The health care initiative from Amazon, Berkshire, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a clear message, writes Joe Antos: Washington, you did not fix the problem. It’s the private sector’s turn now.
Other than “terrorists with nuclear weapons,” Morell answers: the failure of our political leaders to deal with the most important issues facing the country, and to make compromises that move our economy and society forward.
- “Why is this a national security issue? Because the most important determinant of a country’s power, and therefore its national security, is the health of its economy and society…Spending on [entitlement] programs is rising rapidly as our population ages and as health care costs soar.”
- “In FY 2016, mandatory spending – entitlements and interest payments – accounted for 82 percent of revenues, up from 58 percent in FY 2000. By FY 2027, that number will rise to 99 percent, leaving only 1 percent for discretionary spending.”
- “Without entitlement reform, we will simply not be able to fund the defense, intelligence, and diplomatic programs that are necessary to keep the nation safe.”
Thomas P. Miller | Localism in America
The current balance of power between federal and state governments in health policy tends to leave taxpayers, patients, and other private payers on the sidelines. We need to resolve better what type of health care markets we prefer and which set of policies best allows a larger voice for consumer choice and market competition.
Don’t Blame Amazon for Retail Apocalypse — Barry Ritholtz, Bloomberg View