The Upstate New York Tea Party (UNYTEA) has developed a position paper on the on the subject of health-care reform. We suggest a series of specific solutions, many of which are not contained in the legislative proposals which are currently under consideration in Washington. The principles, on which our proposals are based, along with a brief description of the proposals, are outlined below. We have asked the candidates in the 23rd Congressional race to respond to our concerns.

  Competition is good, monopolies are not.

a. Insurance companies should be allowed to compete across state lines.

b. A subsidized government health-care option is unfair competition.

  Government should help only those who cannot help themselves.

a. Issue federal vouchers for health-insurance premiums to those who can verify their financial need. Utilize existing state agencies to administer the program.

b. Make health-insurance premiums tax deductible for individuals.

  Almost anything government can do, the private sector can do better.

a. Sub-contract the administration of Medicare, Medicaid, S-Chips and veterans health care, in whole or in part, to private-sector sub-contractors. Retain government oversight. Utilize incentives based on savings to the government and quality of service.

b. Allow insurance companies to form "high-risk pools" for people with pre-existing conditions. Use state agencies to regulate.

  The purpose of insurance is to make people whole, not rich.

a. Limit jury awards to actual financial loss. Cap legal fees to actual hours worked. Utilize binding arbitration for pain-and-suffering awards.

  The older we get, the more health care we will need.

a. Increase the supply of health-care professionals by offering significant education-loan forgiveness in return for practicing in shortage areas. Utilize county governments to administer this and federal subsidies to finance it.

b. Eliminate the years-long wait times for immigrant health-care workers who wish to practice in the United States, by streamlining and expediting their petitions for legal status. Practitioners from Canada should be given immediate preference.

c. Increase the flow of new drugs into the market by expanding U.S. patent rights and tax breaks for research and development. Abbreviate the Food and Drug Administration approval process for lifesaving drugs.

Mark L Barie is chairman of Upstate New York Tea Party (UNYTEA). He can be contacted at UNYTEA@yahoo.com.