Overcoming political obstacles to enact health care reform

Nursing

Health Care Reform

Health reform advocates can improve the likelihood of enacting health reform legislation by getting large, influential groups and companies behind the plan, to help support it if it begins to lag in Congress, and reassure Americans that they can keep their current health care providers and professionals if they are happy with them. Many people fear change, and if they know they can keep their current providers, they may be more apt to approve the plan.

In addition, somehow, the plan has to have the support of the health care lobbies and special interests, or it will not pass, because they have too much power in Washington, and they do not want this type of legislation to pass if they think it will lose money for them. As one of the articles notes, the health care powers are deeply entrenched in this country, and they fear change, and so, they will not back any legislation they think may harm their industry and their livelihood, so somehow, that has to be addressed and dealt with, or there will never be health care reform in this country. Author Oberlander notes, "These groups are well-organized, well-funded, and willing and able to take advantage of fragmented political institutions that provide multiple opportunities to block legislation deemed as hostile to their interests" (Oberlander, 2003). Thus, Congress and whoever drafts the plan, really has to figure out how to show the health care interests the reform will help, rather than hinder, their profits, or it simply will not occur.