Romneycare

In Massachusetts, first to try
A universal health-care plan,
The governor, who’s cast his eye
On soaring prices, thinks he can
Reduce them with a scheme we know—
Though state-controlled, an HMO.

Like Kaiser Permanente does
(And doctors’ fees-for-service don’t)
Its fees-per-patient please because
They’re set ahead of time and won’t
Abet neglect till something’s wrong.
Instead, preventive care's yearlong.

Physicians, hospitals both share
With BlueCross BlueShield outlay risk.
In doing so, they’re more aware
Of costs than making business brisk.
Caregiver teams are paid one sum
With good-care perks a rule of thumb.

Obamacare is how it’s known
To critics in the GOP.
Mitt Romney knows it as his own
Since he invented it. We’ll see.
If he becomes their candidate,
Will Tea Partyers demand self-hate?