The Whole Foods Alternative to 'Obamacare'

[MintJulep]

Something every American should read.

The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare

Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit.

"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money." —Margaret Thatcher


With a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009, several trillions more in deficits projected over the next decade, and with both Medicare and Social Security entitlement spending about to ratchet up several notches over the next 15 years as Baby Boomers become eligible for both, we are rapidly running out of other people's money. These deficits are simply not sustainable. They are either going to result in unprecedented new taxes and inflation, or they will bankrupt us.

While we clearly need health-care reform, the last thing our country needs is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us much closer to a government takeover of our health-care system. Instead, we should be trying to achieve reforms by moving in the opposite direction—toward less government control and more individual empowerment. Here are eight reforms that would greatly lower the cost of health care for everyone:

• Remove the legal obstacles that slow the creation of high-deductible health insurance plans and health savings accounts (HSAs). The combination of high-deductible health insurance and HSAs is one solution that could solve many of our health-care problems. For example, Whole Foods Market pays 100% of the premiums for all our team members who work 30 hours or more per week (about 89% of all team members) for our high-deductible health-insurance plan. We also provide up to $1,800 per year in additional health-care dollars through deposits into employees' Personal Wellness Accounts to spend as they choose on their own health and wellness.

Money not spent in one year rolls over to the next and grows over time. Our team members therefore spend their own health-care dollars until the annual deductible is covered (about $2,500) and the insurance plan kicks in. This creates incentives to spend the first $2,500 more carefully. Our plan's costs are much lower than typical health insurance, while providing a very high degree of worker satisfaction.

• Equalize the tax laws so that employer-provided health insurance and individually owned health insurance have the same tax benefits. Now employer health insurance benefits are fully tax deductible, but individual health insurance is not. This is unfair.

• Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines. We should all have the legal right to purchase health insurance from any insurance company in any state and we should be able use that insurance wherever we live. Health insurance should be portable.

• Repeal government mandates regarding what insurance companies must cover. These mandates have increased the cost of health insurance by billions of dollars. What is insured and what is not insured should be determined by individual customer preferences and not through special-interest lobbying.

• Enact tort reform to end the ruinous lawsuits that force doctors to pay insurance costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. These costs are passed back to us through much higher prices for health care.

• Make costs transparent so that consumers understand what health-care treatments cost. How many people know the total cost of their last doctor's visit and how that total breaks down? What other goods or services do we buy without knowing how much they will cost us?

• Enact Medicare reform. We need to face up to the actuarial fact that Medicare is heading towards bankruptcy and enact reforms that create greater patient empowerment, choice and responsibility.

• Finally, revise tax forms to make it easier for individuals to make a voluntary, tax-deductible donation to help the millions of people who have no insurance and aren't covered by Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
Many promoters of health-care reform believe that people have an intrinsic ethical right to health care—to equal access to doctors, medicines and hospitals. While all of us empathize with those who are sick, how can we say that all people have more of an intrinsic right to health care than they have to food or shelter?

Health care is a service that we all need, but just like food and shelter it is best provided through voluntary and mutually beneficial market exchanges. A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter. That's because there isn't any. This "right" has never existed in America

Even in countries like Canada and the U.K., there is no intrinsic right to health care. Rather, citizens in these countries are told by government bureaucrats what health-care treatments they are eligible to receive and when they can receive them. All countries with socialized medicine ration health care by forcing their citizens to wait in lines to receive scarce treatments.

Although Canada has a population smaller than California, 830,000 Canadians are currently waiting to be admitted to a hospital or to get treatment, according to a report last month in Investor's Business Daily. In England, the waiting list is 1.8 million.

At Whole Foods we allow our team members to vote on what benefits they most want the company to fund. Our Canadian and British employees express their benefit preferences very clearly—they want supplemental health-care dollars that they can control and spend themselves without permission from their governments. Why would they want such additional health-care benefit dollars if they already have an "intrinsic right to health care"? The answer is clear—no such right truly exists in either Canada or the U.K.—or in any other country.

