[THOMAS] 3 Reasons To Say No To Single-Payer Government Healthcare

It's bad enough Beacon Hill lawmakers are quibbling over legal marijuana, the budget and Planned Parenthood funding. The Commonwealth is hundreds of millions of dollars in red ink, and what do several Reps. and Senators propose, a single payer, taxpayer supported, Medicare for all system. Considering the volley of complaints I hear regarding the Medis Caid and Care, this is a scary proposition.

Here are three major reasons to bark no to a Medicare for all healthcare system for Massachusetts.

1. Service. As the term states Medicare for all. Another let's force the people to pay into the kiddie plan. The name echoes quantity over quality. The devil is always in the details, but if this plan is all that, then why must people be forced into the plan? Folks should want to join. I prefer having a conversation with my doctor about my health issues, aches and pains. Under the quantity over quality scheme, my doctor won't have enough time to check my reflexes or make me cough.
2. Professionals. Expect "Help Wanted" signs to pop up all over the place. If the government runs the system, they'll regulate the price and costs. Imagine doctors earning a straight union salary. Who wants an upset specialist seething mad over a pay dispute? Not me. That's if lawmakers are truly into cost containment.
3. Skyrocketing costs. Anytime government gets involved or controls an industry, the price tag shoots to the moon. Healthcare is 1/7 of the nation's economy. It's major league big business in Massachusetts. Government workers are unionized. This means the medical staffs will be union workers receiving union pay and benefits. The candy-striper will have a better pension than you, and you'll pay for it. We will all pay. If Social Security is any example, the state government will find other ways to use your hard-earned tax dollar and the Medicare for all ponzie will spiral out of control, like Obamacare, Romney Care and Medicare. We lose.

If it's vitally important to provide health insurance for all, may I suggest the state conjure up a non-competitive Medicaid plan for those that can't afford their own plan. It's free, bare bones coverage, but it gives the indigent basic needs: discounted RX, broken bone repairs and illnesses. No bells. No whistles. The rest of us can shop around for the coverage that best fits our needs, at a price that's compatible with our wallet.

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.