No one is denied care in Fantasyland
So no one is denied medical care in this country, and most people who don't have care can qualify for one program or another.
Gee, I never knew.
Maybe our health care system is fine the way it is.
I feel a little like Rodney Dangerfield's character in the movie "Back to School," where the professor in his economics class asked him where he was going to build his widget factory.
"How about Fantasyland?"
You folks ought to read Jonathan Cohn's book "Sick," which details on a case-by-case basis -- with original reporting -- exactly how our ridiculous system is killing or bankrupting people around the country.
Next time you think no one is denied medical care, try to get chemotherapy for your cancer without the money to pay for it. Or try to get an expensive medication for a rare condition.
Is it right that people should have to sell their homes, wipe out their savings accounts and mortgage their futures just to get medical care?
Even in the one place where they can't deny you -- the emergency room -- that care is anything but free. You may not be able to pay for it, but unless you're willing to destroy your credit rating and ignore years of being dunned for payments (including being taken to court), it isn't free.
There's no question people die when they don't have insurance. In fact, the single greatest factor in whether you will survive cancer is whether or not you have health insurance.
Think about this for a minute.
Have we really become a society willing to judge whether people live or die simply by the amount of money they have? It's one thing to be able to afford top-of-the-line medical care because you're rich, but are we really willing to tell middle-class people without insurance that if you get sick, you'd better be prepared to sell everything you've ever worked for just to stay alive?
It's a fact that more than half of personal bankruptcy filings the last 10 years have been precipitated by unexpected medical expenses, and as rapidly as medical costs are increasing, that's not going to change anytime soon.
Sure, you can get chemotherapy -- if you're willing to sell a kidney to a rich guy who needs one.
This isn't about socialized medicine, and it certainly isn't meant to be critical of dedicated medical personnel. There are plenty of doctors and nurses who donate all or part of their time to work in neighborhood clinics that serve the poor.
But consider this: A couple of years back, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman reported in the New York Times that between 1972 and 2001, incomes in the top 10 percent of income distribution went up by an average of 34 percent, only about 1 percent a year.
In the top 1 percent, they increased 87 percent during the same time.
In the top .01 percent, they increased 497 percent.
The Fed reported that between 2001 and 2004, inflation adjusted family incomes for all of us dropped by 2.3 percent.
Anyone who thinks the rich -- the people who own the insurance companies -- aren't getting richer at the expense of the rest of us just hasn't been paying attention.
As I said earlier, I've got no problem with rich people paying more for "Cadillac" care. But I think just the fact of being an American ought to at least qualify a person for reasonable medical care.
Nobody should have to sell their home to buy medication.
Nobody should have to go bankrupt because they get sick.
That happens all too often, so please, don't tell me no one is denied medical care in this country.
It just isn't true.
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Post a Comment Comments: 37
What I'm "anti" is the fantasy people have that wealth is limitless, that we can just keep baking a bigger and bigger pie.
When someone gains something, someone else loses it.
When someone gains something, someone else loses it.
Exactly... and when the government gives to one person, they take it form somebody else.
Why, do you suppose, when Jesse James or Ned Kelly or Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the poor, it was called stealing; when the government does exactly the same thing, it's called "redistribution of the wealth".
Why, do you suppose, when Jesse James or Ned Kelly or Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the poor, it was called stealing; when the government does exactly the same thing, it's called "redistribution of the wealth".
Nope... that's a tenet of liberal ideology. I believe freedom is more important than fairness. People deserve to keep what they earn unless they want to give it away.
The Constitution endorses equitable treatment, not "fairness". We are created equal, and are afforded, as much as is possible under the law, equal opportunity to succeed, depending on our own abilities and motivations. Freedom is what set this country apart in the global community and why our economy has outpaced the rest of the world, and why the rest of the world is dependent on it to thrive.
Fairness is like kissing your sister...
Forcibly taking from one to give to another is stealing; it is what it is, whether it's "legitimized" by government out of control or not. I'm fairly you don't support what you'd call legitimized murder in the form of capital punishment; isn't it hypocritical to then turn around and rationalize stealing as somehow being on the moral high ground if it's done by the government?
Considering that the top 1% paid over 70% of the taxes, why is that a bad thing? Basically, they're the primary dogs pulling the sled.
