Actually, the GOP option is based on tort reform, the dropping of interstate barriers to insurance purchasing, and the encouragement of individual purchases through tax credits. Unfortunately, they’re getting no coverage for it and don’t really seem to be pushing very hard.
In any case, with all the money that trial lawyers have given to Barry and the gang (something like 80%+ of their political contributions), I don’t think there’s much chance of this. But I’d like to see more GOPers fight for it.
I completely agree with you, and that the ignored Republican proposal is at least fair, in its broad outlines. But there is NO reason that TORT REFORM can not be done completely independently, and that one item has HUGE cost savings associated with it. We may not even be able to fathom how much pressure would be taken off the system if doctors and insurance companies didn’t have to espouse defensive medicine and worry about accommodating lawsuits. The headroom gained in the whole medical industry may make it rather simple to extend coverage to more people at far less cost.
The MAJOR reason, though, is that VERY FEW people are fans of the trial lawyers, and politicians of BOTH parties are beholden to them.
IF the Congress worked on TORT REFORM FIRST, they might gain a little trust, which is something that very few of them can lay claim to today.
It would be good for Business, Medicine, The People, and possibly the politicians.