DMN: How are Republicans trying to prevent the law from being implemented? Is this an effective strategy?
KK: Right now, I only see the Republicans trying not to fund the Affordable Care Act as their main way to stop implementation. I do not think this will work because if it causes a government shutdown, they will be blamed and fear it will cost them the election.
DMN: What is your overall opinion of the law?
KK: The law was a bad law from the beginning. It was pushed through Congress with no bipartisan support and less than a majority of public support. I feel we have to start over and try and fix the health care problem, not just insurance and the cost. More emphasis has to be put on preventing diseases, healthy living, and proper nutrition. Health professionals have to be compensated for this and then we would see some great improvements in America's health.
DMN: What have you proposed to the House and Senate as it relates to the health care law?
KK: What we proposed were changes that would improve the health of Americans and lower the overall cost of healthcare regardless of the Affordable Care Act or any changes to it. These recommendations included:
--Teaching general nutrition classes in grades 1-12
--Bringing back gym classes in our schools in grades 1-12
--Teaching preventative care and nutrition in our medical and dental schools
--Using the Natural Product Association's (NPA) standard for all natural foods
--Stopping subsidies for certain crops (like sugar)
--Allowing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Medical Savings Accounts to be used for:
Supplements approved by the FDA to mitigate health risks; gym memberships (bare bones); registered dietician services; certain gym equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.)
--Clearly show what insurance companies pay providers and what providers charge
--Allow consumers to buy insurance interstate
--Implement real tort reform and malpractice reform
A report from the Blue Ribbon Panel was published on Jan. 1, 2012 with these recommendations.
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