The 2016 election is over, and a top priority for the new administration and Congress is healthcare. The candidates discussed little substance about healthcare during the campaigns, despite the fact it is approaching 20% of our economy and touches every American. You could say the problems in healthcare have been caused by action by one party and inaction by another party. You could say Republicans want this and Democrats want that, but I don’t think labeling should be the focus. The problem is Congress (both parties) are tied to special interest groups. Insurers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and the plaintiff’s bar, along with Congress created our unaffordable healthcare system. We need a balanced approach which is best for citizens, not best for special interests. That is what our elected officials are supposed to do.

During the campaigns, we heard extreme positions. One suggested the repeal of Obamacare – every word of it. Another suggested we eliminate the 35 major health insurance companies and provide centralized government-controlled healthcare for every American. Now that the White House and both chambers of Congress are more aligned, there is a greater chance of gaining some consensus. I hope we don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. There is plenty of room for a middle of the road set of solutions. What we need are some common sense health care proposals. Read my suggestions for top five problems here.