5 Concepts Essential to Understanding the GOP’s Healthcare Platform
[fancy_heading h1=”1″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”line” title=”5 Concepts Essential to Understanding the GOP’s Healthcare Platform”]The 2016 GOP Party Platform reflects deeply held principles that inform the party’s understanding of our nation’s problems as well as the solutions to those problems. Here are 5 concepts related to health care that are key to understanding Republican solutions.
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[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”1. Taking care of one’s health is an individual responsibility”]Translation: You must take care of yourself. Government programs that promote health, including public insurance like Medicare and Medicaid, should be curtailed. Private or religious charities should serve as the social safety net, rather than government programs that everyone can depend on and access with dignity if they need to.[/fancy_heading]
[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”2. Each of us is personally responsible if we become ill. “]Translation: The Social Determinants of Health do not apply. Circumstances that are beyond the individual’s control, such as racial segregation, low income or polluted environments don’t matter when it comes to health. You are responsible if you get sick, and you must face the consequences on your own. [/fancy_heading]
[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”3. Health care is a commodity that we can choose to buy (or not). “]Translation: Getting health care is like buying a car. If you’re a smart negotiator, you can get a better deal, but if not, too bad for you. And if you can’t afford to buy it at all, you’ll just have to do without. [/fancy_heading]
[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”4. Seeking care is a choice based on your budget. “]Translation: Your health care – and that of your kids – is optional. Had a stroke? Kid got diabetes? If you can’t afford the treatment, it’s unfortunate but it’s your problem. Better find a way to make more money, or get a charity to help you.
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[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”5. The free market is good, the government is bad. “]Translation: Medical device manufacturers, Big Pharma and medical providers have our best interests at heart. Patients should not be able to sue them for malpractice. Regulating these industries is an affront. Each of us is autonomous and solely responsible for our circumstances.[/fancy_heading]
[fancy_heading h1=”0″ icon=”icon-lamp” style=”arrows” title=”What do you think?”]Many Americans have contradictory views on the role of government and the individual in society and these views reflect differing values. If you believe that above all, when it comes to health care the needs of people should come first, then you should join HEAL California! And check out these terrific links – you’ll be glad you did.