Rather than increase government spending and control, we need to address the root causes of poor health. This begins with the realization that every American adult is responsible for his or her own health.

Unfortunately many of our health-care problems are self-inflicted: two-thirds of Americans are now overweight and one-third are obese. Most of the diseases that kill us and account for about 70% of all health-care spending—heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity—are mostly preventable through proper diet, exercise, not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption and other healthy lifestyle choices.

Recent scientific and medical evidence shows that a diet consisting of foods that are plant-based, nutrient dense and low-fat will help prevent and often reverse most degenerative diseases that kill us and are expensive to treat. We should be able to live largely disease-free lives until we are well into our 90s and even past 100 years of age.

Health-care reform is very important. Whatever reforms are enacted it is essential that they be financially responsible, and that we have the freedom to choose doctors and the health-care services that best suit our own unique set of lifestyle choices. We are all responsible for our own lives and our own health. We should take that responsibility very seriously and use our freedom to make wise lifestyle choices that will protect our health. Doing so will enrich our lives and will help create a vibrant and sustainable American society.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html#p rintMode
Mr. Mackey is co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc.

[Bill Cosby]

Although this is not what I want I do like some of the points including tort reform..:thumbsup:

I do not agree repealing government mandates regarding what insurance companies must cover is a good idea…. That leaves our friend Eman in the same boat… A sinking one…

I don’t believe making costs transparent would do anything. As they are not paying for it & what really can even be disputed???….

Enact reform??? Sounds like years of more of the same to me.. & the last line of empowerment & choice sounds like BS to butter up the end of that sentence- “”responsibility””- a justification to dump your ass first chance they get….

Tax reform………. How about a tax reform that can send my tax dollars to healthcare instead of IraQ, Afghanistan, Israel, Wackistan, Columbia, Egypt, & the beloved military industrial complex…. Now that is the kinda reform I can get behind…

England & Canada have ppl waiting??? & I guess no one is waiting in the fucking USA?? FUCKING BULL SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say this that those folks may be in line. There is over 47,000,000 Americans that got no fucking line to even get in…

Root causes- bull shit phrase & means nothing….. Diet is just one of many, many factors.. Eat your way out of a broken arm lmao:lmao2: , genetic decease, car accidents & hereditary Asthmatic conditions……….. Pls sir you are disingenuous to put it nicely…:banghead:

There now Mr Mackey go food hole that up for a while you fucking lackey………..

[kres24GT]

Although this is not what I want I do like some of the points including tort reform..:thumbsup:

I do not agree repealing government mandates regarding what insurance companies must cover is a good idea…. That leaves our friend Eman in the same boat… A sinking one…

I don’t believe making costs transparent would do anything. As they are not paying for it & what really can even be disputed???….

Enact reform??? Sounds like years of more of the same to me.. & the last line of empowerment & choice sounds like BS to butter up the end of that sentence- “”responsibility””- a justification to dump your ass first chance they get….

Tax reform………. How about a tax reform that can send my tax dollars to healthcare instead of IraQ, Afghanistan, Israel, Wackistan, Columbia, Egypt, & the beloved military industrial complex…. Now that is the kinda reform I can get behind…

England & Canada have ppl waiting??? & I guess no one is waiting in the fucking USA?? FUCKING BULL SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say this that those folks may be in line. There is over 47,000,000 Americans that got no fucking line to even get in…

Root causes- bull shit phrase & means nothing….. Diet is just one of many, many factors.. Eat your way out of a broken arm lmao:lmao2: , genetic decease, car accidents & hereditary Asthmatic conditions……….. Pls sir you are disingenuous to put it nicely…:banghead:

There now Mr Mackey go food hole that up for a while you fucking lackey………..


Repealing government mandates would allow for flexible competitive pricing. Big Government means less competition and higher prices.

[Bill Cosby]

No I don't think so. I think it will result in just the opposite..... My friend Eman & Smurf will still be out of luck....

