Just to be clear, there is no "health-care reform" effort going on in Congress. All they are doing is deciding which way the deck chairs on the Titanic should be arranged.
The biggest problem with health care comes from the exorbitant administrative costs brought on by a multi-payer system and from the skimming and ripoffs that line the pockets of insurance company executives and stockholders.
However, until we get corporate money out of elections, nothing is going to change.
mikeyDe
· 5 months ago
re. admin costs. So very true. As much as I enjoy Obama's fiery rhetoric and fierce advocating for reform, I have to laugh whenever some wag talks of lowering health care costs -- whatever this Congress accomplishes, health care costs can only go up up up.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
as everybody knows by now, a big chunk of the 17% of gdp we spend on "health care" is actually health insurance profits and the incredible inefficiency of the corporate bureaucracy and treating the uninsured. i'm okay with addressing that part of the problem first. the increase in the cost of actual drugs, tests and procedures is driven by our survival instinct, which makes health care a unique commodity. few people will buy the cheap drug with 50% chance of success when the more expensive one gives them an 80% chance. so the next step is to regulate the profits of drug manufacturers and hospitals.
cowboyneok
· 5 months ago
Open thread - good youtube of "Don't Ask / Don't Tell" debate from "West Wing" where African American Admiral really sticks it to the military arguing against full integration:
Jesus I miss that show and Sorkin's work in general... Could there have ever been a better written and executed tv show? If you liked West Wing you should check out Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Same writer/creator and a few of the same actors. I have no idea why it got cancelled.
mikeyDe
· 5 months ago
Sure, we all have health and financial issues but who among us will be so unAmerican as to stand in the way of enormous profits for the insurance industry? I am proud to say I helped Goldman Sachs achieve their goals by taking still, wholly unregulated risks and intend to do the same for the health care industry.
imbaffled2
· 5 months ago
My dear friend, Jack, is dying because he has no health insurance to pay for a liver transplant. He has accepted that fact but I can't seem to get to that point. Yeah, our family talks about health insurance............a lot.
vkobaya
· 5 months ago
If this were Western Europe, the Republicans would be serving prison terms for the hate-mongering and racism they exhibited in the Sotomayor hearings and personally, I would even like them to be long, long, long terms at hard labor.
michelle8901
· 5 months ago
"Insurance" is simply the wrong business model to provide health care. Insurance as a business must reduce exposure to risk. That is done in part by filtering out high risk clients, the people who most need health care.
This is like having pavement insurance to maintain our streets. The providers will be more than happy to maintain our residential streets in great condition. They will resist maintenance of freeways where the costs are much greater.
Jon
· 5 months ago
Anyone else think this was big FU to Baucus and Grassley. The must include a public plan is great to hear but I think it is all a statement that bipartisanship is dead in Obama's mind. It is time to go ahead on a 50 vote formula.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
obama loves his rhetoric about "the last 8 years" but rarely follows through.
Dateline_Molly
· 5 months ago
He's a complete corporate hack. Nothing more.
ezpz
· 5 months ago
I replied, but my comment does not appear where I thought it would. Anyway, her's my reply:
Here's a question for everyone, how much do you think the film "Sicko" had to do with the health care reform that is going on in the country now? The film opened June 22, 2007. Do you think the Wall Street film that is coming out will effect our political system in the same way (be it good or not at all)?
Dateline_Molly
· 5 months ago
It may be that "Sicko" began the health care debate. It came out before the economy crashed. Moore put a voice to the millions who have been getting screwed over by the insurance companies year after year. The industry appears to be as unregulated as the financial services industry.
But as folks started getting laid off, I think the debate escalated because that is millions more people thrown off their health care plans (if they had any to begin with). Somehow the MSM managed to keep it in the news enough that it ended up as a campaign point during the primaries.
It might also be the intertubes in general. People have access to information about other countries' plans and how they are doing it. So they find out that the U.S. basically stinks in the area of health care and that we were sold a pack of lies about "the best health care in the world" or whatever that winger talking point is.
What's tragic is that Moore supported Obama and not one of the other candidates who supported single payer (e.g., Brian Moore or Ralph Nader). And I doubt MIchael Moore is happy with the way this "debate" is going seeing that insurance companies will be kept in the mix. I haven't seen his website lately, but a few months back he was making no overtures to criticize Obama about anything. I think Moore is stuck in "first black president" mode and hasn't snapped out of his stupor yet.
