Albert R. Hunts writes in the Sunday New York Times - “Uwe Reinhardt, the eminent Princeton University economist, says that dueling political claims notwithstanding, the health care overhaul that Americans want is clear.

Patients should make their own decisions, and insurance companies and the government shouldn’t interfere under the guise of “cost-effectiveness.” Families’ out-of-pocket payments should be limited, and premiums and taxes kept low.

Also, insurance should be provided to all Americans with no mandates, and Medicare’s spiraling costs must be controlled without any curbs on payments to hospitals or doctors.

And, of course, health care should never be rationed; that is “un-American.” Every one of those choices would poll well, and many are common refrains from politicians in the current debate. Together, they constitute the proverbial free lunch that would bankrupt the government, insurance companies and hospitals.

Congress is close to passing an overhaul of the nation’s health care system, a monumental task since it would be achieved in such a blizzard of misinformation that it’s no wonder the public has such unrealistic expectations.

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To learn more about how national health care reform could effect your business attend The Business Council’s Forum 2009: Federal Health Care Reform, November 9, 2009.