Portable Insurance

I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, but when I try to understand medical bills or medical insurance payments, I am befuddled.  In talking with my co-workers, it appears that I am not the only one.  Many have expressed frustration when trying to understand coverage and can’t understand why it is so difficult to get a straight answer from the insurance company.  Other co-workers have complained about having to change health insurance companies when they change employers.  One co-worker asked, “Why isn’t health insurance portable?”

That’s a good question.  If I buy a new car, I can use the same insurance company to insure it.  If I buy a new house, I can use the same company that insured my old house.  Or, in either case, I can shop around for a better deal.  But, if I change employers, I can’t keep my health insurer or shop for a better deal, I am stuck with the insurance company of my employer’s choosing.  The employer determines my health benefits and fees by their selection of a health insurance provider.  It is a take-it-or-leave-it decision for me.  And the reason for that is simple; taxes.

Indirectly, employees get a tax-break on the premiums their employers pay for employer-sponsored health insurance.  Instead of getting the money the employer spends on insurance premiums in the form of wages, which would be taxed, the employee gets a non-taxed “benefit”.  And many employers get a tax break for having an employer-sponsored health insurance program.  While a tax break sounds good, it comes with a consequence.

First, I’m not the customer.  Because my employer pays the bulk of my insurance premiums, the insurance company has less incentive to make me a happy customer because their customer is my employer.  I have little recourse if the insurance company fails to cover my medical needs or limits which doctors I can see.  Second, I have little incentive to reduce the premiums or insurance costs.  The full cost of my health insurance isn’t apparent, i.e., some of it is paid to the insurance company without first passing through my wallet.  For example, if I knew I paid over $1,000 a month in health insurance premiums, I would shop for the best value for my family to manage my costs against my needs.    

Finally, the insurance company has little incentive to work with health care providers.  They are also put in a take-it-or-leave-it situation.  Either limit who they will see as patients or accept the payments the insurance company is willing to pay.  Sometimes the insurance companies don’t pay health care providers promptly or deny coverage.  If the health care provider doesn’t like the way they are reimbursed, the providers may refuse to see patients covered by an inferior insurance company.  But rejecting patients covered by an under-performing insurance company would be financial suicide for doctors if the insurance company is popular in the area.  Often, patients must manage their care between what is covered by their health insurance plan and which doctors are willing to accept them as patients because of the constraints of their health insurance provider.

Congress has passed laws that make it attractive for employers to provide insurance; therefore it is the employer, not the employee, who controls the health care dollars.  Is my employer more interested in getting me the best insurance coverage or the least expensive coverage?  Because of the tax code, I don’t have much of a choice in either the quality or cost of my health insurance.  By tying health insurance to employment, I lose my health insurance if I lose my job.  Undoubtedly, there are many workers experiencing “job lock”, stuck in a job they don’t like, but stay to avoid losing insurance.  If the laws were different, I could take my insurance with me and avoid being stuck in a job I hate.

If health insurance companies had to compete for my business, then the insurance companies would have an incentive to provide good customer service, reasonable premiums, and easy-to-understand coverage.  If I don’t like their customer service or believe their premiums are too expensive, I can go somewhere else.  If enough customers are disenchanted with a company, the company will either change to attract customers or go under.  At the same time, in order to minimize cost and risk, the insurance company could provide me with incentives to stay healthy or reduce coverage in areas that I don’t need, such as well-baby care, by reducing premiums.  And, if I can keep my insurance company when I switch jobs, then the likelihood of being rejected for a pre-existing condition is minimized.

Politicians like to talk about health care reform, but rarely do they do anything meaningful.  It’s time we tell our elected officials to change the law.  To simply force all employers to provide insurance isn’t the fix to the health care problem in this country.  We should all have access to quality medical care.  But we should all have the opportunity to buy health insurance that meets our needs and is not tied to our employer.  The insurance companies should compete for our business.  Incentives offered to large groups may help the employer, but what does it do for the employee?  We should not allow the insurance companies to become complacent because they have a contract with employers that tie the hands of the employees.  Having options opens up competition that leads to better products that more directly meet the needs of the individual.  Contact your elected officials and tell them to find a solution that makes the employee the customer.

Forgotten

It’s been called the Forgotten War, so it comes as no surprise that most of the media forgot to mention the 60^th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement.  Yet, there are many Americans that can’t forget the Korean War.

At the end of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union, divided Korea along the 38^th parallel.  Communist, supported by the Soviet Union and Communist China, governed the northern half of the Korean peninsula while the government in the south was decidedly anti-Communist and supported by the US.  Both governments claimed sovereign rule over the peninsula.  On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded an ill-equipped and outmanned South Korea.

