Recently a blog was started regarding the Affordable Care Act. I want to have dialogue about the pros and cons of this legislation without personal attacks to each other. Please keep in mind that we are all professionals.
Let us show our congressional leaders that even though we may have differing opinions, we can achieve a productive dialogue without the personal attacks.
Even though I disagree with the Affordable Care Act as a whole, there are many good points as well. I do believe that everyone should have the opportunity for quality healthcare. I also believe that pre-existing conditions are irrelevant when it comes to whether someone should be covered or not.
I do believe that validating ancillary providers of care, ie Respiratory Therapists the opportunity to practice as an extension of the Primary Care Physician we are containing cost as well as providing patient centered care. Just because the CBO doesn't recognize us as budget neutral, we must as a profession let them know that with RT intervention, we can potentially prevent hospital readmissions which would be at a significantly higher cost than our reimbursement.
Next, I do not believe in an individual mandate, though that may be the only thing that prevent me from going bankrupt since I am paying my premiums. I also do not agree with the IRS administering the penalties for this program, as they have already proven that they cannot be trusted to do their jobs honestly and in a manner that reflects positively on their organization.
In closing, I would like to encourage anyone to add to this discussion. There are no right or wrong answers and please be respectful of our fellow posters.