I am going to say bull shit on the higher prices......... We are already paying higher prices so I am not """AFRAID""" of that argument...............

The facts speak for themselves...........

[kres24GT]

No I don't think so. I think it will result in just the opposite..... My friend Eman & Smurf will still be out of luck....

I am going to say bull shit on the higher prices......... We are already paying higher prices so I am not """AFRAID""" of that argument...............

The facts speak for themselves...........


More government always means less competition and higher prices as a result. The cost of compliance with government has gotten to insane
levels, only the largest companies can afford it. The others go out of business or sell of to the big boys, creating oligopolies and higher prices.


Logic is not your strong point, yes we are already paying higher prices, because of government involvement. More government means even less competition and even higher prices.

[Moby]

I do believe in HSAs. I'm not sure what the legal obstacles are since I've had HSAs in 3 different states. I did notice that the writer didn't mention any.

No tax deduction for individuals paying for health care is insane when corporations get it.

Tort reform is obvious in everything in America and trying to limit it to just health care is obviously one sided.

Making costs transparent is an obvious plus but the lobbyist won't allow it or tort reform.

I'm not a fan of allowing companies to sell across state lines. That didn't work well for consumers with credit cards and means that you may have to fight your insurance company in Delaware even if you live in Texas.

Although Canada has a population smaller than California, 830,000 Canadians are currently waiting to be admitted to a hospital or to get treatment, according to a report last month in Investor's Business Daily. In England, the waiting list is 1.8 million.
I find it interesting that the portion of the report that states how many are waiting in CA and UK (where people seem happy with health care) leaves out how many people are waiting here. Seems like they're hiding something.

I think that providing price transparency, pushing HSAs, tort reform and allowing people to get coverage when they have pre-existing conditions would solve many problems.

[Bill Cosby]

More government always means less competition and higher prices as a result. The cost of compliance with government has gotten to insane
levels, only the largest companies can afford it. The others go out of business or sell of to the big boys, creating oligopolies and higher prices.


Logic is not your strong point, yes we are already paying higher prices, because of government involvement. More government means even less competition and even higher prices.

You are a one trick pony........ Same thing every time. pls go tell it on the moutain or to someone else I am tired of hearing it..........

If there was no gov intervention regarding telephones & electricity & roads what would have happened???? Ou lives better??? HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your hate for the gov is just stupid & misguided......... I hate to be the one to tell yea that but it simply is.

Next time you have a fire call your uncle not my uncle sam.......

Next time you need a fucking cop go rent one cowboy............

[MintJulep]

There now Mr Mackey go food hole that up for a while you fucking lackey………..He is a libertarian and a successful entrepreneur with a successful, progressive company offering employees domestic partner benefits. He disagrees with the left's plan to takeover healthcare and he is now being demonized by the leftists. Pathetic. These are some really good ideas -- from a proven BUSINESSMAN, not a half-witted "community organizer", whatever the hell that is.......

[Bill Cosby]

He is a libertarian and a successful entrepreneur with a successful, progressive company offering employees domestic partner benefits. He disagrees with the left's plan to takeover healthcare and he is now being demonized by the leftists. Pathetic. These are some really good ideas -- from a proven BUSINESSMAN, not a half-witted "community organizer", whatever the hell that is.......

I know who he is.............. I know ppl that work for them..........

I said what I thought....... Sorry if that dose not agree w/ you.........

He had some good ideas & some that were not.... I said the reason I felt they stunk...........

Librarian??? So is hog......... The newb citizen is to. He @ least has a brain & is not being a racist hater........

[gOd]

• Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines.


We'll start with this one.

How is this not big government? Are you not familiar with the term: state's rights? Nice argument, comrade! Or, is it Mien Fuhrer? I have to laugh when right wing-nuts go so far that they become that which they hate. :lmao2:

[Bill Cosby]

We'll start with this one.

