US companies seen warming to idea of health reform

[cal04]

As rising health costs erode profits, U.S. corporations are expected to warm up to health care reform under the next president -- a prospect that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

"In 2004, when John Kerry and George W Bush fought the presidential election, I can't think of any business group that called on either candidate to launch health reform," said Jason Furman, director of the Hamilton Project, an initiative of the Brookings Institution think tank. "This time, I think it will be different."

The U.S. private sector has traditionally been seen as opposing health reform as it could mean either higher taxes or greater state involvement -- both anathema to business.

But thanks to burgeoning health costs, analysts say that, with the possible exception of some pharmaceutical firms and health insurers, the private sector accepts reform is needed and is likely to be championed by the Democrats if they win the 2008 presidential or Congressional elections.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N04461551.htm

[Sapere aude]

1. Here's the plan, everyone must buy their own health insurance, letting the employer off the hook.

It doesn't matter if the insurance covers the procedure you need, just buy it. It will be the law just as mandatory auto insurance is the law.