The New York Times has an interesting Op-Ed by Bob Herbert that details the good a community health care center in Vermont is doing. He liberally quotes from Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders in the article but the ideas actually may have some merit. How is that for bipartisan!
Community Health Centers receive a small amount of funding from the government but they still charge for services, albeit on a sliding scale based on income. Former President Bush pushed for their expansion as soon as he took office so it is an ideas that both sides of the aisle like.
In 2001 Community Health Centers served 10 million people at a cost of 1.16 billion dollars. And by 2006 the centers had served 15 million people for only 1.99 billion. Today they serve 20 million people. 40% of them are uninsured and 90% earn less than twice the poverty level.
That is an extremely cost effective program for the government. In addition community health centers tend to provide quality without undermining private business.
Because they charge on a sliding income scale these centers appeal to patients who can’t afford doctors or traditional insurance. Few people earning above twice the poverty level use these facilities because they’re charged the full price for treatment hence for them regular health insurance is the better deal.
These centers seem to be doing exactly what Democrats want health care reform to do- and it is not costing taxpayers a ton of money. Additionally it is not "giving anything away" as even the poorest have to pay a nominal fee for services.
Perhaps instead of risky and expensive insurance reforms congress should look into expanding Community Health Centers.
1 comments:
I am not opposed to this idea but what happens when people need continuing or specialized care outside traditional medicine? its also saying the poor deserve different care than those who can afford insurance. Remember, seperate is never equal.
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