on-prescription-drug-price/, these types of bills will always be blocked by politicians who have been bought by the Big Pharma lobbyists.  Keeping in mind that we have a congress bought by corporations who in this case would fight tooth and nail for their bottom line and not American's healthcare I see the following options to advocate.

.1.  Fix lobby problem via Anti Corruption Act - by limiting the influence of lobbyists, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.2.  Fix lobby problem via public campaign funding - if a system is properly setup to where all campaign funds come from a public fund and zero from donors/groups/corporations/etc (no influence), then effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.3.  Raise awareness of lobby bought politicians blocking effective healthcare bills (call for recall elections) - by getting Americans to raise voice against who is blocking affordable healthcare, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.4.  Advocate citizens to call representatives on effective healthcare bills - by getting Americans to raise voice in support of good policies, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.5.  Back a representative who advocates your agenda - by helping a representative get elected or re elected who supports my agenda, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.6.  Advocate a campaign promise tracker - by advocating a method where citizens hold representatives to their campaign processes, such as healthcare costs, effective healthcare bills may have a better chance to pass.

What do you think would be the most effective approach(s)?

Thanks,
J

Why not let the free market take care of pricing?
#PureBlood #TrumpWon

Solar

Quote from: Jman22 on June 20, 2017, 07:09:02 PM
Hi everyone,

I am looking to advocate healthcare cost reform in my spare time but want to do so in the most effective way possible.  Our basic healthcare costs of prescription drugs and services are out of control compared to the rest of the world indicating a strong case for price gouging. 

Now, what I found is that there are actually numerous bills over the years both GOP and Dems that would cut healthcare costs.  For example, McCain has sponsored Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act.  But as you can see from link https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2017/01/a-senate-vote-on-prescription-drug-price/, these types of bills will always be blocked by politicians who have been bought by the Big Pharma lobbyists.  Keeping in mind that we have a congress bought by corporations who in this case would fight tooth and nail for their bottom line and not American's healthcare I see the following options to advocate.

.1.  Fix lobby problem via Anti Corruption Act - by limiting the influence of lobbyists, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.2.  Fix lobby problem via public campaign funding - if a system is properly setup to where all campaign funds come from a public fund and zero from donors/groups/corporations/etc (no influence), then effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.3.  Raise awareness of lobby bought politicians blocking effective healthcare bills (call for recall elections) - by getting Americans to raise voice against who is blocking affordable healthcare, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.4.  Advocate citizens to call representatives on effective healthcare bills - by getting Americans to raise voice in support of good policies, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.5.  Back a representative who advocates your agenda - by helping a representative get elected or re elected who supports my agenda, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.6.  Advocate a campaign promise tracker - by advocating a method where citizens hold representatives to their campaign processes, such as healthcare costs, effective healthcare bills may have a better chance to pass.

What do you think would be the most effective approach(s)?

Thanks,
J
Why would anyone use a broken system, to fix a broken system?
That's akin to hiring inmates to guard the prisoners.
Official Trump Cult Member

#WWG1WGA

Q PATRIOT!!!

walkstall

Quote from: Solar on June 20, 2017, 07:36:30 PM
Why would anyone use a broken system, to fix a broken system?
That's akin to hiring inmates to guard the prisoners.

Or take your credit card number for a stay at a state or national parks.   :popcorn: 
A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.- James Freeman Clarke

Always remember "Feelings Aren't Facts."

Cryptic Bert

Eliminate the government and you eliminate the lobbyists.

supsalemgr

Quote from: Jman22 on June 20, 2017, 07:09:02 PM
Hi everyone,

I am looking to advocate healthcare cost reform in my spare time but want to do so in the most effective way possible.  Our basic healthcare costs of prescription drugs and services are out of control compared to the rest of the world indicating a strong case for price gouging. 

Now, what I found is that there are actually numerous bills over the years both GOP and Dems that would cut healthcare costs.  For example, McCain has sponsored Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act.  But as you can see from link https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2017/01/a-senate-vote-on-prescription-drug-price/, these types of bills will always be blocked by politicians who have been bought by the Big Pharma lobbyists.  Keeping in mind that we have a congress bought by corporations who in this case would fight tooth and nail for their bottom line and not American's healthcare I see the following options to advocate.

