The recent turn of events during the mid-term elections have the two political parties at odds over the future of the Affordable Care Act. As a business owner, it is certainly instructive to take a look at the possible outcomes as the Republican-controlled Senate joins a Republican majority in the House.
A very wise CEO of a large hospital chain once told me, “we don’t get emotionally involved in the back and forth of politics, we merely respond in the most advantageous manner to our shareholders.” I considered that a valuable lesson in the ever-changing nature of politics.
Consider for instance, the following quotations:
“…will usher in Federal programs that will invade every area of freedom as we know it in this country”
“We oppose …….because foreign experience has shown that socialized medicine is harmful to both the doctor and the patient, primarily to the patient. He suffers most .”
“….we cannot stand idly by now, as the Nation is urged to embark on an ill-conceived adventure in government medicine, the end of which no one can see, and from which the patient is certain to be the ultimate sufferer.”
Pretty harsh words from elected officials, and these are just a few of the inflammatory remarks surrounding this Federal health insurance mandate.
The surprise element of these quotes is they were not aimed at The Affordable Care Act, but the Medicare legislation enacted in the mid-60’s. It should be noted however, that the party that voted this legislation into law maintained a majority in subsequent Congressional sessions.
No one knows the fate of Obamacare as the 114th congress convenes in January, but history tells us the loudest opponents don’t always sway the vote.
