New health insurance plan is not a ‘free market’

I would like to remind readers that supporting the health insurance companies in this debate is not the free market option.

Until the HMO Act of 1973, most patients had insurance for high risk medical conditions only – meaning your insurance did not pay for routine check-ups, sick visits, etc.

By not having an insurance company – “middle-man” – involved, the costs of these regular happenings were fairly low (in comparison to today’s standards).

Prior to the HMO Act, doctors and patients had a truly direct relationship without interference from insurers. The market kept prices low because the only large sum payment was for high risk.

Reform does not have to mean more government.

The U.S. health care system is by no means perfect. However, costs have risen due to government intervention in the form of HMOs. Perhaps the true free market could be a solution. It at least deserves consideration as opposed to a one-sided argument.

Will Burgess
Freshman, Woodstock
Political science