I was sickened watching Obama in that video. The man disgusts me. I can barely watch the guy speaking these days. Total charlatan, lied to the entire country to get elected and never intended to help working people or protect our civil rights. So typical of the mainstream parties. I despise the guy and everything he stands for. You can't believe a word coming out of his mouth.
Jophus
· 5 months ago
I asked because during the republican phase we just had a lot of liberals backed away from Michael Moore. I suppose that is why we call Dem's spineless. It seemed that everyone on both sides attacked him and challenged his facts on Sicko.
Personally, I think the man is a hero. I do believe he opened the eyes to the public in general. You know those people we know that are absolutely ignorant about current events. He showed them what healthcare could be like, beyond theory. Then of course election years are always sensitive on the issues, and everyone was chanting change.
I'm wondering what the response is going to be to the film about Wall Street and Corporate America. Are the professional democrats going to call him unprofessional and accuse him of sensationalizing again? We know the republicans are going to call him a biased liar before the film even comes out.
As far as Michael Moore speaking out against Obama, I'm only 100% positive it is coming when he does press for the Bailout/Corporate Welfare film. It is unavoidable. I'm willing to put money down that Obama will be somewhat attacked in the film, and I hope to god I am right.
I've never been so excited for a film, other than Where the Wild Things are. Thanks for responding! Here is a clip about the film from MSNBC where they discuss it, and you'll even seen them discrediting him a bit. It is on his channel so the videos in the related videos field are his too.
I don't know what the solution is but another million man government bureaucracy isn't the solution. My cousin who owns a small business (under 50 employees) said he will lay off 2 people to make up the additional taxes. This tax increase will increase unemployment. I am against any program that puts more burden on business and takes away the level of service I currently get from my health insurance; my insurance is awesome; I have no complaints.
Single Individuals have no excuse not to have insurance other than pre-existing issues. That is easily solved by outlawing insurance companies from even considering it. Family level insurance is ludicrous and that needs to be fixed but it can be done via the private sector. I can guarantee that even with profit built in; the private sector will provide better service cheaper than the govment can do it.
judybrowni
· 5 months ago
More propaganda: small businesses are being broken right now by private health insurance, which raises their rates every year.
As for firing employees, social workers are now forced to warn those with insurance who get cancer -- or any other disease or accident that will be expensive to the insurance company -- that they will more than likely be fired, after the insurance company informs that business that next year there will be a million dollar addition to the employers bill as long as the "expensive" patient is on staff.
Or, if the patient is covered by a spouse's (parent's) insurance the same will happen to that company.
And the company then finds a reason to fire the employee, as will the next business "warned" and the next, until the patient has been bankrupted by health care, and can be enrolled in public healthcare.
As I said, this has become so standard, social workers in hospitals warn patients.
So standard, it has happened to two people in my life: a close friend and my stepbrother.
Wendy had ovarian cancer, in order to finish her chemo she had to run through her life savings and borrowed another $10,000 from her mother.
Wendy made the mistake of not going on Medicare because she was in the midst of her Phd with a job at the local university waiting for her (in her state, she couldn't enroll on disability while in college.)
Or so she thought: the job had vanished by the time Wendy was done with chemo and finished her Phd. Now Wendy is without a career, and has no health insurance because no health insurance company will take her on -- and Ovarian cancer typically returns in three years.
My stepbrother had heart surgery, and then was fired from his job.
The Personnel exec later told him privately that the only reason he'd been fired was because the insurance company had been threatened: fire the "heart patient" -- or else.
Everyone thinks they have "good" insurance, until a major illness or accident shoves them up against an insurance company more concerned with profit than their lives.
Private health insurance is a shell game: they collect your premiums, but God forbid you need "expensive" care, then they dissappear, and take your career with them.
I don't wish that on the propagandist above, but under the Obama plan he can keep his shell game.
The rest of us only ask for the option for true health care, the public option.
PompanoGator
· 5 months ago
Here are options for your Friend from CNN:
Finding individual insurance when you have a pre-existing condition is tough but not impossible.
"We have been successful," said Kevin Lembo, a state health care advocate with the state of Connecticut. "There are options out there."
1. Become a group of one.
In about a dozen states, you can be a group all by yourself for insurance purposes. What this means is that you become, in effect, just like any other company, and insurers can't deny you insurance or charge you higher premiums because of your pre-existing condition, according to Lembo.
"You'd be surprised at the number of folks who open their own landscaping business" to get the group of one, he says.
To find out whether your state will allow you to become a group of one, see this list from the Kaiser Family Foundation (look at the column headed "Definition of Small Group," and look for "1-50").
