Pacific Research Institute

The problem with single-payer? Eventually, you run out of other people’s money

September 25, 2018

Healthcare

Democrats have made a complete government takeover of the healthcare system the linchpin of their pitch to voters in this fall’s elections. Former President Obama, who supported single payer before he was against it when promoting Obamacare, is now for it again. In a September 7...

Despite Obamacare, healthcare spending is spiraling out of control

September 21, 2018

Healthcare

Former President Barack Obama promised the Affordable Care Act would bend "the cost curve and [start] to reduce costs for families, businesses, and government." But his pledge has gone unfulfilled – patients and taxpayers are spending record amounts on healthcare. This year, total healthcare spending will...

The Opportunity Created by California’s Overly-Generous Public Pensions

September 20, 2018

Americans are facing two very different pension outlooks. Most private sector workers contribute to 401(k) plans (which are often matched by employers), and rely on investments, savings, and Social Security for their retirement. But, their savings is inadequate. According to a 2018 survey by Northwestern Mutual, 33...

Would Prop. 10 Reduce California’s High Housing Costs? Basic Economics Says No.

September 20, 2018

California

Californians will be faced with a dozen voter propositions on Election Day. None is more important than Proposition 10, which would allow local governments to enact rent control laws. The outcome will have a profound effect on California’s housing crisis. Prop 10 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins...

CAFE Standards versus Public Opinion

September 18, 2018

Business Economics

Calls for stricter environmental mandates contradict the broad public consensus on global warming. According to a 2018 report by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, seven out of ten Americans believe global warming is happening and six out of ten say they are at least “somewhat...

Doctor Shortage Will Only Worsen Under Single-Payer

September 17, 2018

Healthcare

America's doctor shortage is becoming more and more severe. The Association of American Medical Colleges recently projected a shortfall of up to 120,000 physicians by 2030. ObamaCare didn't cause this crisis. But it has made the problem worse. The law created countless administrative headaches for doctors....

Free Med School Won’t Solve the Doctor Shortage

September 17, 2018

Healthcare

The New York University School of Medicine just eliminated tuition for all current and future students. Administrators believe the reform will help solve the nation's doctor shortage. Dean Robert Grossman suggests that "without the prospect of overwhelming financial debt," more people will pursue medical careers. And...

Health Savings Accounts — a bipartisan way to reduce healthcare costs for Nevadans

September 14, 2018

Healthcare

In one fell swoop, incumbent members of Congress could save consumers money, drive down health care costs and burnish their bipartisan credentials before the midterms. How? By scrapping an Obamacare provision that prohibits roughly 3 million people from opening health savings accounts, which can save patients...

Get Real With $6-a-Gallon ‘Raw Water’

September 14, 2018

Healthcare

Many Americans, in search of authenticity, seek out "locally sourced," "artisanal" and "natural" foods. Recently I saw a milk delivery truck emblazoned with the words "naturally sourced." Was the point to assure buyers that the milk came from cows, rather than a chemical factory in...

Medicaid expansion is a recipe for disaster

September 13, 2018

Healthcare

This November, voters in Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, and Montana will decide whether to expand Medicaid. Expansion would place huge burdens on taxpayers while offering minimal benefits to new Medicaid enrollees. Last year, voters in Maine became the first to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot after Republican Gov. Paul LePage...