re:  Some Economic Impacts of Health Insurance "Reform"

Assume for a second that a special new tax were to be enacted on newspaper publishers, would the price of the Chronicle be more likely to increase, decrease, or stay the same?   Would the Chronicle be more likely to hire new workers, or let workers go?  Would the quality of the Chronicle be expected to improve or suffer as a result of being burdened with the new tax?

The health care "reform" bill that passed the House on Sunday imposes new taxes on pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and health insurance providers.  Additionally, minimum coverage requirements were added.  For example, while I am a single, unmarried man with no children, when the new requirements are phased in, I will be required by law to purchase coverage for pediatric and maternity care — as well as other coverages I might not want or need if given the freedom to choose for myself.

Just as in the thought experiment above regarding new taxes on newspaper publishing, it stands to reason we can expect to see a rise in the cost of drugs, medical devices, and health insurance, coupled with fewer jobs, lower quality, and less innovation — even as we are forced to pay for goods and services we may or may not even want.  This is only a small part of the economic impact we can expect to see as a result of health insurance "reform".

Sincerely,
Dave Smith
Houston, TX