We need reform

   Plain and simple – we need health care reform – and we need it now. We are the only developed country on this planet that does not offer universal health care.
   Many who are opposed to the plans for reform argue that the change would force everyone into a government plan and that it would bleed Medicare of funds.
   In his address to congress last week, the president assured everyone that after the implementation of a government health care plan, those who are already insured don't have to change their current policy. So those of us with those cushy policies don't have to worry, we've still got our Kaiser, Healthnet and Blue Cross.
   The proposed plan would also leave Medicare intact. No funds would be taken out of it; no retirees would be thrown out on the street to fend for their Boniva on their own. Obama has made it abundantly clear that he will not sign a bill if it adds to the national deficit. The money would be taken out of current health care funds that currently either being misused or not used at all.
   The other argument is that private industries cannot compete with the government when it comes to public health care, that it would be kaput because they government would force it out. Also not true. Private companies would be regulated, which means no more outrageous premiums or co payments. Regulation of insurance agencies could actually prove to be a cost – saving measure.
   Look at it this way – most of us are between the ages of 18 and 22. If we're lucky enough to receive medical insurance through our parents, we have to enroll in at least 12 units each semester until we're 25-years-old.
   Once we turn 25, we're on our own. Given the current state of the economy, it's going to be very difficult to find a full time job with benefits to provide us with insurance. With health care reform, we wouldn't have to worry. We'd have affordable coverage. Without it, we're screwed.