President Truman believed that repelling the North Korean invasion was essential to America’s policy of containing the spread of communism and ordered US forces to South Korea.  After US and South Korean forces were nearly pushed off the peninsula by North Korean forces, General MacArthur planned an amphibious assault at Inchon that forced North Korean forces back to the Yalu River, the border between China and North Korea.  Chinese forces entered the war in October 1950 and compelled US and South Korean forces to retreat.  In response, President Truman declared a National Emergency that mobilized US National Guard and Reserve units for service in Korea.  From January 1951 to July 1953, most of the fighting was stalemated around the 38^th parallel.  Only July 27^th, 1953, the belligerents signed the Armistice Agreement, bringing the war to a close.

Ask a Korean War veteran about what he remembers and you’re likely to hear about the bitter cold winters, the mud during monsoon season, or the squalid conditions in which the Korean people lived.  He may talk about places like Heartbreak Ridge, Old Baldy, Porkchop Hill, or Chosin Resevoir.  He may remember funny stories about their time in Korea.  Although it may not be mentioned, many veterans carry scars from wounds received in combat that remind them of their service.  I doubt any will be able to forget the friends left in Korea; 54,246 Americans were killed in action and 8,177 are missing in action.

The men and women who served in Korea, the ones still living, are in their 80’s or older.  They won’t be around much longer.  Take the time to thank a Korean War veteran, one of the “sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."  The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is engraved with the saying “Freedom is not Free.”  Show your appreciation for those who paid for Freedom.

Furlough Fridays

For most people, Friday is the favorite day of the work week.  Fridays often have a special significance, and therefore, earn special names.  Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Christ, while the day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the first day of the Christmas shopping season.  Thanks to the inability of President Obama and Congress to reach agreements on budget cuts and government spending, we now have Furlough Fridays.

In my neck of the woods, the Department of the Army is the largest employer.  Department of Defense employees, for example, will be furloughed one day a week for 11 weeks and some services at military installations will be scaled back to accommodate the budget cuts. Most of the employees will see a 20% reduction in pay due to the sequestration.  Many local businesses are being affected by these cuts since a 20% pay cut means less money to be spent in the local economy.  The local military installation has reduced staffing at entrance gates and closes many of the gates on Fridays.  This resulted in long traffic lines for people trying to get to their jobs on the installation which prompted the local media to coin the term Furlough Friday.

Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Budget Control Act of 2011 to avert the debt ceiling crisis.  The legislation established a bipartisan committee to produce deficit reduction legislation by November 23, 2011.  If Congress failed to produce a deficit reduction bill with at least $1.2 trillion in cuts over ten years, then mandatory across-the-board cuts, known as sequestration, would begin on January 1, 2013.  In order to avert the fiscal cliff, yet another potential financial crisis, Congress passed and the President signed into law the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.  This postponed the sequestration until March 1.  We are now feeling the effects of the sequestration.

The $85.4 billion sequestration cuts are split evenly between defense and non-defense spending, although Social Security and Medicaid, which account for more than 1/3 of federal spending, are exempt from the sequestration.  The $85.4 billion, while it is a start towards deficit reduction, isn’t even enough to cover the interest on the US debt, nor is it a sustainable reduction.  It does nothing to reform entitlement spending and does not force Congress or Obama to address meaningful cuts in other areas.  And to pile on the misery, one of the top Democrats in the House said recently that his party should be willing to shut down the government this fall unless the spending cuts brought on by sequestration are ended.

Although sequestration was a step towards spending cuts, it was an idea that came out of Obama’s White House with the intention to force Republicans to negotiate, not to actually put the cuts into effect.  It was, in effect, a game to see which side would back down.  And Republican leaders agreed to the sequestration idea.  Instead of smart reductions, we have a meat cleaver approach to budget cutting.  Not all budget items are equal.  Some government offices are fiscally responsible and provide a quality service that meets the demands of this country.  Others are outdated, inefficient, redundant, or simply no longer needed.  Yet, when simply taking a percentage off the top of everyone’s budget, realigning the services to the demands of this country was not addressed.  Just like budgeting in our own homes, there is give and take to live within the amount we have available.  Demands change over time and trades must be made.  Instead of meaningful change, we have sequestration that takes money out of our pockets, provides fewer services, and stifles our economy. 

It’s time for Congress and the President to stop playing political games that affect peoples’ lives and their livelihoods.  Smart deficit reduction is needed because the country can’t sustain trillion dollar deficits forever.  We need reforms in entitlement programs, the tax code, and government programs.  I believe each and every government department and program should be reviewed to determine its purpose, its cost, and its benefit to the country as a whole.  Meaningful reduction will be painful and unpopular, but, in the long run, will contribute to the economic stability and security of the country.

Contact your Congressman (http://www.house.gov/), your Senators (http://www.senate.gov/), and the President (www.whitehouse.gov) and tell them to stop playing games and start creating meaningful, long-term solutions.  We simply can’t afford any more games. 

