No Matter Who Wins, The Choice Is Yours: What Will It Take To Get Americans Ready?

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times published an excellent editorial by Ezra Klein, who pens a popular blog and writes for the American Prospect magazine.  Klein, who is far from conservative, saves his editorializing (mostly) for his blog and lays out a straightforward overview of the Democratic and Republican health reform plans. 

Regarding the Republicans, Klein observes:

“Their plans all proceed from the assumption that the problem in healthcare is that costs are skyrocketing because Americans overuse their doctors. This theory postulates that because Americans don't feel the cost of every individual treatment (because it is being paid by insurers and the premiums are being paid by employers), they demand more treatment than they actually need, spending too much and lifting the price of healthcare. The answer to this problem is simple: Make us pay for care directly rather than for premiums.”

As for the Democrats, Klein writes:

“Under [Jim Edwards and Hilary Clinton’s] systems, every American would have to purchase health coverage, and a system of subsidies and tax credits would be constructed to make sure coverage was affordable. Barack Obama would channel healthcare through employers to the employed, but he doesn't build in mechanisms to ensure that adults outside the labor force are covered.”

Although the plans differ in philosophies and policy details, one thing remains the same: whether they are being asked to purchase a plan (individual mandate) or assume more health costs, Americans will have to play a bigger role in the health system.  What will it take to get them ready?  How will they shop between plans?  How will they manage the financial impact?

I’d love to hear your answers to these questions.