Half a Solution...

...doesn't solve a problem.
That's the saying I'm going with to describe this current event.

With Senate coming back into session, and health care reform at the top of the docket, Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) proposed a solution for which he hopes to gain bipartisan support.

The plan from Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana would make health insurance mandatory, just like auto coverage. It would provide tax credits to help cover the cost for people making up to three times the federal poverty level. That's about $66,000 for a family of four, and $32,000 for an individual.

But those who still don't sign up would face hefty fines, starting at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. The maximum penalty on individuals would be $950.

Baucus's plan has merits in simply giving incentives for families to purchase quality health insurance in the form of tax credits. Unfortunately, it doesn't attack the root cause of the health care issue, ignoring possible predatory business methods from some (but not all) insurance providers. It's half a solution that leaves the core half of the problem flopping around on the table.

The fact is both Republicans and Democrats want to make quality health insurance affordable to everyone. The divide between the parties is whether the best option is one controlled by a government bureaucracy. When a constructive health care solution that doesn't involve expanding bureaucracy is put forth I am confident Republicans and Democrats will work together, if only for this one bill.

Senator Baucus's proposal is a step in the right direction, but it's only one step up a long, winding staircase.