Judging the Stereotype

In a recent speech, President Obama stated that the black community’s experience with racial disparity in law and social prejudice influenced their reaction to the George Zimmerman trial verdict.  He gave examples of those social prejudices:

“There are very few African-American men in this country who haven't had the experience of being followed when they were shopping in a department store. That includes me.

There are probably very few African-American men who haven't had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens to me -- at least before I was a senator.

There are very few African-Americans who haven't had the experience of getting on an elevator and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath until she had a chance to get off.”

I can’t pretend to understand how it would feel to be a black man in this country.  I can imagine I would also be angry if I were treated in the way he described in his speech.  But I started to wonder about the reasons why people might react the way the President described when dealing with a stranger who happens to be a black man.

Do people follow black men in department stores because they are bigots?  Do people lock their doors or clutch their purses because they are racist?  Or are these people passing judgment based on a stereotype?

While my experiences are nothing like those the President mentioned, I’ve been judged based on stereotype.  I am a white male and speak with a southern accent.  I’ve had people assume, because of my race, my gender, and my speech that I am both ignorant and racist.  In fact, I am neither, but until someone talks to me and gets to know me, they have no way of knowing that.  I would venture that most people are influenced into believing the stereotype of the ignorant, racist southern male because of incidences in the South during the Civil Rights movement or what people see on TV or in movies, and not because of their personal interactions.

What if people are reacting to what they believe are the characteristics of stereotypical black males?  Quite often, their roles on TV or in movies are as violent criminals, drug dealers, and the like, someone to be feared.  I understand how someone would be hurt and angry to be judged based on a stereotype instead of their own character.  Instead of being angry at society for judging, wouldn’t it be better to change the stereotype?

I can assure you that I present myself in a manner that dispels any indicators of ignorance or racism.  Most of the time, I am well groomed, well dressed, and well spoken.  My parents taught me to be polite and courteous, regardless of race.  I have a college education.  I avoid the use of racist language and don’t tolerate its use by others.  I hold myself accountable and I believe it shows in my demeanor and my actions.

The President mentioned trying to help black youths by saying, “how are we doing a better job helping young African-American men feel that they're a full part of this society and that -- and that they've got pathways and avenues to succeed?”  I don’t think he really understands that more social programs aren't the way to change the stereotype.  In order to change the stereotype, leaders of all colors need to encourage personal responsibility and education, and speak out against the negative influences in the media and society, especially those negative role models in music, cinema, and sports.  If we hold people accountable for their actions and encourage positive character traits, perhaps President Obama’s experiences will be a thing of the past.

Truth and Consequences

As a Scoutmaster, I quite often get questions from my scouts concerning current events.  One of my scouts asked me why Paula Deen was fired after admitting she had used racist language long ago when so many others use similar language without punishment.  This particular scout is a stickler for obeying the rules and the fair and impartial enforcement of the rules, so the Paula Deen situation seemed unjust to him.  However, his final comment really caught me off guard.  He said, “Seems to me she didn’t get fired for using racist words, she got fired for telling the truth.”

Sometimes telling the truth has unpleasant consequences.  And, quite often, the truth is unpleasant. Unfortunately, when it comes to race relations, it seems that no one wants to hear the truth.  I understand that for some issues, truth stems from the perspective.  I feel that race relations in this country are strained to a greater degree than I can remember.  I believe this is partly due to a media willing to underreport some stories and willing to sensationalize other stories.  But, I think the biggest culprit is a society that is so straight-jacketed by the tenets of political correctness that it is unwilling to speak their truth for fear of being labeled a racist.

George Zimmerman, labeled by the media as a “white Hispanic”, was found not guilty of second degree murder charges in the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teen.  Both the police, who investigated the death and declined to press charges, and the jury found that Zimmerman acted in self-defense.  After the verdict was announced, there were several protests around the country about the verdict, and an NAACP petition requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate Zimmerman has over 1 million signatures. Many in the black community, including prominent black leaders, have spoken out against the verdict, demanding “justice”.  I am not arguing the verdict, only the response to the verdict.

Chicago has a homicide rate of 15.2 murders for every 100,000 population.  Statistics show that over 75% of the murder victims are black but greater than 75% of the offenders are black.  In New York City, 63% of murder victims are black and almost 54% of the offenders are black.  Why don’t we see protests against black-on-black crimes?  Why hasn’t the NAACP started a petition to request the DOJ do something about black-on-black crimes?  Aren’t these deaths as important?

In this country, black student high school graduation rates trail both Hispanic and white student graduation rates.  Fifty two percent of black students graduate from public high schools in four years versus a graduation rate of 78% for whites.  Many blame policymakers, educators, and legislators for the low graduation rate. 

