Just finished reading Critical. Had to return the book to the library (late) so bear with me as I go from memory (& can't quote).
Any suspicion that Obama's health care plans are following the drumbeat of MA has been confirmed. Daschle had nothing but praise for the state's plan, especially the Pay-or-Play, the Connector, the "shared responsibility..." In recalling the failed Clinton plan, I saw Daschle outlining lessons learned that I would expect the new administration will try to avoid: (1) non-transparency, (2) document too detailed and lengthy (3) timing.
So here's my prediction for Obamareform in a nutshell: The new administration is already addressing non-transparency by having the public meetings and getting input on the website. The long document problem will likely be addressed by pushing off the details to a (MA) Connector-like agency proposed by Daschle to be called the Federal Health Board. This helps by (1) getting reform more quickly (2) being able to blame someone else (3) lessens policy arguments that will bog down passage of the bill, especially the line-drawing wrt what's covered and what is not. I expect fast action on health reform to avoid the Clinton-esque problem of allowing the opposing troops (doctors, insurance) to mobilize, and fearmongre. We've already heard about the medicare-like program with benefits the same as federal employees. Finally, I expect moral and emotional appeals. Not only is this the liberal thing to do, but Daschle illustrates the effectiveness by discussing an appeal from a rabbi in MA at a State House meeting saying everyone should join together to create a "coalition of compassion" to do the right thing & pass health reform. Daschle suspects moral appeals as such would work on all Americans. And of course, there will be an appeal for individuals to take more personal responsibility for their health.
health care problem solved.
Daschle wants to model the FHB on the Federal Reserve, so it can be an independent agency without political pressures. Daschle thinks this is a good idea because of the transparency of the Fed, and how well they've done with the American economy over the years. Really.
I have read some articles/blogs saying the Daschle/BO plan will be paving the way for "socialized medicine." I've also read articles/blogs warning that evil opponents of liberty will claim TD/BO are paving the way for socialized medicine. I will say there are some moments throughout the book where Daschle seems to be in favor of single payor, saying things like "since single payor is not an option right now...." or pointing out how efficient it is, but it wouldn't work in America... BO said he was in favor of single payor in 2003, and of course the context is that this is not an instantaneous solution for America. However, until we get special interests and corporations under control, I don't see this happening, no matter who loves socialized medicine. Daschle points out that the health care industry is the nation's biggest lobbyist by far, followed by insurance. (each out-lobby Big Oil, he points out.) ...I noticed the reform posited in Daschle's book does not say anything about reforming the insurance industry, other than disallowing discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. Though he does discuss putting togther a board to evaluate the cost effectiveness of new technologies, as many other countries have.
This is a quick fix that will give relatively fast and good results but is ultimately unsustainable and will not grant universal access. The goal, as in MA, is to get people insurance, not to get people care. The MA government acknowledges that not everyone will get care. The ones that need it the most--those that are "not poor enough" for medicare/caid, but earn too much for other programs fall through the cracks yet again. And just like in MA, the pay-or-play will more entrench health care through employers which is a plan that does not work for America anymore and the Auto Crisis is the prime example.
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