I've previously discussed the political process and that may explain a number of injustices in our society.  I will list a few:

The high cost of prescription drugs:       

Think of all the donations to various charitable organizations for research.  Couple that with all the research done by the Federal government.  Now think of all the free prescription drugs.  Can't think of any?  Perhaps the Salk vaccine that wiped out Polio.  Seems to me that some of the research by these non pharmaceuticals  should go to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.  Perhaps it does, but it would be nice to see an accounting of how much is paid by the pharmaceutical companies to the non profit organizations and the government for the research done by these groups.  

Health care for the poor:

Those  without basic health care insurance must pay for the cost of insurance (if affordable), doctor bills, hospital care, prescriptions, etc. out of their own funds.  This cost is generally not tax deductible unless the individual is able to itemize deductions and only when these costs exceed 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income.  Thus with few exceptions those monies are paid with after tax dollars.   Thus this burden falls heavily on the poor or those who have low paying jobs or jobs without benefits. 

At the same time, those fortunate enough to have comprehensive health care plans generally receive these and other benefits tax free.  In other words, when the employer provides these and many other benefits, the employer deducts these costs for federal income tax purposes but the individual is not required to include these as taxable benefits.  Thus the cost of these benefits is paid for with employer pre-tax dollars.  Those fortunate enough to have good jobs with numerous benefits receive these benefits tax free.  Of course these benefits are not limited to health care coverage but may also include life insurance (amounts over a certain level become taxable income to the employee), dental insurance, short and long term disability insurance, cafeteria plans, 401(k), legal assistance and many other more innovative plans.

In shouldn't take much thought to realize the disparity.  How simple would it be to tax some benefits of those who earn above a certain level and then shift these tax dollars to the less fortunate in terms of basic health care coverage or at least some form of tax credits?  Or at a minimum provide some relief in income tax savings or credits to those who must expend their own funds for basic health care needs?

Medicaid:

With the State of Michigan running record surpluses it seems appropriate to review Medicaid.  Eliminate the fraud and abuse but at the same time provide adequate care for those who must depend on Medicaid.  The care for the elderly comes to mind.  Before becoming eligible for coverage, is it fair that all your funds and even your dignity be taken from you and then and only then do you become eligible for assistance? 

It must be obvious to all that with the large disparity between what providers charge for private pay and what Medicaid pays, that either the facilities are grossly overcharging for their care or Medicaid is grossly underpaying.  Perhaps the Michigan legislators should visit a number of facilities and review the care and conditions in facilities that are primarily private pay and those that are primarily Medicaid.  I am sure they will learn very quickly why the better facilities offer so few Medicaid beds. 

Prescription Drug Credit:

This seems like a no brainer but apparently not to the Michigan legislators.  The prescription drug credit is available to individuals over age 65 if the income level falls below a certain level.  This is true unless the individual was a resident of a licensed care facility for more than six consecutive months in the year.  In other words, if you are really sick, and the cost of prescription drugs really high, you are not eligible for the credit.  That just doesn't make sense. 

Michigan Property Tax Credit:

In computing the Michigan Property tax credit, household  income is reduced by the cost of medical insurance premiums but not payments for health care.  For those not fortunate to be covered by insurance and the elderly, the cost of paying for prescription drugs, non covered medical costs and nursing care or home health care can be substantial.  Thus it is only logical to reduce the income amounts by these out of pocket expenditures.