“Don’t Look Up” with Ron Howrigon

Straight Talk MD

My guest is HealthCare Economist Ron Howrigon. In 2017, Ron wrote Flatlining: How Healthcare Could Kill the US Economy and had some dire predictions for our healthcare system and our economy if substantial changes weren’t implemented. Today, Ron discusses his sequel to Flatlining called: CLEAR! Reforming Healthcare to Save the US Economy. In the movie “Don’t Look Up”, an asteroid the size of Mount Everest is headed toward earth. A group of astronomers warn the President that unless something is done urgently to alter the asteroid’s course, earth will be destroyed. The strategy of the President and her government is, “Don’t look up.” That is, if you don’t look up you won’t see the asteroid on collision course with earth, and somehow everything will be okay. Similarly, as the National Debt continues to soar, an ever-increasing Healthcare Cost is like an economy-destroying asteroid that’s largely being ignored right now. In effect we’re following the “Don’t Look Up” strategy. How do we reign in the cost of US Healthcare, while maintaining access and quality and at the same time providing coverage for all who want it? Stay tuned and find out.