How is this not big government? Are you not familiar with the term: state's rights? Nice argument, comrade! Or, is it Mien Fuhrer? I have to laugh when right wing-nuts go so far that they become that which they hate. :lmao2:

That is one of the things I am in agreement w/ if it will help some folks w/out care....

That is not my goal but I am not going to turn my nose up on something that may help out ppl that have no coverage.........

I have care, eye, dental, medical etc for myself & family.. Smurf & Eman as well as 47,000,000 have nothing............ If it will help them good..... But that is merely a step in the right direction..... I want everyone in....

What he is offering, @ least IMO is way to little way to late..... I will not be appeased w/ shiny trinkets & a smile & slide of hand........

I want @ the least the same deal for Eman & SMurf that the rest of the folks in the industrialized world get........... We are Americans & deserve no less...........

[mwillman]

She is also a employee of the insurance industry which of course makes her just a little biased. She doesn't want to lose her job denying children health care.

[Bill Cosby]

She is also a employee of the insurance industry which of course makes her just a little biased. She doesn't want to lose her job denying children health care.

That may indeed be part of her motivation....... :dunno: It would be one of mine if I was in that position......

I don't think anyone, even her w/ all her skills is looking to be out of job in a job market like this.......

Perhaps you missed the thread I read earlier today w/ her expressing concern/agreement that she would like/hope to see something made available to help folks like Eman & Smurf in their situations........ Didn't sound much like a baby killer to me........... :dunno:

a little biased

Did she or anyone on this site ever state or even imply that she/they was/is unbiased??? Not that I recall reading........ :dunno:

??? Aren't well all a bit biased in one way or another???

IMHO she brings a bit of wit, humor & edge & advocates them strongly @ times..........>>>> just like you & me.. Can we fault anyone for that???

[Marika]

That may indeed be part of her motivation....... :dunno: It would be one of mine if I was in that position......

I don't think anyone, even her w/ all her skills is looking to be out of job in a job market like this.......

Perhaps you missed the thread I read earlier today w/ her expressing concern/agreement that she would like/hope to see something made available to help folks like Eman & Smurf in their situations........ Didn't sound much like a baby killer to me........... :dunno:



Did she or anyone on this site ever state or even imply that she/they was/is unbiased??? Not that I recall reading........ :dunno:

??? Aren't well all a bit biased in one way or another???

IMHO she brings a bit of wit, humor & edge & advocates them strongly @ times..........>>>> just like you & me.. Can we fault anyone for that???
Nope..it is the essence of free speech which inspires a healthy exchange of ideas.

[Bill Cosby]

Pls break it down if you have the time & inclination....:thumbsup:

[Marika]

Pls break it down if you have the time & inclination....:thumbsup:
Are you talking to me Bill?

[mwillman]

That may indeed be part of her motivation....... :dunno: It would be one of mine if I was in that position......

I don't think anyone, even her w/ all her skills is looking to be out of job in a job market like this.......

Perhaps you missed the thread I read earlier today w/ her expressing concern/agreement that she would like/hope to see something made available to help folks like Eman & Smurf in their situations........ Didn't sound much like a baby killer to me........... :dunno:



Did she or anyone on this site ever state or even imply that she/they was/is unbiased??? Not that I recall reading........ :dunno:

??? Aren't well all a bit biased in one way or another???

IMHO she brings a bit of wit, humor & edge & advocates them strongly @ times..........>>>> just like you & me.. Can we fault anyone for that???

I didnt say she should be silenced.

If she wants to fight for the real Death Panels I.E the insurance industry thats her business but I also think its important that people know when someone is being paid by the people they are defending.

[Bill Cosby]

Are you talking to me Bill?

...

Yep.............. :)

What you think about free speech...

[Bill Cosby]

I didnt say she should be silenced.

If she wants to fight for the real Death Panels I.E the insurance industry thats her business but I also think its important that people know when someone is being paid by the people they are defending.

That is cool....... :thumbsup:

I don't have a problem w/ that... I don't think she does either. If she did why would she even have said it???

