Health Care

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When it comes to health care, what Americans want is simple: we want the best care and treatment available at affordable prices and we want to be in control of our health care decisions. Unfortunately, government policies are making health care unaffordable, and many of the reform measures passed in recent years—like the federal health care law passed in 2010—will only make the problem worse.

To make health care more affordable, the Goldwater Institute has recommended several policy changes, including:

1) All health care expenditures should qualify for the same income tax deductions. Right now, only health insurance expenses that businesses pay qualify for a tax deduction and we think individual people who buy their own insurance should get a tax deduction too.

2) Expand Health Savings Accounts by allowing unlimited deposits and the ability to transfer them to other people’s account without any tax penalties. Right now, contributions to a Health Savings Account are capped and the funds cannot be transferred.

3) Require doctors and other health care providers to post their prices for the public to see. Consumers should be able to comparison shop among health care providers just like they can for any other product.

4) Allow health insurance to be sold across state lines and reduce government mandates for types of coverage provided. People should be able to buy a health insurance plan that covers exactly the types of things they want to buy. A single man, for example, shouldn’t be required to buy a health insurance plan that offers maternity coverage.

5) Prohibit health providers from charging to treat hospital-induced infections.

You can read more about any of these ideas and many others below.

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