Do We Really Want the Status Quo on Health Care?

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http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/opinion/18kristof.html?ref=opinion
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

(snip)
The debate about health care in recent months has focused on the shortcomings of the reform proposals. Critics are right to be disappointed that the legislation doesn’t curb malpractice suits and doesn’t do more to change the basic fee-for-service structure that incubates rising health care costs.

But just think for a moment about the far costlier option that now may lie ahead of us: sticking with the status quo.

(snip)
For a peek at what to expect, consider that California’s Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield — the largest for-profit health insurance company in America’s most populous state — is explaining that it is “sound and necessary” for it to raise rates for individual insurance by up to 39 percent. The increase, originally scheduled for March, is now scheduled to take effect in May.

Critics doubt that the Senate and House bills would succeed in containing health care costs very much, and they may be right. It’s hard to know. But the existing system is a runaway roller coaster. Isn’t it prudent to try brake pedals even if we’re not sure how well they’ll work?

[depakid]

1. Kristoff should stick with what he knows...