The Constitution endorses equitable treatment, not "fairness". We are created equal, and are afforded, as much as is possible under the law, equal opportunity to succeed, depending on our own abilities and motivations. Freedom is what set this country apart in the global community and why our economy has outpaced the rest of the world, and why the rest of the world is dependent on it to thrive.
Fairness is like kissing your sister...
Forcibly taking from one to give to another is stealing; it is what it is, whether it's "legitimized" by government out of control or not. I'm fairly you don't support what you'd call legitimized murder in the form of capital punishment; isn't it hypocritical to then turn around and rationalize stealing as somehow being on the moral high ground if it's done by the government?
Considering that the top 1% paid over 70% of the taxes, why is that a bad thing? Basically, they're the primary dogs pulling the sled.
Come on, fireisle. During the eight years of Bush, the government gave to the top 1 percent in the form of tax cuts and took from the rest of the people in the form of reduced services.
By its very nature, whatever government does redistributes wealth. The idea is to be fair to as many people as possible.
By its very nature, whatever government does redistributes wealth. The idea is to be fair to as many people as possible.
And so when insurance is being given through the proposed health reform plan in the senate, who's paying and who's benefiting?
Well, I think you sound just fine. Not anti-rich really, just reminding us that we're ALL living in a Fantasyland. The haves are only all too happy; why wouldn't they be? And as long as your're employed and have insurance you may THINK you're fine. But the reality of the whole situation is that IF you become REALLY SICK, the you too are likely to eventually lose your job and with it, your insurance. The people who like things just as they are haven't been truly sick. You've said this very, Mike. Thanks for telling it exactly like it is.
There needs to be more self responsibility. Most of the the people that live at the poverty level or just above it have no problem purchasing material things such as Cell phones, Flat screen TV's, they spend time at the nails salon, have Cable TV, & jewelry hanging all over their necks and at least one car. If you are responsible, you get regular checkups, stay away from fatty foods, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and live a clean life. There is nothing wrong with putting aside a little money or paying for catastrophic insurance instead of heading down to the Casinos or going to the movies to contribute to the wallet of Michael Moore.
I know there are people that for no reason of their own have lost their job and may be without insurance. If you have any pre-existing conditions you can always fall back on continuing your policy by means of COBRA. Some hospitals offer Charity Care and provide their services on a sliding scale.
I don't feel sorry for the people that use drugs, smoke consume alcohol and abuse their bodies by way of bad dieting. I should not have to pay for the end result of peoples vices.
The elderly have Medicare, the poor have Medicaid and the young don't need it or want to pay for it.
I am sure there are cases where people may have died because they did not have insurance, but this is the exception and not the norm.
I know there are people that for no reason of their own have lost their job and may be without insurance. If you have any pre-existing conditions you can always fall back on continuing your policy by means of COBRA. Some hospitals offer Charity Care and provide their services on a sliding scale.
I don't feel sorry for the people that use drugs, smoke consume alcohol and abuse their bodies by way of bad dieting. I should not have to pay for the end result of peoples vices.
The elderly have Medicare, the poor have Medicaid and the young don't need it or want to pay for it.
I am sure there are cases where people may have died because they did not have insurance, but this is the exception and not the norm.
COBRA is not an absolute. It depends on the number of employees in a company. Less than 20 and you don't qualify. Simple as that. You do qualify for State Continutation, but that's for no more than six months. You say the elderly have Medicare, etc., etc. Not all of these groups, for a lot of reason besides their "vices" do not qualify. There is a gigantic gap where some fall and coverage is just not available. Cost doesn't matter - the underwriters will not write the insurance. And there are people who have insurance who also died because the insurance companies denied coverage that would have made a difference.
air,
The ironic thing is that if this bill passes, you may get your wish because the cost of insurance will actually go up even if this Healthcare Reform Bill is passed. The cost will increase more over the same period with Reform than without it. More people will be covered and that can only mean rationing which will unfortunately mean that yes, many people will have to wait a lot longet to get medical care and may actually die.
I would rather be selfish, & self responsible than altruistic and dependent on the government.
The ironic thing is that if this bill passes, you may get your wish because the cost of insurance will actually go up even if this Healthcare Reform Bill is passed. The cost will increase more over the same period with Reform than without it. More people will be covered and that can only mean rationing which will unfortunately mean that yes, many people will have to wait a lot longet to get medical care and may actually die.
