As a doctor I have had first-hand experience with the vast problems facing health care in America. Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is over-regulated and in need of serious market reforms. As Senator, I would ensure that real free market principles are applied to fix this problem.

Few realize that Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), the companies that drive a wedge between the patient and his doctor, were a product of federal legislation and special interests. The HMO Act of 1973 essentially granted unfair privileges to certain sorts of companies and led to a distortion of the market. This has caused higher prices, less coverage, and more bureaucracy.

This is what happens when Washington manages health care.

By driving up costs the government makes it virtually impossible for the needy in this country to buy coverage. But this was not the case before government intervention. Just as very few in this country go without shoes or food so too would few go without health care if it weren’t for the government.

The HMO Act arose from big businesses unfairly seeking to use government power to solidify their profits. Government should not have this power.

But many see bigger government as the solution to this problem. As if more regulation and more bureaucracy is going to solve it. Socialist medicine does not work because socialism does not work. When people blame the current crisis on the free market they are making a grave intellectual error. Simply because these large companies are benefiting does not mean we currently have a free market. When the government passes legislation, regulations, and mandates, this can hardly be called a “free” market.

It is well known that socialism leads to long lines, rationing, and a lack of choice. But more importantly, socialized medicine stifles innovation. We might not have the best coverage in this country (as a result of government intervention), but we do have the best health care. That is because we are the only country that rewards innovation on the market place. The answer therefore is more and not less freedom.

I therefore support:

* Making all medical expenses tax deductible.
* Eliminating federal regulations that discourage small businesses from providing coverage.
* Giving doctors the freedom to collectively negotiate with insurance companies and drive down the cost of medical care.
* Making every American eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), and removing the requirement that individuals must obtain a high-deductible insurance policy before opening an HSA.

More freedom to choose and innovate will once again make our health care the best in the world.