.1.  Fix lobby problem via Anti Corruption Act - by limiting the influence of lobbyists, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.2.  Fix lobby problem via public campaign funding - if a system is properly setup to where all campaign funds come from a public fund and zero from donors/groups/corporations/etc (no influence), then effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.3.  Raise awareness of lobby bought politicians blocking effective healthcare bills (call for recall elections) - by getting Americans to raise voice against who is blocking affordable healthcare, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.4.  Advocate citizens to call representatives on effective healthcare bills - by getting Americans to raise voice in support of good policies, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.5.  Back a representative who advocates your agenda - by helping a representative get elected or re elected who supports my agenda, effective healthcare bills have a better chance to pass.
.6.  Advocate a campaign promise tracker - by advocating a method where citizens hold representatives to their campaign processes, such as healthcare costs, effective healthcare bills may have a better chance to pass.

What do you think would be the most effective approach(s)?

Thanks,
J

You are suggesting all be controlled by the government. It won't go anywhere on this board.
"If you can't run with the big dawgs, stay on the porch!"

Jman22

"You are suggesting all be controlled by the government. It won't go anywhere on this board."  - I am gathering ideas and feedback on thoughts to fix this problem.  What are your suggestions?

"Why not let the free market take care of pricing?" - sounds good to me.  For example, we can increase competition by buying FDA approved drugs from other countries.  Problem is - big pharma bought lobbyists are voting against. 

"Why would anyone use a broken system, to fix a broken system?
That's akin to hiring inmates to guard the prisoners."  - that's a really good point Solar.  Is there a way to fix then or are we forever stuck allowing corporations to run the government in this current system?  I mean it certainly could be worse, but just trying to think how we can make this better.

Solar

Quote from: Jman22 on June 21, 2017, 07:57:08 AM
"You are suggesting all be controlled by the government. It won't go anywhere on this board."  - I am gathering ideas and feedback on thoughts to fix this problem.  What are your suggestions?

"Why not let the free market take care of pricing?" - sounds good to me.  For example, we can increase competition by buying FDA approved drugs from other countries.  Problem is - big pharma bought lobbyists are voting against. 
You'll find that "Big Pharma" knows no borders. You can go to Mexico and pay a third for drugs sold here, by the very same manufacturer under an American label. Again, the problem is govt.

Quote"Why would anyone use a broken system, to fix a broken system?
That's akin to hiring inmates to guard the prisoners."  - that's a really good point Solar.  Is there a way to fix then or are we forever stuck allowing corporations to run the government in this current system?  I mean it certainly could be worse, but just trying to think how we can make this better.
Yes, get govt out of the purchasing end of meds, turn it over to a private entity, one that is not hamstrung by lobbyists for starters.
Change the permitting process/structure, make it cheaper so as to allow smaller labs to submit medications, streamline the process by shortening the time a drug takes to get to market, this was not designed to protect the consumer, no, lobbyists set this up to favor the deep pockets of the huge drug comapnies.

Remove Congress ability to write laws picking winners and killing off competition.
Official Trump Cult Member

#WWG1WGA

Q PATRIOT!!!

walkstall

Jman22

Learn to use the quote function it helps everyone.

Also answer only one post at a time by using the quote function.  Do not answer 2 or 3 post in one post.  It also help people know who ask what or said what with out go back into the thread.
A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.- James Freeman Clarke

Always remember "Feelings Aren't Facts."

Solar

Quote from: walkstall on June 21, 2017, 09:20:01 AM
Jman22

Learn to use the quote function it helps everyone.

Also answer only one post at a time by using the quote function.  Do not answer 2 or 3 post in one post.  It also help people know who ask what or said what with out go back into the thread.
You could probably link to help where I think we discussed in depth how to quote. I know it took me quite awhile to grasp the concept. :blush:
Official Trump Cult Member

#WWG1WGA

Q PATRIOT!!!

supsalemgr

Quote from: Jman22 on June 21, 2017, 07:57:08 AM
"You are suggesting all be controlled by the government. It won't go anywhere on this board."  - I am gathering ideas and feedback on thoughts to fix this problem.  What are your suggestions?