I would rather be selfish, & self responsible than altruistic and dependent on the government.
oh - yeah - we're so self righteous ... we're so stoked to the brim with dollars that we have then hanging from trees in our back yard.
Heartless - hardly. I have compassion that runs a mile wide and would bet a great deal that I donate more dollar for dollar to charitble organizations than most.
Stop playing the you're so heartless play card - it's old and it's ridiculous. WE CARE - we just don't want to live in Venezuela.
Heartless - hardly. I have compassion that runs a mile wide and would bet a great deal that I donate more dollar for dollar to charitble organizations than most.
Stop playing the you're so heartless play card - it's old and it's ridiculous. WE CARE - we just don't want to live in Venezuela.
If the shoe fits chicken little, the thing that is getting old is the world will end card.
I'm sorry but I have a little more faith in my Country than to believe that if we insure everyone we will end up like Venezuela.
I'm also tired of hearing about how we are headed towards communism, that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. McCarthy tried to scare people into submission with that same line of bull and it didn't work then either.
I'm sorry but I have a little more faith in my Country than to believe that if we insure everyone we will end up like Venezuela.
I'm also tired of hearing about how we are headed towards communism, that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. McCarthy tried to scare people into submission with that same line of bull and it didn't work then either.
I agree Red - We're becoming a complete welfare society and people have been handed a free pass to not work and when given the opportunity to not work verses struggle for nothing - to have it all taken from you - then the incentive to excel is gone.
It's the recipe for communism.
Lacking economic incentives, I am not working. Neither is anyone I know. The demonstrable fact is that when large segments of population are given the opportunity to work less, they gladly jump on it. Witness welfare, unions, and government workers.
It's the recipe for communism.
Lacking economic incentives, I am not working. Neither is anyone I know. The demonstrable fact is that when large segments of population are given the opportunity to work less, they gladly jump on it. Witness welfare, unions, and government workers.
Thank you Mike for your article which I found very enjoyable. To these other people whom obviously are set for money and have never known hardship, your lack of sympathy for the poor makes you look like selfish ignorant jerks.
I find it Amazing that you people really believe people would rather be on welfare then to have a job they love and work hard at it.
Where are these Welfare states that people collect fat checks and do nothing ? I live in Massachusetts, supposedly one of these Welfare states and everyone I know is struggling including the Millionaires!
Should I feel sympathy for them and rising taxes? No I think not. Not when they have no heart to care for those less fortunate.
When you have enough money to manage a large company, several houses, women, children, cars, vacations and everything you could ever imagine owning. YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE GENEROUS !
The idea behind helping the poor and making them well again, is that a healthy society is a happy society.
If Capitalism didn't push legal drugs we don't need, which gives us more ailments and cigarettes that are proven to kill you on the already depressed and misguided then there would not be as many sick to begin with.
Even if you have insurance, and I do the bills can be astronomical ! Try saying that to your kid when his appendix bursts or saying no to tests when someone is too sick to even get out of bed !
For every small business owner, and I am one. If I get sick and I can't work and make money even with my absurdly expensive insurance I could still not pay the bills that would eventually come in. There lies the problem. What follows is a Domino effect to bankruptcy, it can AND DOES happen to anyone and has destroyed the dreams of many previously successful Americans.
It has to stop, if we are to ever be a Great Nation again, we must learn from the wisdom of Europe and any other Nation who is making it work.
Stubbornness and close mindedness never helped any cause or people.
I find it Amazing that you people really believe people would rather be on welfare then to have a job they love and work hard at it.
Where are these Welfare states that people collect fat checks and do nothing ? I live in Massachusetts, supposedly one of these Welfare states and everyone I know is struggling including the Millionaires!
Should I feel sympathy for them and rising taxes? No I think not. Not when they have no heart to care for those less fortunate.
When you have enough money to manage a large company, several houses, women, children, cars, vacations and everything you could ever imagine owning. YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE GENEROUS !
The idea behind helping the poor and making them well again, is that a healthy society is a happy society.
If Capitalism didn't push legal drugs we don't need, which gives us more ailments and cigarettes that are proven to kill you on the already depressed and misguided then there would not be as many sick to begin with.
Even if you have insurance, and I do the bills can be astronomical ! Try saying that to your kid when his appendix bursts or saying no to tests when someone is too sick to even get out of bed !
