7 Must Read Articles on the Healthcare Crisis

August 24th, 2009 |

One of the most important issues facing the American people today is healthcare. Right now, President Obama’s healthcare plan is a raging debate in Congress and among Americans. While most Americans believe that healthcare reform is needed in some form or fashion, it’s been nearly impossible for us to come to terms with how to reform American healthcare. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. But, rather than listening to the extremists on either side trying to convince you what to believe, why not read some informative articles and decide on your own position in the healthcare debate. Following are seven articles that shed some great light on today’s healthcare crisis in America.

1. The Healthcare Bill – This is the actual text of the healthcare bill as it was introduced in Congress on July 14, 2009. Read the bill in its exact text to decide for yourself which parts of the bill you support and which parts you oppose. Then contact your senators and congressmen and voice your opinion.

2. Why Can’t Americans Get Healthcare Right? – This article, written by a James Heskett, examines the healthcare crisis from a primarily financial point of view. Heskett is a Baker Foundation Professor Emeritus at Harvard Business School.

3. How Three Healthcare Bills Differ – This is from the Insurance Journal, but it quotes Reuters, which is a very neutral reporting agency. This article does a good job of comparing the bills being discussed.

4. Healthcare Reform and You – This article from the New York Times is an editorial and it does look at the bills in Congress as generally favorable, but overall it reports the facts pretty accurately.

5. Left Right and Neutral on Healthcare Reform – Again, this is an editorial column. However, it’s from the LA Times, a well respected newspaper. It outlines the basic positions from the left side of the political spectrum, the right side and the moderate side.

6. The Hill – The Hill is a Congressional newsletter that publishes every day when Congress is in session. This article explores the possibility of a deficit neutral healthcare policy – from the point of view of Congress.

7. Health Care Reform – This is a non-profit site dedicated to educating the public about America’s healthcare reform. I’m certain it contains some biases, since its director is a physician, but it does answer a lot of common questions about the options in healthcare reform by compiling many of the published articles.

The subject of healthcare reform in the US is ever changing, and some of the articles I’ve mentioned here will be outdated by the time this article is published. But, it’s most important that all of us remember our responsibility as Americans to stay informed on our current political issues and weigh in with our opinions. Learn the facts about healthcare reform and form your own opinion. Then, make your voice count by finding out where your representatives stand on the subject and by letting them know where you stand, too.

Phyllis Zerkle blogs about various health care job issues, including how to study to obtain a Masters in Health Administration degree.