What politicians say during their campaign is usually not what they do when they are in office. We are all cynical about their statements, but there are reasons why we should think that his policies might be implemented. First, and most importantly, he will have a presidential honeymoon, where he will have the goodwill of the country, including other politicians. For three to four months, he will have the ability to push through legislation that otherwise might founder in the legislative process. Second, he has a solidly Democratic congress, many of whom have an interest in healthcare policy.

Of course, the huge elephant (not referring to metaphorical Republicans) in the room is that the economy and the cost of saving the country’s financial institutions may only leave a few dollars for healthcare. In other words, funding healthcare may take a literal back seat to other spending, which will exacerbate the problems of individual medical issues. During economic downturns, not only do individuals under stress become more prone to illness, but they lack the means to pay for health care either directly or by maintaining health insurance.

Barack Obama proposed a fairly comprehensive healthcare plan during the election. The key points are:

1. Lower costs
2. Affordable healthcare coverage for all
3. Prevention and public health

These are admirable goals of any healthcare plan. But, as we often hear, “the devil is in the details.” In future entries, we will analyze each of these goals, examining those devilish details, and making a determination if they would be effective, and, to be sure, at what cost.

By Michael W Simpson

Tags: Obama, Healthcare policy, Managed care