For every small business owner, and I am one. If I get sick and I can't work and make money even with my absurdly expensive insurance I could still not pay the bills that would eventually come in. There lies the problem. What follows is a Domino effect to bankruptcy, it can AND DOES happen to anyone and has destroyed the dreams of many previously successful Americans.
It has to stop, if we are to ever be a Great Nation again, we must learn from the wisdom of Europe and any other Nation who is making it work.
Stubbornness and close mindedness never helped any cause or people.
[Comment deleted by user]
airwlf,
Let's see first you call us self righteous, then in the next breath you try showing sympathy by saying you feel sorry for us. I sure didn't set the standards to live by. I just live by them.
Amalgam,
Yea my reference to dangerfield over krugman is at least Rodney was a capitalist. Not a bed wetting liberal.
Let's see first you call us self righteous, then in the next breath you try showing sympathy by saying you feel sorry for us. I sure didn't set the standards to live by. I just live by them.
Amalgam,
Yea my reference to dangerfield over krugman is at least Rodney was a capitalist. Not a bed wetting liberal.
Arsine,
Have you even read the latest Bill?
have you any idea what the cost will be?
Do you care that your kids will be in debt for the rest of their adult lives because you think it's ok that the government should be in the practice of wealth redistribution?
I don't know about you, but I want my kids to enjoy a better live and have the same oppotunities to succeed that I had. I don't want my kids burdended with paying exorbitant amounts of taxes to pay off the debt that we are creating today.
Private Insurance companies create jobs. This idea of Universal healthcare will put millions more out of work and eliminate thousands of Private Insurers. The CBO has estimated that Tort Reform can reduce 54 Billion dollars in costs. Why isn't anyone on the Democratic side requiring that this be included?
If we are going to Reform Healthcare, then everyone needs to have some skin in the game and that means Trial Lawyers who contribute to the high cost of malpractice Insurance and skyrocketing medical costs which are passed on to the consumer.
What's next? Free Cars, a Free House, Free Food?
Have you even read the latest Bill?
have you any idea what the cost will be?
Do you care that your kids will be in debt for the rest of their adult lives because you think it's ok that the government should be in the practice of wealth redistribution?
I don't know about you, but I want my kids to enjoy a better live and have the same oppotunities to succeed that I had. I don't want my kids burdended with paying exorbitant amounts of taxes to pay off the debt that we are creating today.
Private Insurance companies create jobs. This idea of Universal healthcare will put millions more out of work and eliminate thousands of Private Insurers. The CBO has estimated that Tort Reform can reduce 54 Billion dollars in costs. Why isn't anyone on the Democratic side requiring that this be included?
If we are going to Reform Healthcare, then everyone needs to have some skin in the game and that means Trial Lawyers who contribute to the high cost of malpractice Insurance and skyrocketing medical costs which are passed on to the consumer.
What's next? Free Cars, a Free House, Free Food?
airwolf -We won't end up like Venezuela? Are you sure about that? Do you even know the history of the rise of Hugo Chavez?
I know that you don't because IF you did - you'd never make that statement.
You should also look at the coup in Cuba and check out that story too. If you loved your country - you'd defend the constitution - not ignore it.
I know that you don't because IF you did - you'd never make that statement.
You should also look at the coup in Cuba and check out that story too. If you loved your country - you'd defend the constitution - not ignore it.
Like I said write4life I feel sorry for you, it must be awful going through life so self centered and believing it's perfectly alright to assume a total stranger that you don't know one single thing about doesn't know as much as you because he has a different point of view. Then to top off your arrogance you accuse me of not loving my Country!
All I can say is that your attitude is too pathetic for me to waste any more of my precious time to continue arguing with you.
Have a nice life.
All I can say is that your attitude is too pathetic for me to waste any more of my precious time to continue arguing with you.
Have a nice life.
you know mike things are only free in fantasy land too
and you think the so called "rich" will be the ones to pay for this? when have they ever been the ones to pay? the middle class will pay there is no doubt in my mind about this. before long there won't be a middle class because we will be taxed into poverty. then there will be the ultra rich and the dirt poor...i think they call that a 3rd world county
and you think the so called "rich" will be the ones to pay for this? when have they ever been the ones to pay? the middle class will pay there is no doubt in my mind about this. before long there won't be a middle class because we will be taxed into poverty. then there will be the ultra rich and the dirt poor...i think they call that a 3rd world county
It's interesting that every other western democracy can provide health care to all and not turn into either a third world dictatorship or a third world country.
