It was my intention at the onset of this project to work within the concepts outlined in the Health Care Magna Carta as written and published by Kathleen O'Connor in July, 2002. However, upon close examination of this document I found the content flawed and contradictory to the degree that adherence to virtually any portion of the document became impossible.

Item 3 states "We believe all people should have access to a common set of healthcare services ..." item 4 goes on to state "We believe no person should face bankruptcy because of catastrophic heathcare costs and needs" which is followed by item 6, "We believe we should all be in the same risk pool...". All this is clearly contradicted, in my view, by the statement in item 2, "We believe everyone who participates in the health care system should pay for it...". By adopting item 2, a substantial segment of the overall population becomes either disregarded or totally disenfranchised and, therefore, establishes a segment of the population that is immediately identified as substandard and not included in the mainstream of American life. Consequently, this has added to a level of social dysfunction that has been responsible for a significant level of violence and damage in this country over the last 40 years.

What I would propose therefore, is a truly universal system that would embrace the entire population and provide healthcare in keeping with the principle set forth in item 3. A program that not only provides hospital coverage but also drugs, medical office visits, out-patient services and basic dental care without co-payments and/or out-of-pocket costs. However, I am also of the opinion that, by adopting this principle we must also recognize and accept the right of personal choice with regard to any and all medical procedures. This must not only include the right to medical care but also the right of each and every individual to refuse medical care or, in the case of Freedom of Choice issues, to opt for sterilization or abortion over and above pregnancylprenatal care at the individuals own cost.

The history of social reform in this country is overburdened with half measures and non-offensive solutions that have, over the course of time, proven less effective in resolving problems than creating them. And while the government has been woefully inept at administration of the existing health care programs currently under its domain, I would propose an entirely new government agency, modeled after the Government Accounting Office, to administer my program. With one exception, none of the enlployees would be covered under the Civil Service Act. The system employed herein would be one strictly of merit and performance. Also, the agency I would propose would be prohibited from employing anylall political appointments with the exception of the agency director who may be appointed in the same fashion as the Comptroller General of the GAO for a like term of office.

Financing would be a fixed contribution system, with the contributions being withheld from pay on a weekly basis much like a tax. However, the amounts contributed would be more evenly distributed and more accountable to the public as a whole encouraging participation by eliminating multiple levels of health care taxation, and providing a more equitable level of funding distribution.

Consequently, my goal is to provide this nation with a comprehensive system that will enhance the health and development of its citizens over the long term and bring the state of healthcare in this country up to a level consistent with its economic and educational position in the international community.

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