photo credit: Mary-Lynn

In Oregon, things are happening when it comes to politics and health insurance. With the current state of the economy, labor unions in Oregon are beginning to realize that a 20 percent increase in health care costs means that there will be a reduction in worker’s total compensation. In a situation like this, both the employees and the employer find it in their best interest to move the debate further. The new political arena revolves around this notion of affordable health care for Americans and the initiative begins in Oregon.

The Politics of Health Care

In an interview with Oregon’s John Kitzhaber, MD, he states that “The politics of health care continue circling around health care as an economic commodity, not around the benefits that flow to us as individuals and as a society from health care.” Dr. Kitzhaber believes that the political debate on health care has shifted over the years toward making sure that no one is denied coverage. The question of value comes to the forefront as Dr. Kitzhaber analyzes the Oregon health insurance carrier benefits. Economics plays a role in all of this and with the current state of the economy ten million more Americans may lose health care coverage.

Health Insurance Looks to President Obama for Answers

Under the new administration, health care will be available to all Americans and controlled by the government. If the economy does not turn around by January, President Obama may have to put his health care promises on hold in order to take care of the economy.

He may have to cut federal health spending in order to pay for his tax cut plan for 95% of Americans leaving very little money to move around for anything else. President Obama is walking into an office full of uncertainty and has the opportunity to make some real change to America. Will he be able to keep his promises on health care or will his hands be tied behind his back by the state of the economy?  Only time will tell.