Are we that much less competent than the Germans, the Swiss or the Swedes?
Are we that much less competent than the Germans, the Swiss or the Swedes?
[Comment deleted by user]
It's called taxes.
Or - a dictatorship pretending to be a republic or a democracy.
Yes I do realize the cost, and if we follow any number of the successful models already in progress it will be worked out over time and your kids will thank you for it because they would not be struggling with these problems.
You don't know that you won't be in some horrible accident and unable to work. You don't know that you won't get cancer and raise your rates until they are impossible to pay.
It happened to these folks!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/13/cancer.insurance.finances/index.html?iref=werecommend
Once successful and with their finances under control, now she is considering suicide because these so called "insurance companies" really don't give a damn whether we live or die as long as someone pays.
The reason the cost is so high, is because of a number of contributing factors ! The first starting with pharmaceutical companies pumping antibiotics into perfectly healthy animals to make up for the deplorable conditions they keep OUR FOOD in. Which in turn causes drug resistant bacteria to breed and the dosage of the meds they pump into these animals to become stronger. It also paves the way for Cancerous cells or Tumors turning up in places where they never were before! Even stronger and deadlier!
Never mind the corrupt HMO's whom are NOTORIOUS for refusing dying men and women the surgeries and procedures they need to survive. There is plenty of proof of this, there has been testimony to the Supreme Court.
Has anyone been held accountable, no. They continue to deny families and people their rights as paying customers what the doctors say they need to be well again.
If they do say yes, often they illegally raise their rates and just deny that they have done so. Also to no prosecution.
In other countries, Doctors receive incentives based on how many people they cure ! Here in America our doctors get bonuses based on how many drugs they prescribe from whatever company is sponsoring them that month !
Even if the drugs have not be passed by the FDA ! Even if they have side effects that include " (Illness) related death ! ".
I just find all of this unacceptable, unforgivable and unbelievable!
In other countries that I have visited whom have had a Government funded healthcare system the children are not burdened by debt. They have a better chance to survive and succeed. There is less Cancer, there is less infant death and there is overall PEACE OF MIND.
They know they can always go to the doctor and be made well again, no matter what. So they work hard at school and harder at life because they know that people do care. So even if they are poor, they have a chance to do well if they try. There is less depression and anxiety. Sure there are still difficulties but that is the human condition.
The rich can still get premium private care by the way. They don't complain much about their taxes because they are making EVEN MORE money then the rich here.
In fact I knew a Multi-millionaire with several estates that still worked ever day because he loved his country and he loved to make it better for everyone !
NOT JUST HIMSELF !!
He was a happy man, even working 70 hour weeks! He had everything he ever needed, wanted and then some ! He employed many, and treated them all just as well as he had been treated. Kindly ! For even though his family was rich and he had been born that way his parents taught him that he was not better then anyone else, and that everyone deserved a chance to have a successful life. No matter what life they chose to make them happy. They were charitable and never complained about paying so much money out to the Government, which was more then most will earn in a lifetime! They never struggled. They knew even if they lost everything, their children would be cared for !
The middle class lives well, even the poor have more then we do!
Work needs to be done and Those that are able are happy to. Those who cannot, need help. If you or anyone can help, you should be helpful because that is the right thing to do. It is the good thing to do. It is the neighborly thing to do.
Things don't have to be this complicated, we make it so because we do not want to confront the real truths of the matter. Until we do, we will go no where and help no one.
You don't know that you won't be in some horrible accident and unable to work. You don't know that you won't get cancer and raise your rates until they are impossible to pay.
It happened to these folks!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/13/cancer.insurance.finances/index.html?iref=werecommend
Once successful and with their finances under control, now she is considering suicide because these so called "insurance companies" really don't give a damn whether we live or die as long as someone pays.
The reason the cost is so high, is because of a number of contributing factors ! The first starting with pharmaceutical companies pumping antibiotics into perfectly healthy animals to make up for the deplorable conditions they keep OUR FOOD in. Which in turn causes drug resistant bacteria to breed and the dosage of the meds they pump into these animals to become stronger. It also paves the way for Cancerous cells or Tumors turning up in places where they never were before! Even stronger and deadlier!
Never mind the corrupt HMO's whom are NOTORIOUS for refusing dying men and women the surgeries and procedures they need to survive. There is plenty of proof of this, there has been testimony to the Supreme Court.
