Solutions for making ObamaCare effective

Judge Hudson's ruling was correct. You can't mandate that "we the people" must purchase healthcare. Unlike a federal mandate that you must have a driver’s license to drive: It's not unlawful not to have a license, for you don't have to drive. However, in order to live you do have to exist. If we allow the government to make such unreasonable mandates, where does it all end?

If the healthcare mandate is defunded, what will we replace it with? It's not enough to celebrate the defeat of ObamaCare. We still have significant problems with cost and access. Unless we address the issues, we will again find ourselves in a crisis mode that will lead to more bad legislation. We need to find immediate solutions to guide effective healthcare reform.

Here are solutions for improving the existing healthcare system. The below doesn't cost the federal government a nickel to implement, and bends the cost curve downward.

1. Tort reform. Physicians spend between 15 and 20 percent of medical expenses on malpractice insurance and defensive medicine.

2. Interstate purchase of healthcare policies. Many states have only one or two insurance providers. By introducing interstate competition, consumers will have the ability to choose the lowest-cost policies.

3. Decouple health insurance from employers. Individuals should have healthcare policies that are transportable no matter where they are employed. The tax deductible of healthcare premiums should not be dependent on whether the policy is offered by the employer or directly to the individual by the insurance company.

4. Encourage policies that motivate consumers to make cost-effective choices in their medical care. We need to advocate high deductibles and meaningful co-pay. These will encourage healthcare consumers to make cost-effective choices.

5. Permit and implore insurance companies to offer lower premiums for people who maintain healthy lifestyles. The insurance industry should not subsidize obesity, smoking and unhealthy lifestyles.

6. This above doesn't address individuals who can't afford the cost of healthcare and the issues involving end-of-life care. If you want to save on big costs, you must address end-of-life care. Approximately 40 percent of healthcare costs occur in the last six months of life. Where do you draw the line?

Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 169, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.