Healthcare reform should build on the private sector in a way that does not bankrupt Main Street USA, according to PIA National President Jon D. Spalding. In a guest article published in the November 2, 2009, Insurance Journal, Spalding also noted that one of the biggest costs of healthcare currently is the burden it places on the free enterprise system, with small businesses unable to attract the best talent if they can’t afford to offer employees coverage. He also noted that large sectors of the health care system are already run by the government, increasing the burden on businesses.

“Those of us who are not disadvantaged children, the elderly, veterans or poor are already funding health care for people who need care, through taxes,” said Spalding. “At the same time, we pay for care for ourselves and our families. And if we own businesses, we also try to provide some kind of access to coverage for our employees. Owners of small businesses are paying their share, and then some.”

“Our healthcare system needs improvement – it costs too much for the quality it delivers, too many people cannot afford coverage, if they can find it, and they can lose it for getting sick,” Spalding said. “Congress will probably pass something that will be called healthcare reform. The challenge is to build on the private system in a way that doesn’t bankrupt Main Street, USA. It is up to us to continue to lead the way for our lawmakers.”

November 11, 2009