DALLAS -- Health care -- a perennial political pi?ata -- actually received a bit of a lift in late January. Never mind that it likely will be short-lived.
After decades of talk and little action, the federal government -- or at least the executive branch -- decided to do something real about health care costs. And the best part? It doesn't involve a knee jerk round of intrusive regulatory fumbling.
President Bush unveiled a common-sense proposal in his State of the Union address: tax breaks for health care users.
"When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled and poor children. We will meet those responsibilities. For all other Americans, private health insurance is the best way to meet their needs. But many Americans cannot afford a health insurance policy," Bush said.
Sounds simple, right? But it's the simple things politicians seem to have the most trouble grasping. Despite the promise this holds, look for it to flounder in a Democratic-controlled Congress.
Bush's plan offers tax deductions for those who pay for their own health care coverage while encouraging states to offer private health insurance for their residents. This two-part plan involves federal involvement of the most intelligent kind -- that limited to tweaking the federal tax codes -- while keeping the private sector involved without further interference.
"There are many other ways that Congress can help. And in all we do, we must remember that the best health care decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors," the president declared.
We can't avoid change. But we can adapt.
Sharon Alt, president of Alt Benefits Consultants, supports the president's premise, even if the details need work.
"It's good for the employer, good for business, even if it's not good for me," she says. "It doesn't have to be good for me. I can always get into another line of work."
It's a philosophy we all need to embrace. The goal is bigger than all of us. And while you add up your premium and count your commissions, it's important to keep the bigger picture in mind.
I also want to use this last corner of ink to squeeze in a final reminder about our get-together in Dallas later this month. It's our biggest show yet, topped off with a trio of keynote speakers headlined by Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett.
It also offers a chance to meet the remarkable woman on this month's cover. During a long dinner and several discussions, it's clear she's passionate about the future of this industry. She also has some compelling ideas about what we need to do as the landscape continues to change around us. Don't miss this chance to see her debate the future of consumer-driven health care.
We can't wait to see you in Dallas.
Denis Storey
Editor
From the March 2007 issue of Benefits Selling Magazine • Subscribe!
