The Unspoken: A Level Playing Field

The formation of the United States, and eradication of the nation-like borders that once presented economic and trade barriers between the colonies and later the states, provided that level playing field which led to the development of flexible movement of people, goods and services. Import taxes across state lines were forbidden and relative uniformity of business opportunity became a strong factor favoring competition and economic growth.

But with employer mandated health care insurance for employees becoming optional in many states, and states manipulating health insurance content, some states provided lower costs to certain employers.  The playing field became tilted in favor of the states which chose employers' benefits as more important than health care access and availability to working women, men and their children.  Competition was for the bottom of the health care barrel.

Health care reform threatens to once more provide access to health care and availability to all Americans through a uniform system. It will level the playing field for all employers, families and individuals.  Too bad no one speaks about the anti-competitive advantage that some of the opponents of health care reform seek for their local political bases and contributors. We all know what flows downstream.