CDZ What is Trump's health care plan?

[Toronado3800]

I have read several sites stating basically that Trump would like to repeal Obamacare and replace it with his own version.

Then what I read goes all over the place random.

So what is Trump's vision?

 

[Vigilante]

Ever try a search engine?

Healthcare Reform

 

[oldsoul]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

 

[Vigilante]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

I imagine you LIKE TO PAY MORE, especially if you are retired and on a FIXED income.... you must TEMPER your decisions for the good of certain groups over what is a SMALLER problem for others.

 

[Toronado3800]

Ever try a search engine?

Healthcare Reform

Sometimes, but I like to see what people come up with. Afterall, Fox and CNN both show up on search engines.

 

[gipper]

Whatever it is it has to better than we have now.

 

[Fishlore]

I have read several sites stating basically that Trump would like to repeal Obamacare and replace it with his own version.

Then what I read goes all over the place random.

So what is Trump's vision?

Trump's plan is still at the stage of talking points. No proposed legislation is yet available. You can find out what his plan is -- at least from his point of view -- at:

Healthcare Reform

His plan, such as it is, is made up pretty much of meat-and-potatoes Republican talking points. The across-state-lines, no mandate and savings account features have been on the table as alternatives to Obamacare since the beginning. There is no evidence they would work as promised and some real economic reasons why they wouldn't. Nobody, of course, knows.

The fact is that Obamacare doesn't work very well either. But it is the most promising market-based approach, which is why the Heritage Foundation dreamed it up. Trump's plan consists of tweaks; the only viable alternative to Obamacare is some Canadian-style Medicare for All.

 

[TNHarley]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

 

[TNHarley]

Consumers would get more spending power, IMO. Opening up trade to foreign medicines is a GREAT idea.
That AIDs pill everyone freaked out about a few months ago, is a dollar a piece in India..

 

[Toronado3800]

From trump's campaign site.

"As it appears Obamacare is certain to collapse of its own weight, the damage done by the Democrats and President Obama, and abetted by the Supreme Court, will be difficult to repair unless the next President and a Republican congress lead the effort to bring much-needed free market reforms to the healthcare industry."
-seems like partisan dribble meant to divide the country not bring folks together.

"repeal this terrible legislation." simple, makes sense.

"1. Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to."
Coupled with a quote I read in the STL Post about those unable to pay not being thrown on the street it sounds like a return to the old secretly socialist system.

"2. Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines." I agree.

"3. Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system." ok

"4. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate." ok

"5. Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure."

OK. FWIW, I got itemized bills for my gall bladder and ACL surgeries. If my insurance companies really paid that they haven't made money off me in a decade.

"6. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure....."

Do I understand this as saying if the states want to offer more benefits they can?

"7. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products....." Is this pretty much softening up the FDA?


Is there more to it I am missing? I agree with some of the above even if they are basically removing states rights, and offering tax incentives to tie up private money in savings plans and softening regulations. They don't assault the big picture problem.

My concern or fear is inspired by the organ transplant type of event that can leave your family in poverty. After all, YOU don't want to die just because a new heart will cost you several hundred thousand dollars you may not have. Neither do I if I need a Tracheotomy and can't convince the hospital I can give them my home for $200k.

 

[320 Years of History]

Ever try a search engine?

Healthcare Reform

Okay, let's look at what's there....

• Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.

• Fine, but if you do so, it needs to be replaced with something. What is that something? What follows are some potential provisions that something may include, but it's incomplete. This and the following ideas -- because that's all they are, rough ideas -- are not a healthcare policy or platform.
  
  Mr. Trump has had since Mr. Obama's last election to put something together and what's below is all he's got to offer? Really? I'm supposed to trust my health and healthcare to the musings of a man who has no public policy making experience and who also has put forth such a thinly conceived and articulated plan on such a critical subject? Really? I'm supposed to feel good about it, no less? Really?
  
  Not in this lifetime I won't. I'm not a Missourian, but Mr. Trump needs to show me more than that.

• Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.
  • This make sense. I support this provision. Alone it's not enough for me to "buy into" Mr. Trump, but it's a good idea all the same.

• Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it.
  1. Why? Doesn't Mr. Trump also propose a flat tax? What's the point of an insurance deduction when he wants us to take our income, multiply by a rate and write a check for the product?
     
     This idea illustrates the lack of coherence in and among Mr. Trump's proposals. You and I both know damn well that were Mr. Trump implementing or proposing an initiative for Trump Organization, it would be synergistic across all the relevant business functions/areas. Why should I demand/expect less from his policy proposals? He doesn't get to "half step" on a national level proposal. And I'm sorry but neglecting to coordinate a major healthcare proposal with his proposed tax policies isn't the sort of oversight I'll tolerate from a Presidential candidate.

• Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.
  1. This idea isn't terrible or good, but again, why the tax free aspect if he wants a flat tax?
  2. The part about the money put into an HSA not being lost if it's not used is reasonable
  3. If indeed he implements a flat tax as I described earlier, I'd shift my view to this being a good idea. Absent that sort of flat tax, however, I see this as just another tax shelter. We don't need more of those. (You want that, that's what Luxembourg was for until September 2015. Now, that's what Russian banks are for. LOL)
• Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.
  1. WTH does "price transparency" mean in this context? Is there anyone who's asked a healthcare provider what "such and such" costs and not been told?
  2. One can already price shop among care providers. This is an "empty" proposal. In fact, depending on why the show up, when an ambulance shows up to take one to a hospital, they ask which hospital you want to go to as long as it's in their country/district.
• Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.
  • I haven't a strong view one way or the other on this.

• Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.

1. Okay, tell me what barriers you want to remove. That isn't too much to ask is it?
2. You can call them barriers if you want to, but what provisions will drug companies have to meet to ensure their products are at least as safe to use as are the drugs offered for sale in the U.S. prior to Mr. Trump's policy being implemented?
3. Drug companies are not public service companies and public service isn't what they provide. That's a nice way to spin what they do, but it's not accurate. Drug companies provide a product that American consumers demand and that they (personally or via insurance) are willing and able to pay for. I'll believe drug companies provide a public service when they research, develop and distribute/offer their drugs in exchange for the goodwill of the American people.
   
   One example of a public service offered by a corporation: when the emergency broadcast network comes on radios and televisions to tell us a tidal wave is coming. In that situation, the communications industry is performing a public service. Drug companies don't to that or anything that in character is substantively like that.

So the preceding is your idea of a substantive healthcare platform that one can compare and contrast with the ACA or even with what predated the ACA? I don't know if it is or not. I realize you were responding to someone who asked what is Mr. Trump's vision.

 

[oldsoul]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

I imagine you LIKE TO PAY MORE, especially if you are retired and on a FIXED income.... you must TEMPER your decisions for the good of certain groups over what is a SMALLER problem for others.

Where is this coming from? I was simply pointing out a contradiction. I am not supporting one idea or another here. You ass-u-me way too much.

 

[oldsoul]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

Trump wants to bring manufacturing back to the US, doesn't he? And here he is advocating just the opposite.

 

[TNHarley]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

Trump wants to bring manufacturing back to the US, doesn't he? And here he is advocating just the opposite.

Then what should happen? Him socialize the pharmaceutical industry? Something else? Should the doctors and scientists that create these medicines get even LESS than what they are now?
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it really applies to this.. Manufacturing medicine isn't a problem here, is it?
Trump has made it clear he is a free trading capitalist, he just wants to get us on the right track.

 

[oldsoul]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

Trump wants to bring manufacturing back to the US, doesn't he? And here he is advocating just the opposite.

Then what should happen? Him socialize the pharmaceutical industry? Something else? Should the doctors and scientists that create these medicines get even LESS than what they are now?
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it really applies to this.. Manufacturing medicine isn't a problem here, is it?
Trump has made it clear he is a free trading capitalist, he just wants to get us on the right track.

Apparently Trump beleives that the prices of manufacturing medicine here are too high, and therefore advocates importing them (I don't disagree or agree). Then he says that we have exported too many of our manufacturing jobs (I don't disagree or agree). So, I point out a contradiction, and you seem to want to attack me. Why is that? You say you get what I am saying, why are you not agreeing, then, that there is a contradiction?

 

[TNHarley]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

Trump wants to bring manufacturing back to the US, doesn't he? And here he is advocating just the opposite.

Then what should happen? Him socialize the pharmaceutical industry? Something else? Should the doctors and scientists that create these medicines get even LESS than what they are now?
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it really applies to this.. Manufacturing medicine isn't a problem here, is it?
Trump has made it clear he is a free trading capitalist, he just wants to get us on the right track.

Apparently Trump beleives that the prices of manufacturing medicine here are too high, and therefore advocates importing them (I don't disagree or agree). Then he says that we have exported too many of our manufacturing jobs (I don't disagree or agree). So, I point out a contradiction, and you seem to want to attack me. Why is that? You say you get what I am saying, why are you not agreeing, then, that there is a contradiction?

I didn't attack you lol..
He is wanting to give the consumer more buying power.
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it applies to this. Medicine is a whole different ballgame from doing steel or making t-shirts and ball caps.

 

[oldsoul]

"Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers." (Emphasis added)
From the above link. Doesn't this contradict Trumps' stance on the economy as a whole? Another contradiction, no suprise there.

How so?

Trump wants to bring manufacturing back to the US, doesn't he? And here he is advocating just the opposite.

Then what should happen? Him socialize the pharmaceutical industry? Something else? Should the doctors and scientists that create these medicines get even LESS than what they are now?
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it really applies to this.. Manufacturing medicine isn't a problem here, is it?
Trump has made it clear he is a free trading capitalist, he just wants to get us on the right track.

