punished. Doctors can have their licenses suspended or revoked, fines levied, and prison time given. Insurance companies who are found to be defrauding the system will not only be fined, but they can have their profit % dropped or removal from the system altogether. Insurance company executives and employees will be held liable for fraud and can also be fined and/or given prison time. Because the system will be nationwide, there will be close monitoring for fraud. Patients who attempt to defraud the system can lose their coverage, be fined, or spend time in prison as well. This program is expensive; it must be managed efficiently and protected from fraud!
Okay, what about visitors, temporary workers, students, etc. who are here but not permanent residents? ALL of those people will be required to purchase “temporary” visitors insurance, a category that will certainly grow from this system through independent insurance companies who see an opportunity. The cost and coverage and collection of these insurance premiums will be up to the insurance companies. Naturally, should someone appear at an emergency room with a life-threatening injury or illness, they will be treated. They will also be required to provide insurance or pay for the services, or, at the discretion of the hospital, be forgiven as some hospitals do now.
Here's how we pay for it! First, there will be new “wholesale producer national health tax on certain items. All receipts from these tax collections will go directly to the NHITFC.
Tobacco (Respiratory illness and heart disease)
Sugar (diabetes, obesity, and other health issues)
Salt (blood pressure and heart disease)
Saturated Fats (coronary artery disease, obesity issues, etc.)
Alcohol (variety of well-documented illnesses)
Caffeine (too many negative health issues to list)
Possibly others could be added to this list.
Examples: If sugar sells for 25 cents a pound at wholesale, then the tax would be set to double or triple the cost to users. While that seems high, it would not significantly raise the price of consumer products. However, it should be set high enough to possibly discourage overconsumption of sugary products. While tobacco taxes seem high, they should be raised even higher to reduce the use of these products. The same is intended for each of these items.
Second, there will be a new “National Health Sales Tax” imposed on ALL goods and services except medical. Since this is the primary method of raising funds to pay for national health care, the exact rate cannot be determined by me. My best guess is that 5% might be correct, but it could be higher or lower. It will be charged for ALL items rented or sold or leased. Rather than trying to match need with contribution, this sales tax will fall on those who spend the most money rather than those who have the least to spend.
Examples: Pay for a seat on a plane; pay 5% of the ticket price as a National Health Sales Tax. Buy a new doll for your daughter; pay 5% of the price as a National Health Sales Tax. Buy an existing house priced over $250,000; pay 5% of the price over that amount as a National Health Sales Tax. Rent an apartment for $500 a month; pay 5% as a National Health Sales Tax each month. Rent a hotel room for $110 a night; pay 5% as a National Health Sales Tax. Buy a used car whose price is over $3,000: pay a 5% National Health Sales Tax for the cost over that amount. Buy a new car priced over $20,000; pay a 5% National Health Sales Tax on the price over that amount. All services and contracted prices will include this 5% National Health Sales Tax. Only medical services and prescription items will be exempt; over-the-counter items will include this 5% National Health Sales Tax. Buy stocks, bonds, or borrow funds (any financial transaction contract) for any purpose; a 2% National Health Sales Tax will be collected by the seller and transferred to the NHITFC.
The National Health Sales Tax will go into effect six months before the insurance coverage will begin operating so as to build up the Trust Fund before expenses are charged. After this, the rates will be adjusted annually up or down as necessary to keep the NHITFC stable and liquid.
While this proposed system is not perfect and will need considerable work by doctors, insurance companies, Congress, and the public to be implemented and monitored so that it becomes a cost-effective system, it does combine two ideas: comprehensive insurance for everyone and as little government involvement as possible. I don't believe that it's possible to have one without the other. This is NOT a government-run program. It will be managed by doctors, insurance companies, and citizens ONLY, with the legislative and legal assistance of Congress. Will there be issues and problems to be resolved? Of course, but that's the case now with the confusing conglomeration of companies and policies and coverages that we have now! The differences are two. This program will provide health coverage for EVERYONE, not just those who can afford whatever they need, AND it will provide transparency as to costs and profits of the providers. American citizens and covered residents will be covered from birth to death with this program. If we don't like something, we can negotiate a fix. Can you do that now with your insurance company?
I have updated and improved my National Health Insurance Trust Fund Proposal in a way that eliminates any premiums paid by individuals or costs paid by businesses. This approach should appeal to EVERYONE, especially businesses. It still operates INDEPENDENT OF GOVERNMENT, is run by citizens, insurance companies, and care providers. The basic premise is "WHATEVER YOUR DOCTOR DEEMS MEDICALLY NECESSARY IS PAID, WITHOUT ANY OUT-OF-POCKET CHARGES SUCH AS CO-PAYS, DEDUCTIBLES, OR LIFETIME LIMITS. Individuals are covered FROM BIRTH TO DEATH!
I STRONGLY suggest that everyone read this proposal and pass it along to all media, legislators, Congress, and the White House. It would solve all of the political issues surrounding "Repeal and Replace!"
It isn't perfect, but it could be the answer! Please include the link below!
Robert Butler
P.O. Box 193
Marmaduke, AR 72443