My point is really this........ Her voice & insight is perhaps invaluable here...

You/me/we get to hear an insiders opinion......

Personally I think the folks knee deep in blood & paper work, on the front lines of this have a very important part to play & I feel I would being doing my self & cause a disservice by just dismissing their opinion cause I don't necessarily agree w/ them...

My 2 cents...

[Marika]

Yep.............. :)

What you think about free speech...
I think everyone has the right to voice their opinions, because then it opens up the issues to debate. We may even learn something new when we listen to alternate points of view. I am open minded enough to listen and sometimes even change my mind about an issue I had been very firm on. Having said that, although I do believe in the free exchange of ideas, once it becomes crass, juvenile, and off topic, I move on to someone who actually cares enough about the topic, they want to debate honestly and intelligently.

[Bill Cosby]

I think everyone has the right to voice their opinions, because then it opens up the issues to debate. We may even learn something new when we listen to alternate points of view. I am open minded enough to listen and sometimes even change my mind about an issue I had been very firm on. Having said that, although I do believe in the free exchange of ideas, once it becomes crass, juvenile, and off topic, I move on to someone who actually cares enough about the topic, they want to debate honestly and intelligently.

Awesome............ As I knew it would be............:thumbsup:

Exchanging ideas rather than pushing them....

Listening instead of arguing...

Radical...... :D

[bairdi]

Republicans had 20 years of political power in which they could have offered reforms to improve health care in this country. They chose instead to do nothing, zero, nada, not a freaking thing but to let the insurance industry run wild over people. The Dems need to tell them to screw themselves and go it alone. It's also time to pressure conservative Dems into doing what is right and to let the six freaks that control the Senate Finance Committee know that they and the insurance industry do not run the country. The majority of the citizens of this country want and deserve affordable health care. Government is instituted by the citizens for citizens. This is not intended to be a country of the people, by the corporations for the rich and powerful. There is a reason that people institute government.

[Marika]

Republicans had 20 years of political power in which they could have offered reforms to improve health care in this country. They chose instead to do nothing, zero, nada, not a freaking thing but to let the insurance industry run wild over people. The Dems need to tell them to screw themselves and go it alone. It's also time to pressure conservative Dems into doing what is right and to let the six freaks that control the Senate Finance Committee know that they and the insurance industry do not run the country. The majority of the citizens of this country want and deserve affordable health care. Government is instituted by the citizens for citizens. This is not intended to be a country of the people, by the corporations for the rich and powerful. There is a reason that people institute government.
So true, and the padding of already fat wallets at the expense of innocent people should have officially ended years ago.

[Bill Cosby]

I think everyone has the right to voice their opinions, because then it opens up the issues to debate. We may even learn something new when we listen to alternate points of view. I am open minded enough to listen and sometimes even change my mind about an issue I had been very firm on. Having said that, although I do believe in the free exchange of ideas, once it becomes crass, juvenile, and off topic, I move on to someone who actually cares enough about the topic, they want to debate honestly and intelligently.

You remember Mr. Shaman from BM.... ????

Earlier today in a thread @ PG & in a PM I thanked him. As I could not recall if I had done so.........



I may owe him a big THNX I think....

One day back @ BM were talking (More likely barking but talking sounds better..lol) @ each other & sicko (the movie) came into it......

I ended up agreeing to watch it but only if it was funny..... It was a real eye opener for me.. Especially given the debate we have going on again....

TNX Mr. Shaman..

[Marika]

You remember Mr. Shaman from BM.... ????

Earlier today in a thread @ PG & in a PM I thanked him. As I could not recall if I had done so.........
Yes, I do remember him vaguely.

[MintJulep]

We'll start with this one.

How is this not big government? Are you not familiar with the term: state's rights? Nice argument, comrade! Or, is it Mien Fuhrer? I have to laugh when right wing-nuts go so far that they become that which they hate. :lmao2:Private businesses should not have stipulations on where they can and cannot compete by any part of govt, state or federal. Why shouldn't citizens be able to purchase insurance across state lines? It would only stand to increase competition and lower prices.