Has anyone been held accountable, no. They continue to deny families and people their rights as paying customers what the doctors say they need to be well again.
If they do say yes, often they illegally raise their rates and just deny that they have done so. Also to no prosecution.
In other countries, Doctors receive incentives based on how many people they cure ! Here in America our doctors get bonuses based on how many drugs they prescribe from whatever company is sponsoring them that month !
Even if the drugs have not be passed by the FDA ! Even if they have side effects that include " (Illness) related death ! ".
I just find all of this unacceptable, unforgivable and unbelievable!
In other countries that I have visited whom have had a Government funded healthcare system the children are not burdened by debt. They have a better chance to survive and succeed. There is less Cancer, there is less infant death and there is overall PEACE OF MIND.
They know they can always go to the doctor and be made well again, no matter what. So they work hard at school and harder at life because they know that people do care. So even if they are poor, they have a chance to do well if they try. There is less depression and anxiety. Sure there are still difficulties but that is the human condition.
The rich can still get premium private care by the way. They don't complain much about their taxes because they are making EVEN MORE money then the rich here.
In fact I knew a Multi-millionaire with several estates that still worked ever day because he loved his country and he loved to make it better for everyone !
NOT JUST HIMSELF !!
He was a happy man, even working 70 hour weeks! He had everything he ever needed, wanted and then some ! He employed many, and treated them all just as well as he had been treated. Kindly ! For even though his family was rich and he had been born that way his parents taught him that he was not better then anyone else, and that everyone deserved a chance to have a successful life. No matter what life they chose to make them happy. They were charitable and never complained about paying so much money out to the Government, which was more then most will earn in a lifetime! They never struggled. They knew even if they lost everything, their children would be cared for !
The middle class lives well, even the poor have more then we do!
Work needs to be done and Those that are able are happy to. Those who cannot, need help. If you or anyone can help, you should be helpful because that is the right thing to do. It is the good thing to do. It is the neighborly thing to do.
Things don't have to be this complicated, we make it so because we do not want to confront the real truths of the matter. Until we do, we will go no where and help no one.
Arsine,
I hate to hear you are small buisness owner, I sure hope you don't have many employees. You may want to read up on this legislation before defending it.
The IRS is going to have a part in making sure all business' comply. I agree with red, tort reform is one way and to take it a step further, the fair tax would put this country on the right track.
I'm a small buisness owner like yourself, it was you guy's who seem to think, because we choose to be independent, self sufficient, You accuse us of being rich! I wish, I make a comfortable living, but I just refuse to take this entitlement mentality.
I hate to hear you are small buisness owner, I sure hope you don't have many employees. You may want to read up on this legislation before defending it.
The IRS is going to have a part in making sure all business' comply. I agree with red, tort reform is one way and to take it a step further, the fair tax would put this country on the right track.
I'm a small buisness owner like yourself, it was you guy's who seem to think, because we choose to be independent, self sufficient, You accuse us of being rich! I wish, I make a comfortable living, but I just refuse to take this entitlement mentality.
Enjoyed reading this.
It is not arrogant airwolf to know history and as for feeling sorry for me - no need there... you can have your point of view and I have the right to not agree.
If you love your country - you'd defend its Constiitution - hardly accuses you of anything but not looking at the whole picture. I quite frankly accused you of NOT knowing the history of Venezuela to which - you never replied.
If you love your country - you'd defend its Constiitution - hardly accuses you of anything but not looking at the whole picture. I quite frankly accused you of NOT knowing the history of Venezuela to which - you never replied.
Is Massachusetts one of those successful models? I hope not because despite Romney's idea it would work and it was for the greater good - it has failed miserably, ER treatment has not decreased, payments to hospitals has and one has even sued the State for reniging on payment. Of course with a deficit now going $200 million ABOVE what they forcasted - that will get worse.
For every wonderful story above - there is a nightmare story where poeople have sued their european government for denial of life saving drugs. When you sue the government- doesn't usually end too well for you.
Anti-biotic over usage has as much to do with over-prescribing medication to humans and if you take animals out of the picture - there will be no new life saving drugs because animal trials are a part of the life cycle of creating new drugs. While I would agree using animals to test medicine like viagra is crazy -or hair products for that matter - What about type I diabetes? Drug companies spend billions testing new medications that I personally would like to see continue so that people with Cancer, people with Diabetes, parkinson's, Huntingtons etc... DO have a chance in this life time of a cure.