"Why not let the free market take care of pricing?" - sounds good to me.  For example, we can increase competition by buying FDA approved drugs from other countries.  Problem is - big pharma bought lobbyists are voting against. 

"Why would anyone use a broken system, to fix a broken system?
That's akin to hiring inmates to guard the prisoners."  - that's a really good point Solar.  Is there a way to fix then or are we forever stuck allowing corporations to run the government in this current system?  I mean it certainly could be worse, but just trying to think how we can make this better.

Please learn to use the quote function. It will save you a lot of time when responding to posts.

The first thing I suggest is give people a choice. Don't make them buy coverage they don't want. Mandates create the shortage of competitors because mandating coverage for pre-existing conditions cannot be reasonably priced. This idea was a fraud put forward by Obamacare. That is just the facts. Finally, let states determine what they desire to do with subsidized coverage. The truth is there is no free lunch - and that's the facts.
"If you can't run with the big dawgs, stay on the porch!"

Jman22

Quote from: walkstall on June 21, 2017, 09:20:01 AM
Jman22

Learn to use the quote function it helps everyone.

Also answer only one post at a time by using the quote function.  Do not answer 2 or 3 post in one post.  It also help people know who ask what or said what with out go back into the thread.

Ah!  Will do.  Was trying to consolidate the responses.  Will quote directly from now on.  Apologies.

Jman22

Quote from: Solar on June 21, 2017, 08:26:02 AM
You'll find that "Big Pharma" knows no borders. You can go to Mexico and pay a third for drugs sold here, by the very same manufacturer under an American label. Again, the problem is govt.
Yes, get govt out of the purchasing end of meds, turn it over to a private entity, one that is not hamstrung by lobbyists for starters.
Change the permitting process/structure, make it cheaper so as to allow smaller labs to submit medications, streamline the process by shortening the time a drug takes to get to market, this was not designed to protect the consumer, no, lobbyists set this up to favor the deep pockets of the huge drug comapnies.

Remove Congress ability to write laws picking winners and killing off competition.
- thanks again Solar.  What are your thoughts on allowing FDA approved drugs from Canada and Mexico to be purchased in the US to increase competition?  The private entity is an interesting note too.  Are any politicians supporting such an approach?  My concern would be the private entity continue to engage in predatory pricing similar to current US drug companies today because there are no penalties if they do so.

Quote from: supsalemgr on June 21, 2017, 12:00:32 PM
The first thing I suggest is give people a choice. Don't make them buy coverage they don't want. Mandates create the shortage of competitors because mandating coverage for pre-existing conditions cannot be reasonably priced. This idea was a fraud put forward by Obamacare. That is just the facts. Finally, let states determine what they desire to do with subsidized coverage. The truth is there is no free lunch - and that's the facts.
that's right there is no free lunch.  The coverage choice I sometimes see mentioned on the topic.  But here is my take, strike insurance out of the equation.  The problem is costs!  Plain and simple.  Prescription drugs how much do they cost without insurance?  In Canada or any other country the same pill might cost 3x less.  A hip replacement may cost 25k in US on average and 5k on average in other countries, again all without insurance factored.  Why?  Because in other countries they take measures to prevent predatory pricing in healthcare.  Like you said someone has to pay the lunch, whether it is us or the insurance companies.  If we can reduce the base costs then it will reduce the premiums.

walkstall

Quote from: Jman22 on June 21, 2017, 07:59:44 PM
Ah!  Will do.  Was trying to consolidate the responses.  Will quote directly from now on.  Apologies.

Your new, their are a lot of people that follow the board and are not in every day.  It helps all the way around.  They don't and we don't have to keep looking back as to who said what when.  Some of us have been doing boards for over 20 years and we find it is best way. 

I think it will also save you time in posting. 
A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.- James Freeman Clarke

Always remember "Feelings Aren't Facts."