Audacity has applied to a lot more than hope in the first weeks of the Obama administration. The new president’s civil tone aside, he is taking on this nation’s daunting economic challenges with a boldness that even FDR might envy.
Such aggressiveness carries big risks, but also potentially big rewards. Backed by a clear consensus among leading economists that the bigger danger for the economy now is doing too little, the president has already signed a $787 billion stimulus/recovery package, and supported expensive commitments to keep major banks and U.S. automakers in business.
Wisely, and just as boldly, he hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture, of the systemic problems that will torpedo an eventual recovery if they aren’t addressed soon. Among those is this nation’s shamefully broken health-care system, a world leader in cost and inefficiency, and a gigantic drag on the economy.
Given all that’s on the presidential plate, the easy course would have been to postpone this long-neglected problem. Obama, however, considers addressing it as an essential part of the solution. We’re glad he’s wise enough to see that, and audacious enough to propose action.
The 2010 budget he submitted to Congress Thursday includes some $634 billion over 10 years to expand coverage in a nation where perhaps 50 million citizens have none, and millions more have too little. Much of that outlay would be paid for with higher tax rates on the top 2 percent of incomes, an idea that was central to the campaign platform that got Obama elected.
He’s sure to meet fierce resistance — from Republicans who oppose the tax hikes, and from critics who will complain that government is stepping too far into an arena the free market should control. To be credible, such complaints must go beyond simple obstructionism. They should include specific alternatives for getting all Americans covered and improving the efficiency and quality of health-care delivery.
The reality is that this nation already has universal health care, it just doesn’t work very well. Those without coverage end up getting treatment after conditions have become emergencies, and they access the system when it’s most expensive and least efficient.
Employers, especially small businesses, are increasingly burdened by rising health care costs, and more and more can’t afford to offer it. Employees with cancer or other serious conditions can’t change jobs for fear of losing coverage they won’t get back. America can and must do better.
Covering the uninsured will increase prevention, keeping many managable cases from becoming expensive ones. The resulting lower costs will make insurance more affordable for individuals and businesses alike.
This issue has been kicked down the road long enough. It’s time for action. Even audacity.
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