April 2007

Guest Speaker:  Sally Pipes

Sally Pipes, President and CEO of Pacific Research Institute

Sally Pipes, the president and CEO of Pacific Research Institute, shared with us information about Universal Health Care that first of all made the distinction between "health insurance" and "health care." While there may indeed be 40 million Americans without health insurance, no one goes without health care, not even illegal immigrants. Sally pointed out that the government controls 45% of health care right now through programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Medi-Cal.

The issue is not about health care, but it is about Single Payer Health Care. As a native Canadian, Sally is very familiar with Universal Health Care. In Canada, the government is the only provider of health care. One significant problem is that people wait and wait. The average wait for specialist referrals is 17.7 weeks (over four months).

The current private system of providing health care in the United States is the envy of the world. Japan is clamoring for a health care system like the United States. Where do wealthy and powerful people from around the world go for life-saving health care? The United States, of course. Recently Switzerland voted 71% against Universal Health Care. They know that nationalized health care is rationed by time and age. Thousands of people die every year wating for health care.

Instead, the answer lies in free will, innovation and markets. Sally pointed out that the President's Tax Equalization Plan is a good idea. Other ideas that she indicated had merit include Chronically Ill Coverage, a Managed Risk Pool, expansion of the coverage of Health Savings Accounts, Health Opportunity Accounts and major medical malpractice reform.

Sally spoke for 45 minutes, and took 20 minutes of questions. She received a lengthy and warm applause at the end of her very scholarly and thougthful presentation.

President Richard Geno presents

Anthony Licciardi,Marketing Director

of KSFO Radio 560 with the

Distinguished Media Award for

Excellence in Broadcasting.

Return to Speaker Series Page