Studies show more than 70 % of high school dropouts and more than 80% of incarcerated youth come from fatherless homes.  However, 72% of black children are born to unwed mothers while only 29% of white children are born to unwed mothers.  Why aren’t more prominent black leaders speaking out against uninvolved fathers or unwed mothers?

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, blacks have an incarceration rate six times higher than whites.  Some will blame imbalance on a racist justice system. But DOJ statistics show that a disproportionate number of blacks are committing crimes that result in incarceration, not racial bias in the justice system.  Why aren’t people speaking out to stop the commission of crimes?

It’s time we stop blaming racism for these problems and start recognizing that many of the troubles in the black community, as well as other communities, are results of personal choices.  Drug use, criminal behavior, absentee fathers, and lack of education continue the cycle of poverty, regardless of race.  Although it may be politically incorrect to state it, the plain truth is that disparity in income, education, and opportunities between the races is more often the result of people’s behavior and choices, not how they are treated.

We need to stop worrying about being politically correct and start calling for accountability.  No more passing the blame and spawning a frenzy in the media.  We need to think beyond the teleprompted, coiffed newscaster on the evening news and seek an understanding of the real issues for ourselves.  People of all races need to realize that personal responsibility, hard work, and education are the pathway to success in this country.  Being accountable for our actions is a truth that will be unpleasant to many, but true nonetheless.  If we fail to recognize this truth, I fear for the future of this country. 

Flyover States

I recently had the opportunity to drive through some Midwestern states with a group of teenagers. We were able to see some really beautiful parts of this country and meet some really nice people.  We also saw some not-so-nice areas and not-so-nice people.  I am glad the kids had an opportunity to see a different part of America and thankful for the discussions we had as a result of our travels.

A recurring question in our discussions was “Why would anyone want to live here?”   To answer that, we focused on what would attract people to a region or cause people to stay once the area began to decline.  As we discussed these things, it became clear to the kids that, while we are all Americans, we have different values and appreciations for our surroundings and environment.  And, while our preferences differ, we all have the liberty to move to a new a neighborhood, state, or region to suit those preferences.  It was great to see the kids appreciate a liberty they had long taken for granted.

During our drive, one teen asked about the term “flyover states” and what it meant.  Fly over states are those states in the middle of the US that are not travel destinations, but are flown over by travelers seeking a more attractive destination.  When we explained the term, he replied, “Isn’t that disrespectful to the people who live there?”  Over the last few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about his reply.  He’s right, it is disrespectful, or perhaps I should say that the term is dismissive of the value of the land and the people who occupy those flyover states.

Those flyover states are homes to farmers that produce the corn, wheat, dairy products, and other agricultural products that we take for granted.  These flyover states are home to those companies and employees that put food on our grocer’s shelves, develop pharmaceuticals that save our lives; provide us with transportation, entertainment, insurance, tools and heavy equipment, even Big Macs.  These states, just like every other state in this great nation, are important.  And, it’s up to us to make sure our elected officials know that the country, as a whole, is important, not just a few states.

As intelligent voters, we must be cognizant of those issues that affect us all.  That requires us to be educated on the national issues, not just the hot button or regional issues. And, we must demand of our Congressmen, our Senators, and our President that they address these issues.  We must get past seeking solutions that are good for the South, the Midwest, or the Northeast.  Instead we need solutions that benefit the country as a whole.  It is time to remember that we are the United States, not red states or blue states, not border states or flyover states.  Tell your elected officials to do those things that benefit the United States.

Happy Independence Day!

Two hundred and thirty seven years ago, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, a formal documentation of the Resolution of Independence approved on July 2, 1776.  It began a grand experiment in self-governance, declaring “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  A radical notion in a time when monarchs ruled by a belief in divine right, this document became an inspiration and blueprint for other peoples seeking to overthrow tyranny.

One might ask what is there to celebrate on this 4^th of July.  Our government is rocked by numerous scandals, Benghazi, IRS targeting of conservative groups, and NSA phone surveillance, just to name a few; a Congress that hasn’t passed a budget in nearly four years and passes legislation such as Obamacare without bothering to read it,  taxes are increasing  and unemployment is still high. More and more people are beginning to view the President as incompetent according to recent polls.   It seems as if the Federal Government is a mess and our elected officials aren’t leading us anywhere but into a downward spiral.

This great nation has faced, and overcome many problems in the past.  Wars, slavery, economic depressions, terrorist attacks, internal strife, all overcome because we've pulled together as a nation.  And we can, and must overcome our problems again or our “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” may just become a footnote in history.

As you celebrate today, remember the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Let us re-adopt the Declaration of Independence, and with it, the practices, and policy, which harmonize with it. ... If we do this, we shall not only have saved the Union: but we shall have saved it, as to make, and keep it, forever worthy of the saving.”

Happy Independence Day!