Peter Mott
Rochester Democrat And Chronicle
Guest essayist
December 7, 2008
Because of the current financial crisis, many observers see no point in discussing an expansion of health care coverage this year — either federal or state.
Indeed, it is true that the current crisis is adding greatly to our public debt. And it is true that total health costs in the United States are already twice as high per person per year as those of any other nation and rising faster. If we were to start paying to insure our 50 million uninsured — plus an estimated 40 million Americans who are underinsured — costs would escalate hugely.
Believe it or not, there is one proposal that could cover all Americans for all needed services and save money. And it is now that we must explore that proposal. Studies have shown that national savings would amount to $350 billion per year.
Related: Don McCanne, MD: Sen. Daschle’s “Critical”