It's the economy, stupid.
Way back in 1992 - when a recession meant a minor financial setback, not a retirement reboot - Bill Clinton rode that phrase all the way into the White House.
But as the market bleeds jobs and gobbles up 401(k)s, the Obama administration is apparently content with its stimulus patch and has already moved on to health care. (As if we've got any cash left...)
At first blush, this is shaping up to be a "good news, bad news" situation. The good news is that there's at least a public gathering of varied, informed input this time around. Now if only the finished proposal reflects the diversity of opinion assembled to compose it.
It's worth noting that despite the Dow losing more value than a California subdivision, Obama's poll numbers are higher than ever. In fact, they're up nearly 20 points since just before the inauguration. But when it comes to health care, the latest Wall Street Journal poll reveals 49 percent of Americans expressed willingness to fork over more tax dollars so everyone could have health insurance. Back in 1993? When Hillarycare debuted? That number hung around 66 percent. And we all know how that turned out.
The bulk of health care reform talk revolves around either controlling costs or expanding coverage. The administration concedes controlling costs is more important (right now) than chasing after the Holy Grail of universal coverage. And most Americans agree.
But what most of them don't understand is the inverse effect each holds over the other. If we start instituting cost controls, we'll find ourselves enduring rationed care, and even less coverage. And if we decide to cover everyone, costs are certain to skyrocket.
And I might be in the minority here, but this doesn't exactly seem like the best time to start tinkering with the health care system. It's an industry that still plays a huge - and productive -role in our economy. Nearly one in 10 jobs (that are still around) is in the health care field. That's roughly 13 million gigs. Do we really want to start shifting even more pieces of this puzzle around?
On a lighter note, last year, after repeated calls to do so, we quietly gave in, climbed out on a limb and picked five people we felt deserved to be named brokers of the year. We're taking it a step further this time. After naming five finalists, we're actually going to pick a single Broker of the Year. We'll announce this year's winner at Benefits Selling Expo on April 2.
Just in case you needed another reason to join us in Austin. We'll see you there.
Denis Storey
Editor
dstorey@benefitssellingmag.com
