Physician, Former Six Term Governor of Vermont and Former Chairman of the Democratic National Convention, Howard Dean, and Former Ambassador to the United Nations and Republican Diplomat, John Bolton, each provided their insight into the state of healthcare and the state of America at the 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven Conference in Chicago on June 13.
Concerning healthcare, Mr. Bolton said he believes healthcare reform will play a significant role in senate elections this fall. "The polls show opposition to Obamacare remains high," he said. "The fact that it is hard to give something away for free shows the fundamental flaw with Obamacare," he added.
Dr. Dean said he thinks healthcare reform is going to be less of an issue in upcoming elections. Right now, "about one in 20 people are closely affected by Obamacare," he said. People begin caring about things when people they know are affected by it, and that is what is happening with healthcare reform. "The polls show the vast majority of people think Obamacare should be changed but not gotten rid of," he added.
If any changes were made to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Dr. Dean said he would get rid of the individual mandate. "There is a small benefit" with the individual mandate, "but it is so toxic politically" because "Americans don't like to be told what to do," he said. "What I really care about is getting rid of fee-for-service medicine," he added.
Mr. Bolton and Dr. Dean also discussed many topics related to the state of America, including the economy. Mr. Bolton said he believes the economy is suffering because "the administration policies have acted like a sea anchor on the economy."
To get the economy moving in the right direction, Mr. Bolton said the first step is "reducing the regulatory burden and overhang we have now."
Dr. Dean said he thinks the economy is on the right track, but there is a big problem with income and equality. "Eighty percent of this country hasn't had a raise in 20 years," he said.
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