Medical device import restrictions might be at odds with making America healthy again

WASHINGTON TIMES

Unleash Prosperity commissioned a survey last year that found voters in battleground districts are overwhelmingly concerned with the costs of health insurance and medicine in general. The group recommends a “most favored patient” strategy to slash those costs with free market solutions.

It seems far more reasonable to boost domestic research and development with tax breaks than to limit consumer access to supplies. The group also recommends cracking down on the waste and fraud that funnel cash to unnecessary corporate middlemen.

The most intriguing proposal would outlaw surprise aftertreatment charges by requiring up-front disclosure so the public knows what to expect. “If the provider doesn’t show the price, the patient is exempt from paying the bill.” That change would be felt immediately.

Caution is needed on medical tariffs and restrictions because the more impactful reforms would come from focusing on the patient. Save the blunt tactics for areas where other countries have been using unfair tactics to win a dominant marketplace position.

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