Could something like this be an answer to the "health care crisis?"
http://www.theroot.com/id/48533?GT1=38002
Interesting... I like it. I'm not sure if it does enough. I've heard that we in the U.S. pay more per capita on health care than any other industrialized country in the world, and that only 2% of that spend is on preventative care. That's a tragedy, in my honest opinion.
If less people have expensive health issues, then obviously the health care costs will naturally go down as we won't be as dependent on crazy procedures, prescriptions, etc. So, here's my proposal.
Every year, if your doctor gives you a bill of "excellent" health, you get a $1,000 tax credit... doesn't matter what income bracket you're in (based on BMI and other risk factors). And also to encourage people to progress toward health goals, a $500-$1000 credit to anyone with a doctor's physical note indicating "significant progress" (over last year) in case they don't meet the criteria for the "excellent health" tax credit. Some may call this a "fat tax" - I see it as rewarding good health with paying a little less in taxes. And if more people move toward being healthy, we won't spend astronomical amounts on health care for crazy illnesses. At least this makes sense to me.
We do use the tax system to encourage positive public goods, so I think this should be consistent with a moderate political point of view. By the way, Bush just signed a bill for up to $7,500 in tax credits for purchasing a plug-in electric hybrid.... look for some of those to come on the market this next year. Up to 150MPG?
http://www.motorauthority.com/senate-passes-bill-that-approves-up-to-7500-in-tax-credits-for-plug-ins.html
Your thoughts on the health tax credit idea? Could be a good way to drive personal health care costs down without resorting to Obama-style socialism (aka - prepare to get your US Government Health Cards)... McCain, feel free to steal shamelessly :-).
Interesting... I like it. I'm not sure if it does enough. I've heard that we in the U.S. pay more per capita on health care than any other industrialized country in the world, and that only 2% of that spend is on preventative care. That's a tragedy, in my honest opinion.
If less people have expensive health issues, then obviously the health care costs will naturally go down as we won't be as dependent on crazy procedures, prescriptions, etc. So, here's my proposal.
Every year, if your doctor gives you a bill of "excellent" health, you get a $1,000 tax credit... doesn't matter what income bracket you're in (based on BMI and other risk factors). And also to encourage people to progress toward health goals, a $500-$1000 credit to anyone with a doctor's physical note indicating "significant progress" (over last year) in case they don't meet the criteria for the "excellent health" tax credit. Some may call this a "fat tax" - I see it as rewarding good health with paying a little less in taxes. And if more people move toward being healthy, we won't spend astronomical amounts on health care for crazy illnesses. At least this makes sense to me.
We do use the tax system to encourage positive public goods, so I think this should be consistent with a moderate political point of view. By the way, Bush just signed a bill for up to $7,500 in tax credits for purchasing a plug-in electric hybrid.... look for some of those to come on the market this next year. Up to 150MPG?
http://www.motorauthority.com/senate-passes-bill-that-approves-up-to-7500-in-tax-credits-for-plug-ins.html
Your thoughts on the health tax credit idea? Could be a good way to drive personal health care costs down without resorting to Obama-style socialism (aka - prepare to get your US Government Health Cards)... McCain, feel free to steal shamelessly :-).
Comments