Universal Care

The existing health care system is composed of private and public organizations working toward the same goals of providing access to health care services. The topic of "univesal health care coverage" hss been a political topic for a decade. It is time to make this a reality. Access to health care in the US should not be a privilege but a right. In order to accomplish this, the principle variable to begin the process is the resolving the dilemna of funding such a venture. Here are my suggestions;

1. the creation of a 1% income tax paid quarterly to a federal health care fund which is federally matched beginning year 1
2. beginning year 2 to support Universal Health Care Coverage, a .5% special state tax charged to all states quartely to be paid to Universal Health Care Coverage Plan.
3. movement of all medicare, medicaid funding into federal health care funds with the goal of elimination of these programs within 10 years.
4. private and public health care organizations enroll as providers under the Universal Health Care Coverage Plan as providers to bill on a fee for service basis.
5. private practioners can become providers of the Universal Health Care Coverage Plan.
6. public behavioral health care service agencies would be required to address the issues of poverty,unemployment,and literacy with the goal of assisting citizens toward self sufficiency and movement out of public social services dependency.
7. The aged and disabled population would be redefined into those with mild impairments, moderate impairments, and severe impairements. Those with mild to moderate impairments would be required to volunteer annually a set number of hours in a public social service agency or charged 5% of monthly income in lieu of volunteer hours from social security disability or retirement income for Universal Health Care Coverage. For SSI recipients receiving 700 dollars monthly this translates sinto $3.50 per month.
8. The use of electronic medical records available on a universal data platform that is accessible by any Universal Health Care Provider. The individual's soc.security number would be the medical record number. The electronic medical record would hinder duplication of medical services such as lab tests etc, plus reduce duplication of medical care when patients see several doctors for same ailments.
9. Individuals will select a PCP who must pre-authorize any medical/behavioral health care.
10. The establishment of universal reimbursment rates for medical/behavioral health care services that are mutually agreed upon by private and public sector health care providers.

The transformation of our health care system is greatly needed, and the federal government needs to take an active role in partnering with private industry along with bridging publically funded and private sector health care resources together. The effective integration of public and private sector could result;
1. in a reduction of costly duplicated medical services,
2. improved health care access for all, and total citizenry involvement and investment in a universal health care system.
3. A competitive system where quality and care would attract more consumers which renders greater reimbursements for the organization.
4. A conjointly funded health care system by all citizens and government.

Linda Tavel