Apparently Trump beleives that the prices of manufacturing medicine here are too high, and therefore advocates importing them (I don't disagree or agree). Then he says that we have exported too many of our manufacturing jobs (I don't disagree or agree). So, I point out a contradiction, and you seem to want to attack me. Why is that? You say you get what I am saying, why are you not agreeing, then, that there is a contradiction?

I didn't attack you lol..
He is wanting to give the consumer more buying power.
I get what you are saying, I just don't think it applies to this. Medicine is a whole different ballgame from doing steel or making t-shirts and ball caps.

As it applies to economics, I don't see the difference. Whether a viagra pill is made in the US, or in India, is no different (economically speaking) than whether a t-shirt is made here or there. The only difference, as I see it, is that very few people, if any, will die from using a t-shirt made with inferior ingredients or in less clean factories. Pills, someone will likely die from poor ingredients, or unclean factories.

 

[320 Years of History]

Something I forgot to note in walking through Mr. Trump's healthcare ideas: the few of them that are good ideas can be thoroughly implemented without discarding the ACA. The ACA need only be modified to incorporate them.

If that's all Mr. Trump wants to do -- modify ACA so it includes his ideas, fine. But then why did he say completely repeal the ACA and have nothing correspondingly comprehensive to offer in its stead?

 

[Vigilante]

Ever try a search engine?

Healthcare Reform

Okay, let's look at what's there....

• Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.

• Fine, but if you do so, it needs to be replaced with something. What is that something? What follows are some potential provisions that something may include, but it's incomplete. This and the following ideas -- because that's all they are, rough ideas -- are not a healthcare policy or platform.
  
  Mr. Trump has had since Mr. Obama's last election to put something together and what's below is all he's got to offer? Really? I'm supposed to trust my health and healthcare to the musings of a man who has no public policy making experience and who also has put forth such a thinly conceived and articulated plan on such a critical subject? Really? I'm supposed to feel good about it, no less? Really?
  
  Not in this lifetime I won't. I'm not a Missourian, but Mr. Trump needs to show me more than that.

• Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.
  • This make sense. I support this provision. Alone it's not enough for me to "buy into" Mr. Trump, but it's a good idea all the same.

• Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it.
  1. Why? Doesn't Mr. Trump also propose a flat tax? What's the point of an insurance deduction when he wants us to take our income, multiply by a rate and write a check for the product?
     
     This idea illustrates the lack of coherence in and among Mr. Trump's proposals. You and I both know damn well that were Mr. Trump implementing or proposing an initiative for Trump Organization, it would be synergistic across all the relevant business functions/areas. Why should I demand/expect less from his policy proposals? He doesn't get to "half step" on a national level proposal. And I'm sorry but neglecting to coordinate a major healthcare proposal with his proposed tax policies isn't the sort of oversight I'll tolerate from a Presidential candidate.

• Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.
  1. This idea isn't terrible or good, but again, why the tax free aspect if he wants a flat tax?
  2. The part about the money put into an HSA not being lost if it's not used is reasonable
  3. If indeed he implements a flat tax as I described earlier, I'd shift my view to this being a good idea. Absent that sort of flat tax, however, I see this as just another tax shelter. We don't need more of those. (You want that, that's what Luxembourg was for until September 2015. Now, that's what Russian banks are for. LOL)
• Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.
  1. WTH does "price transparency" mean in this context? Is there anyone who's asked a healthcare provider what "such and such" costs and not been told?
  2. One can already price shop among care providers. This is an "empty" proposal. In fact, depending on why the show up, when an ambulance shows up to take one to a hospital, they ask which hospital you want to go to as long as it's in their country/district.
• Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.
  • I haven't a strong view one way or the other on this.

• Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.

1. Okay, tell me what barriers you want to remove. That isn't too much to ask is it?
2. You can call them barriers if you want to, but what provisions will drug companies have to meet to ensure their products are at least as safe to use as are the drugs offered for sale in the U.S. prior to Mr. Trump's policy being implemented?
3. Drug companies are not public service companies and public service isn't what they provide. That's a nice way to spin what they do, but it's not accurate. Drug companies provide a product that American consumers demand and that they (personally or via insurance) are willing and able to pay for. I'll believe drug companies provide a public service when they research, develop and distribute/offer their drugs in exchange for the goodwill of the American people.
   
   One example of a public service offered by a corporation: when the emergency broadcast network comes on radios and televisions to tell us a tidal wave is coming. In that situation, the communications industry is performing a public service. Drug companies don't to that or anything that in character is substantively like that.

So the preceding is your idea of a substantive healthcare platform that one can compare and contrast with the ACA or even with what predated the ACA? I don't know if it is or not. I realize you were responding to someone who asked what is Mr. Trump's vision.

You ever think that this is the basic outline of a healthcare plan that will be completed ONCE HE IS ELECTED... Any other Republican candidate have a more detailed plan? Or do you want a 2700 page bible like obamacare so you can read it from cover to cover over the next 2 months?...

 

[alpine]

When he was asked what he would do for people w/o insurance
And he answered: "I will take care of em..."

God know what he meant by that.....