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Monday
March 15, 2010 Since 1922 |
Paul: Health-care plan a redistribution of wealth
By Luke Hales
Published November 14, 2009 MONT BELVEIU — Ron Paul made a name for himself in 2008 with his grassroots presidential campaign. And while many mocked his idealistic platforms and principle-based rhetoric, one thing he knows — and knows well — is health care.
After all, he’s a doctor.
The West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Paul, the Texas Congressional District 14 representative, to their Tuesday meeting at Eagle Pointe Recreation Complex in Mont Belvieu. Many in attendance were surely anticipating Paul’s brand of conservative thought on display, and Paul delivered.
The 14th congressional district of Texas stretches from the Gulf Coast in Galveston and Chambers counties almost to Corpus Christi; north through Victoria; and east through Jackson and Wharton counties toward Houston. It includes parts of Fort Bend County, and then slopes south through Brazoria County.
Health care reform, being such a timely topic, was a big part of Paul’s talking points.
“We talk about this medical program, and insurance,” Paul said. “I have one basic premise on the subject. We’re in this mess because there are a lot of problems … and the insurance business is mystifying.
“With this bill, we’re not talking about insurance. We’re talking about government redistribution of money.”
Striking a local chord, Paul said, “What would it be like living in this area without insurance? Look at Hurricane Ike, and all the damage that storm did. You couldn’t call the insurance man when the hurricane is on the coast and ask if you can buy a policy that day.
“That’s like a woman eight months pregnant wanting to buy insurance for the delivery of her child.”
Paul made a comparison to health care when he was beginning his medical career. “Insurance used to be for big problems — car accidents, surgery, et cetera,” Paul said. When I finished medical school in 1961, doctors cared for the patients but varied their fees. Once the government became a third-party participant (with the advent of Medicare), doctors had to charge the maximum amount.
“That’s a big reason we’re in this mess.”
Paul, an economically minded politico, explained how exactly government control of medical insurance and health care can actually make things worse. “The idea that we pay out of a government-run insurance policy is preposterous,” Paul said. When you invite the government in to any program, it pushes the price up.
“It’s not just health insurance. If the government is pushing funds into housing, the costs might soar. But if the government stays out, the prices can actually drop.”
Published November 14, 2009 MONT BELVEIU — Ron Paul made a name for himself in 2008 with his grassroots presidential campaign. And while many mocked his idealistic platforms and principle-based rhetoric, one thing he knows — and knows well — is health care.
After all, he’s a doctor.
The West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Paul, the Texas Congressional District 14 representative, to their Tuesday meeting at Eagle Pointe Recreation Complex in Mont Belvieu. Many in attendance were surely anticipating Paul’s brand of conservative thought on display, and Paul delivered.
The 14th congressional district of Texas stretches from the Gulf Coast in Galveston and Chambers counties almost to Corpus Christi; north through Victoria; and east through Jackson and Wharton counties toward Houston. It includes parts of Fort Bend County, and then slopes south through Brazoria County.
Health care reform, being such a timely topic, was a big part of Paul’s talking points.
“We talk about this medical program, and insurance,” Paul said. “I have one basic premise on the subject. We’re in this mess because there are a lot of problems … and the insurance business is mystifying.
“With this bill, we’re not talking about insurance. We’re talking about government redistribution of money.”
Striking a local chord, Paul said, “What would it be like living in this area without insurance? Look at Hurricane Ike, and all the damage that storm did. You couldn’t call the insurance man when the hurricane is on the coast and ask if you can buy a policy that day.
“That’s like a woman eight months pregnant wanting to buy insurance for the delivery of her child.”
Paul made a comparison to health care when he was beginning his medical career. “Insurance used to be for big problems — car accidents, surgery, et cetera,” Paul said. When I finished medical school in 1961, doctors cared for the patients but varied their fees. Once the government became a third-party participant (with the advent of Medicare), doctors had to charge the maximum amount.
“That’s a big reason we’re in this mess.”
Paul, an economically minded politico, explained how exactly government control of medical insurance and health care can actually make things worse. “The idea that we pay out of a government-run insurance policy is preposterous,” Paul said. When you invite the government in to any program, it pushes the price up.
“It’s not just health insurance. If the government is pushing funds into housing, the costs might soar. But if the government stays out, the prices can actually drop.”