Health Care Policy Center Journal: August 2007
Parents need to be advised that rigid, motorized pool covers are not a substitute for 4-sided fencing, because pool covers are not likely to be used appropriately and consistently.
Pediatricians should alert parents to the dangers that standing water presents to children. Parents need to be advised that they should learn CPR; and they should keep a telephone and equipment approved by the US Coast Guard (eg, life preservers, life jackets, shepherd’s crook) at poolside.
Government-run auto repair? Absolutley! Modeled after health-care debacle, some would clean up
“Government-run health care, that’s the model for how to monopolize the auto repair industry.”
The men in fedoras looked doubtful.
“Continue,” said the driver through cigar smoke. I had no choice, but, now safely in hiding, I divulge this diabolical plan.
Exposing TABOR Data Games: A Second Reply to CBPP
The case against the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) is built on a shaky foundation of misleading data. The latest example of weak arguments comes from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). October 2006 report is a splendid guide to the art of using an ounce of truth to sell a pound of nonsense.
Health-insurance mandates inflate premium costs
In a free society, people have the right to voluntarily contract for services, including medical care and insurance. But medicine is subject to a host of government controls.
Medicare-negotiated prices lead to shortage of prescription drugs
The latest fairy tale floating out of Washington claims that the federal government will do a better job than the private sector in negotiating low prices for Medicare drugs. Backers rely on the Costco Fallacy to support their case. It asserts that big buyers always get the best prices.
Government Negotiated Prices Creates Drug Shortage
The latest fairy tale floating out of Washington claims that the federal government will do a better job than the private sector in negotiating low prices for Medicare drugs. Backers rely on the Costco Fallacy to support their case. It asserts that big buyers always get the best prices.
What if…Amendment 42 passes?
Amendment 42 would make minimum wages a Constitutional requirement in Colorado. At present, Colorado’s minimum wages are established by Federal law. If Amendment 42 passes, Colorado’s minimum wage would increase to $6.85 on January 1, 2007. Each year thereafter, the minimum wage would automatically be adjusted for inflation. According to the Amendment language, the adjustment for inflation shall be “as measured by the Consumer Price Index used for Colorado.” According to the language, the Amendment 42 minimum wage must be “paid to employees who receive the state or federal minimum wage.” It also requires that “no more than $3.02 an hour in tip income may be used to offset the minimum wage for employees who regularly receive tips.”
The Uninsured Crowd the Emergency Room and Other Health Care Fairy Tales
People who want to expand government health care programs love to tell stories. An ancient fairytale currently climbing back to the top of the charts goes something like this: People who lack health insurance have no access to primary care. Because they have no access to primary care, their health problems go untreated. Minor problems become serious ones and people end up in the emergency room (ER). This costs money. You should pay more taxes so that we can save money by expanding Medicaid. Then people will have access to primary care, their minor problems will be taken care of before they become serious, and we will all save money.
Referendum C Rewarding the Colorado General Assembly for Behaving Irresponsibly
Referendum C authorizes the state to increase spending each year by letting it keep the excess tax revenues that the TABOR Amendment would otherwise require be refunded to taxpayers. Ref C lets the state do this for the next five years. It also increases the allowable government spending base to the highest state revenue levels received between FY 2005-06 and FY 2009-10 plus $ 100,000,000.
Who Will Protect the Patients?
If Senate Bill 22 passes, who will protect the patients?
Will it be the unpaid, politically-appointed 14 member pharmacy and therapeutics committee, which was created to recommend “allowable” drugs for Colorado Medicaid patients? This committee is supposed to pick treatments based on effectiveness results. Results from randomized clinical trials, national guidelines, clinical results, costs and from the kickbacks that can be wrung from drug manufacturers. Setting aside the fact that randomized clinical trials take forever, are few in number and, for arcane statistical reasons, tend to find against new drugs, such complex selection criteria mean, that in practice this committee will pretty much do as it likes.
Politically appointed committees put government interests first.
Is Health Insurance Cheaper than You Think?
If people were better informed about the real cost of private health insurance, perhaps Patrick Lawler wouldnt be facing hospital bills big enough to bankrupt him.
Mr. Lawler, 23, was installing walls in a new home in Breckenridge when his nail gun smashed him in the mouth. According to newspaper reports, he endured a sore lip and a bad headache until his wife, 27, insisted that he get an x-ray. It showed that Mr. Lawler had had a 16-penny nail embedded in his head for six days. Removal required a team of surgeons and a stay in intensive care at an estimated cost of $50,000 to $100,000. A full recovery is expected, though Mr. Lawler was advised not to snowboard for the rest of the season.
What Have They Been Smoking?
Background: Amendment 35 would raise the state tax on cigarettes and tobacco products. The money would be redirected to groups working to expand enrollment in Medicaid and CHP, to anti-tobacco programs, and to community health centers.
