Private Markets

An editorial in today's Tennessean calls increased discussion of universal health care "[o]ne of the most encouraging developments in the national political arena." The article issues an argument against referring to the current system as a private market.

Some advocates of health-care reform insist it should come in the form of relying on the private market. But that shows a serious lack of understanding, because in its current form the health-care system has no private market. Private markets rely on consumer-driven comparison shopping, based on quality and price. The current system is not competitive on either level. Consumers lack information or options to shop based on quality and a bang for the buck.

SOURCE: "Universal Care Finally Receives Its Due in National Debate" 08/09/07
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