Documentation shows that procedures done in ambulatory surgical centers are approximately half of the costs of hospital charges.  If the outcomes are the same, and the surgical expertise is equivalent in both locations, why not choose the less expensive option.  This could save millions of taxpayers’ dollars.

I read an interesting plan by Governor Richardson from New Mexico who suggested that we give senior citizens the money currently spent monthly on Medicare and allow them to purchase a catastrophic policy. If they were allowed to keep a portion of unspent money, we would see tremendous savings. The majority of Medicare dollars are spent at the end of life that many would voluntarily opt to forego. Freedom should be allowed for those who want ‘everything possible to be done’ to pursue these options, provided Medicare they are qualified medical expenses.

Liberty Health Group is politically motivated but non-partisan.  We want to have constructive conversations about issues.  When it comes to health care costs, there are many sincere people who think that government intervention will control costs.  Where does this notion come from?  It is a naïve assumption that is not based upon business success.  In fact, the complete opposite will happen . . . costs will go up and access will be diminished.

Within six months of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, insurance premiums have gone up 30-150% for many Americans.  While a minority have realized less expensive insurance options, it is not clear if this segment of society will pay the premiums.  The frightening reality is that political parties seem polarized regarding the ACA.  Those in favor want to make it work, regardless of the costs or potential for success.  Those against it seem to want to eliminate the entire plan, yet they do not have constructive alternatives.