Repeal was the chorus that echoed repeatedly throughout the campaign of President Donald Trump.  A message was clearly sent to politicians of every persuasion.  We shall attempt to elucidate words and actions that should be considered, studied and possibly be adopted in relation to the repeal of the “Affordable Care Act.” 

I have heard enough of “repeal and replace” to know that this is the politicians soft way out.  Why do we debate and discuss the replacing of a failed plan with a similar plan that will be doomed for failure.  How can serious consideration be given to repairing a program that is not repairable?  Every time the federal government, or any government entity, has become involved in any aspect of private enterprise it has done nothing but cause chaos, confusion and failure.  Health care is private enterprise and should be addressed as such. 

I have stated previously that health care insurance is not a right granted by our constitution.  It is a product of free enterprise and capitalism.  If given the opportunity private business will develop a competitive product that would be affordable to the vast majority.  One size does not fit all and the world was never portrayed as being fair to all.  There are a few simple rules that should be considered and if enacted would pave the road for an inclusive plan for most Americans. 

First relax restrictions and allow insurance companies to sell across state lines.  This single act would curtail the monopolies enjoyed by each state insurance provider and create more competition.  The complex network of separate providers would become much simpler and costs of administration would be reduced. 

Next, let the consumer purchase a plan that fits his or her needs from a menu of available services.  There is no way older people need to pay for birth control for younger people and in the same vein younger people do not need to bear the burden of paying for specialized care for the older.  Some may want major medical coverage while others want every possibility covered. 

The cost of rendering services should be standardized and stable without being influenced by insurance carriers.  An appendectomy should have a price that is relative to the area and stays constant from state to state or locale to locale.  A saturnine atmosphere has evolved when we find ourselves having to cope with government regulations concerning basic health care issues. 

It is unfortunate that some individuals find themselves without insurance coverage and discover the presence of a pre-existing condition.  In the past this has made the acquiring of coverage almost impossible.  Relating pre-existing conditions to the automobile coverage I am more familiar with could provide an answer.  If a person has had numerous automobile accidents and claims, their carrier may cancel the coverage they have.  However, there are higher risk insurers that will provide coverage, at a higher premium, for these cases. 

Our great beauracracy has compounded the cost of health care by delaying and erecting roadblocks for the approval of new medicines.  Research and development of new medications bears a huge cost and justifiably should be recovered.  The prolonged approval process adds to the cost, inflating the selling price.  If any restrictions are to be applied t would have to be in the profit margins allowed for life saving drugs.  Exorbitant markups cannot be allowed and the price for advertising to the public should not be a factor in price determination. 

This great experiment called Democracy and The United States of America has enjoyed the benefits of free enterprise, capitalism and freedom.  We need to let free enterprise and capitalism provide the solutions we seek and keep government out of it.  Our government needs to strive to protect the rights granted to our citizens by our constitution.  Universal health care is not one of those rights.  Nations that have attempted cradle to grave protection for its populace are broke or on the verge of becoming insolvent.  Let government be government and free enterprise and capitalism be the fuel that keeps our world operating. 

There will never be a fire sale for surplus common sense in Washington, D.C. 

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley.  We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.