Let’s Try a Dose. We’re Bound to Feel Better

Republicans have criticized Democratic health-care reform plans that rely on greater government involvement, arguing government will only increase costs and diminish the quality of care. Yet, Yale political science Professor Jacob Hacker suggests that the US government has a role in health care – ensuring care for the elderly. He cites how Medicare’s increases in expenditure rates compare favorably to those of private insurance, while patients report greater consumer satisfaction. Even employers, faced with the duty of providing increasingly expensive health-insurance costs, look the federal government for some relief in health-care spending. The power of the federal government in negotiating drug and service prices overseas reveals the potential efficiency of government. – YaleGlobal