Comprehensive info guide is solution to health care problem, Leavitt says
By: Dustin Gardiner
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: News
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"I believe that this problem is mature and ripe, but I do believe we're at a crossroads and the core lynchpin issue is what's the role of government," Leavitt said.
Leavitt, a Republican and former three-term governor of Utah, said the only way to create a sustainable, affordable health care system is for government to leave decisions up to consumers and organize a competitive market that drives down costs.
"Someone in the future is going to be making decisions about your health. Do you want it to be the government, do you want it to be insurance companies, or do you want it to be you?" Leavitt said. "Those who generally use the word 'universal' are signaling they would like the government to have a very heavy role and own the system and to make the decisions."
The former governor made his comments while speaking to a crowd of students at the Hinckley Institute of Politics on Thursday. His speech focused on health care reform and the safety of imported goods.
Leavitt said those who want a universal system are unwisely focused on providing coverage for the millions of uninsured Americans. Instead, he said, the focus should be on cutting costs. By simply insuring everyone, the government would drive up costs and create an expensive entitlement that is ultimately unsustainable.
"You cannot solve the problem of the uninsured without dealing with the cost," he said.
Leavitt said the government should play the role of organizer and work to provide consumers with information about cost and quality.
"What we know is that whenever people have information and have choices, two things happen: the cost goes down, and the quality goes up," he said. "When consumers are in charge of the market, things get better and less expensive."
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Mark B
posted 2/22/08 @ 2:12 PM MST
Awesome article. I agree with the former Gov. Keep governement as far away from healthcare as possible.
Dawne
posted 2/22/08 @ 3:37 PM MST
While I feel Mike Leavitt did a good job of separating the issues, I think he and the other typical politicians present us with only two options to health care (govt run versus commercial) when those really aren't our only options. (Continued…)
Um...
posted 2/22/08 @ 5:20 PM MST
Leavitt's plan doesn't solve a thing. Oooh, here's a pamphlet telling you how much a colonoscopy should cost...big deal. The problem is that insurers will not cover patients who need care. (Continued…)
foxy
posted 2/24/08 @ 7:40 AM MST
Leavitt does not mention another option, which is government-PAID but not government-RUN, like Medicare. We need to expand Medicare to cover everyone. (Continued…)
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