Newt GingrichVerified account

Newt, We should talk together on fixing healthcare! I have a solution that would bring the Dem's to the party!

You may be right, Newt, but the implication is that delivery of service becomes a cost center that must be controlled, ie rationed.

Your book on the subject was enlightening. Consolidation could bring bargaining power. If used humanely would serve us all. I’m skeptical. When do we become humane capitalists? How to put power in the hands of worthy humanitarians. Organized fundamental change is called for.

Agree fully

Is this the same as a facilities fee. When I use the University of Washington Hospital, I get charged a "Facilities fee". This fee is often higher than the cost of the treatment and is not covered by Medicare or Medicare Supplemental. It's outrageous.

Why don’t we just remove the federal antitrust exemption and make the healthcare system compete for consumer dollars? It worked in the telecom industry.

I admire you but disagree. When has consolidation in any industry helped lower costs to the customer or promote competition. Medicare fixes prices for providers which 3rd party payers use to jointly set their own. Look at United Blues and others. There is no competition,