[Bill Cosby]

Private businesses should not have stipulations on where they can and cannot compete by any part of govt, state or federal. Why shouldn't citizens be able to purchase insurance across state lines? It would only stand to increase competition and lower prices.


I don't know the history/reason behind those restrictions, do you???

[MintJulep]

I don't know the history/reason behind those restrictions, do you???No, I certainly don't. I just know you can only buy insurance in the state you live in, which is really silly if you ask me. Now, insurance will usually pay for services in another state, however you can't buy a policy in a state unless you reside there.

[Bill Cosby]

HHHmmmmm That sounds nuts.......... I didn't know that. Lots of these laws are just nuts....

I have a friend that had one of these inter-state issues... His dad passed away in Washington state were he had moved to a few years ago.....

Upon his death his Calif will was voided as he didn't get it notarized in the state of Washington.......... My friend & his brother got nothing.... The new step mom got it all (Dad was married four months before his death)..

[MintJulep]

HHHmmmmm That sounds nuts.......... I didn't know that. Lots of these laws are just nuts....

I have a friend that had one of these inter-state issues... His dad passed away in Washington state were he had moved to a few years ago.....

Upon his death his Calif will was voided as he didn't get it notarized in the state of Washington.......... My friend & his brother got nothing.... The new step mom got it all (Dad was married four months before his death)..Wow, that's majorly screwed up! So many loopholes and legalities you simply can't keep up with them.

[CosmicRocker]

HHHmmmmm That sounds nuts.......... I didn't know that. Lots of these laws are just nuts....

I have a friend that had one of these inter-state issues... His dad passed away in Washington state were he had moved to a few years ago.....

Upon his death his Calif will was voided as he didn't get it notarized in the state of Washington.......... My friend & his brother got nothing.... The new step mom got it all (Dad was married four months before his death)..Because State Law differs, each state regulates their insurance.

They can restrict rate increases, or change enrollment laws.
The state has an interest in allowing insurane coverage in, that favor their policy.
It's one factor in the free market madness where insurance is all about private for profit companies trying to maximize their profits.

[Hog Trash]

Something every American should read.

The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare

Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit.

"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money." —Margaret Thatcher

With a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009, several trillions more in deficits projected over the next decade, and with both Medicare and Social Security entitlement spending about to ratchet up several notches over the next 15 years as Baby Boomers become eligible for both, we are rapidly running out of other people's money. These deficits are simply not sustainable. They are either going to result in unprecedented new taxes and inflation, or they will bankrupt us.

While we clearly need health-care reform, the last thing our country needs is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us much closer to a government takeover of our health-care system. Instead, we should be trying to achieve reforms by moving in the opposite direction—toward less government control and more individual empowerment. Here are eight reforms that would greatly lower the cost of health care for everyone:

• Remove the legal obstacles that slow the creation of high-deductible health insurance plans and health savings accounts (HSAs).

• Equalize the tax laws so that employer-provided health insurance and individually owned health insurance have the same tax benefits.

• Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines.

• Repeal government mandates regarding what insurance companies must cover.

• Enact tort reform to end the ruinous lawsuits that force doctors to pay insurance costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

• Make costs transparent so that consumers understand what health-care treatments cost.

• Enact Medicare reform.

• Finally, revise tax forms to make it easier for individuals to make a voluntary, tax-deductible donation to help the millions of people who have no insurance and aren't covered by Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Although Canada has a population smaller than California, 830,000 Canadians are currently waiting to be admitted to a hospital or to get treatment, according to a report last month in Investor's Business Daily. In England, the waiting list is 1.8 million.

Rather than increase government spending and control, we need to address the root causes of poor health. This begins with the realization that every American adult is responsible for his or her own health.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html#p rintMode
Mr. Mackey is co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc.Way to much common sense....The liberals and democrats will never go for it!