This country fronts the cost of all new R&D which is part of the reason the rest of the world has a much cheaper cost. You take the evil pharma companies - that will disappear and not just move - it will disapper.
As for the statistics from the WHO stats that you're stating there are numerous sources as to why the death rate is higher here. We count MV accidents, and untimely death - like suicide - not so in other nations. We count the 22 week old baby a NICU tries to keep alive - most do not.
And last but not least - I agree with you on insurance companies (that they should not be allowed to exclude) but you never address frivilous lawsuits (not the real ones) that clog down companies with lawyers suing for anything. The insurance company settles to avoid litigation which is drag out by lawyers so that hundreds of hours are billed if not thousands - even when the case is indeed clearly frivilous. Tort reform - its not included in any bill right now because the intent is to drive the nation to a single payer.
How about REAL healthcare reform that addresses your issues AND mine??? Where everyone is covered and insurance companies have a way to survive...adding true litigation limits and arbitration?
For every wonderful story above - there is a nightmare story where poeople have sued their european government for denial of life saving drugs. When you sue the government- doesn't usually end too well for you.
Anti-biotic over usage has as much to do with over-prescribing medication to humans and if you take animals out of the picture - there will be no new life saving drugs because animal trials are a part of the life cycle of creating new drugs. While I would agree using animals to test medicine like viagra is crazy -or hair products for that matter - What about type I diabetes? Drug companies spend billions testing new medications that I personally would like to see continue so that people with Cancer, people with Diabetes, parkinson's, Huntingtons etc... DO have a chance in this life time of a cure.
This country fronts the cost of all new R&D which is part of the reason the rest of the world has a much cheaper cost. You take the evil pharma companies - that will disappear and not just move - it will disapper.
As for the statistics from the WHO stats that you're stating there are numerous sources as to why the death rate is higher here. We count MV accidents, and untimely death - like suicide - not so in other nations. We count the 22 week old baby a NICU tries to keep alive - most do not.
And last but not least - I agree with you on insurance companies (that they should not be allowed to exclude) but you never address frivilous lawsuits (not the real ones) that clog down companies with lawyers suing for anything. The insurance company settles to avoid litigation which is drag out by lawyers so that hundreds of hours are billed if not thousands - even when the case is indeed clearly frivilous. Tort reform - its not included in any bill right now because the intent is to drive the nation to a single payer.
How about REAL healthcare reform that addresses your issues AND mine??? Where everyone is covered and insurance companies have a way to survive...adding true litigation limits and arbitration?
It seems to me we lot focus with this election. Which has caused more issues with the items we believe are important. Right now our focus should be on the economy and getting the war in Iraq over. Atleast our country has a healthcare system and atleast we have modern medications. There are many countries without still in this day and age. I feel if the government focuse more on the biggest issues, this somewhat big issues would be taken care of also.
Another factor - State's regulate what has to be covered. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, fertility treatments for women over 40 who wanted their career to come first, substance abuse, mental health treatment, rehab (10 times). Having to cover treatments that could be optional floaters - or allow an insurance company to not cover the 10th stay at rehab - all things to consider that could impact the cost. Allowing more competition via state to state competition...
It is just not as cut and dry as we insure or we don't. The current plans do not address any of these issues and to claim it will pay for itself with the costs saved from cutting the costs of abuse of another government run health program that is unsuccessful - is fairly unrealistic... take out fairly - it's just unrealistic.
It's admirable to want coverage for every legal citizen and I agree - However, it's a blatant misuse of elected power to force through an inappropriately funded and researched program without considering the impact on future generations. Our children will not thank us for failure.
It is just not as cut and dry as we insure or we don't. The current plans do not address any of these issues and to claim it will pay for itself with the costs saved from cutting the costs of abuse of another government run health program that is unsuccessful - is fairly unrealistic... take out fairly - it's just unrealistic.
It's admirable to want coverage for every legal citizen and I agree - However, it's a blatant misuse of elected power to force through an inappropriately funded and researched program without considering the impact on future generations. Our children will not thank us for failure.
You bring up a good point b01225 - the cost of Iraq and Afghanistan on the economy. Where is all the anger? Bring the troops home Obama - keep that promise. There is NO "right" war in the middle east.
Amen. Out of Afghanistan NOW.
Reported by Michael Rappaport
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