Health care questions

National health care policy is not rocket science, in spite of the tribulations of the GOP in their desperate attempts to unravel the ACA.

Question 1: Do you believe that affordable health care is a right for all Americans? Simple question, but everything hinges on the answer. Democrats are a solid “yes,” with the most progressive backing the single-payer concept. Republicans have been historically “no” on this question and remain largely so, though it’s difficult for them to say it out loud now that the ACA has been in place.

If we can agree that Question 1 is a “yes”, then Question 2 is, “How are we going to pay for it?” If we don’t agree with the mandate that all adults need to enroll in the program (some compare the concept to auto insurance), then we have to replace that insurance revenue somehow. It isn’t magic. The insurance pool floats the program for everyone, and some people will use less than they contribute while others use more.

If you personally believe that the answer to Question 1 above is “yes”, you’d best untether yourself from the party working against your interests. Or at least let your representative know how you feel.

Jeffrey Ellingson

Liberty Lake