If you’re anything like me, you have probably grown tired of the seemingly endless debate over health care in the past year. The health care law appears to be almost as divisive as the Alabama-LSU rivalry these days, and sadly, it offers comparable civility in the discourse surrounding it. But after I thought the worst was over, I find that the state will forgo creating its own independent health care exchange, compelling the federal government to do what Gov. Bentley and others would not.
State policymakers need to understand the bill is here to stay. The Supreme Court has ruled. Congress is looking forward. Obama easily won re-election. Yet Montgomery continues to live in a fantasy. What our state capitol wants to be true will not change political realities.
This isn’t standing by principle — it’s standing by ideology.
No matter your position, we all must learn to cope with the new law. Our leaders have failed on this account. If Gov. Bentley is so concerned over the Affordable Care Act’s costs, logic would suggest he desire the most independence and flexibility possible in the law’s implementation. The state could have attached the exchange to an existing agency, worked with like-minded states in creating a regional system or controlled the health plans offered. In short, it could have lowered costs.
Alas, our state doesn’t abide by logic.
Worse yet, the decision to forgo a state exchange is beginning to show its effects right here at The University of Alabama. As Montgomery spends its energy avoiding “Obamacare,” the University is anticipating an additional cost of one million dollars on faculty and staff health plans. Tough luck for those committing their lives to the state’s future. Our leaders are too busy grandstanding.
This is not leadership. Real leadership understands we must look forward and do the best we can with what is given to us. It finds new, innovative ways to cut costs and provide a quality health care system for all its citizens. The ACA may do nothing to improve our quality of health, but it will undoubtedly fail if policymakers create roadblocks every step of the way. Sadly, this may be what Montgomery wants, but it’s definitely not what is best for Alabamians.
Many have argued that even if the state created an independent exchange, the important decisions would remain with the federal government. This may be so, but a uniquely Alabama system would afford greater flexibility in consumer choice and limit bureaucratic overhead – things Montgomery claims to value. Responsible governance would prioritize these advantages over mere political recalcitrance.
Luckily, UA administration decided against a premium increase for next year. But as our reserves dwindle, the incidence will ultimately fall on us all. We must demand more from our leaders to put our interests above ideology.
Gov. Bentley claims he wanted to send a clear signal to Washington, but, in reality, he sent a message to those of us who voted for him. Politics will take precedence over the premiums – and inevitably, the tuition – that we pay. Therefore, a continued lack of leadership, not compromise, is something we truly cannot afford.
Ross Green is a junior majoring in history and economics.
