What will be the resultant effects of Universal Health Coverage?

Implications: The Health insurance industry is anticipating a profit windfall with the Universal Health Coverage proposals. Where is that money coming from? Will it come from the Federal government? Or, will the money come from a segment of society that has less influence on this debate? Could it be that the industries with powerful lobbyists are trying to pull a fast one?

Analysis:  

There has been significant debate regarding Universal Health Coverage. Who wins and who loses? The biggest winner is the Health insurance industry and their executives. They will reap the windfall of significantly more premiums paid into their coffers. This will be a larger windfall than when automobile liability insurance began to be required. This anticipated windfall may explain why the Health insurance industry has contributed so heavily to the current Presidential campaign.

What about Business? Now businesses have an additional expense, even a hidden tax. Who pays for that? It certainly will erode one method some businesses have used to attract and retain staff. Having insurance as a benefit, when others did not, used to be of value. Now all employers may offer some type of health insurance.

What about individuals and their families? The insurance companies are masters at using pre-existing condition clauses, high deductibles and co pays, and other techniques to avoid paying on claims. These people, in some cases, may lose Medicaid coverage since they are now insured. However, if the insurance company does not pay, are they better off than when they had Medicaid? Their doctor will not see them now if they do not pay.

What about the government? The Federal government may be able to reduce the Medicaid and Medicare rolls. However, the state and local governments will pick up the cost for the uninsured and underinsured.

Let's be honest about who is really going to pay for these changes.