For more information on becoming a group of one, see this advice from the American Diabetes Association.
In states where you can't become a group of one, you can become a group of two.
"You can hire your brother-in-law to become a subcontractor for your landscaping company," Lembo said. "It's horrible, but what else are you going to do?"
An important note: Under these rules, an insurance company might be allowed to exclude coverage for your specific condition for a short period of time, usually about six months.
2. If you've been laid off, get COBRA.
COBRA can be extremely expensive, but it's worth digging deep in your pockets for the premiums, because it may be difficult, if not impossible, to get insurance any other way, Consumer Reports' Metcalf says. If you've been laid off since September 1, you're eligible for a 65 percent discount on COBRA premiums. For more information, visit the Department of Labor's Web site.
3. When you lose your employer-related insurance, apply for new insurance within 63 days.
In all states, a designated insurance company -- charmingly called "the insurer of last resort" -- has to take "all comers" in insurance lingo. You have to apply for this insurance within 63 days of losing your group insurance. For all the rules, read this explanation from Families USA (scroll down and look for the "HIPAA eligible" heading).
Here's the bad news: Although in some states there are limits to what the "insurer of last resort" can charge you, in other states, there aren't. In those states, "the sky's the limit," Metcalf said. "They can and will charge you a fortune. It could be, say, $1,400 a month in premiums with a $5,000 deductible. But some people pay that because it's the only game in town."
To find out the rules in your state, visit the Kaiser Family Foundation's State Health Facts or contact your state insurance commissioner.
4. Find out whether your state has a high-risk pool.
State high-risk pools are specifically for people with pre-existing conditions who can't find affordable insurance on their own. Thirty states have high-risk pools, insuring 175,000 people, according to the American Diabetes Association, which lists the states on its Web site.
5. See whether your professional organization offers group insurance.
Some professional groups, such as those representing real estate agents and freelance writers, offer health insurance. Check and see whether your profession does the same.
Here's another piece of advice, offered somewhat tongue in cheek: Move to Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York or Vermont.
"In those states, everyone has to sell to you," said Cheryl Fish-Parcham, deputy director of health policy at Families USA. Not only do insurance companies have to sell you a policy in those states, there are limits on how much they can charge you, she says.
For more help in finding insurance when you have a pre-existing condition, you can contact the Cover Me Foundation at 877-678-7631 or Coverage For All at 800-234-1317.
Dateline_Molly
· 5 months ago
Jeez, you've completely missed the entire point. People can't AFFORD health insurance! It doesn't matter how many "options" you give them within the purview of the private sector insurance companies - they simply can't afford it! Period.
You probably fall into one of 2 groups: You are wealthy enough to pay for your own health insurance; you have an employer who pays for your health insurance. I'm also guessing you haven't had a catastrophic illness or accident that required you to dig into your own pockets to pay some of the bills that would no doubt be required by your own insurance company.
Start seeing it through the eyes of someone who has been victimized by these insurance companies. Start looking at it through a different prism. How would you feel about draining your savings or your retirement to pay for 1 or 2 procedures or cancer treatments? How would you feel about declaring bankruptcy EVEN IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
In short, you lack empathy. That speaks volumes about your humanity. Or lack of it.
PompanoGator
· 5 months ago
I don't believe your scenario; if true your friend would have a hell of a lawsuit against her employer.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 5 months ago
try to guess why 70% of the public is for a public option. this is extraordinary in a country that is so instinctively suspicious of government. think about that figure and reconsider whether you think these horror stories are true.
ezpz
· 5 months ago
It might be dead as far as getting republican votes or public support, but there are hundreds of republican amendments to the health care bill, details of which are not being released.
I'd rather have no bill than a bad one and this is one time that I'm grateful for those who are stalling, even though I know it's for reasons I don't agree with, to say the least.
ezpz
· 5 months ago
That comment was supposed to be a reply to Jon's about bipartisanship being dead according to Obama:
If the "bad bill" contains a good public option, I'll take it.
ezpz
· 5 months ago
Well, you might just get the bad bill with the public option, except that it won't kick in until 2013 --- AND you will be mandated to BUY insurance lest you be fined.
Again, I say let's get it right rather than rush into something that will 'sound' good but will be far worse than what we have now.
judybrowni
· 5 months ago
Pelosi has already said the public option won't kick in until 2013 -- that it will take that long to set the system up.
My heart sank for personal reasons: that means two more years I go without health insurance, and without health care.
If I'm "mandated" to buy insurance and it's affordable, okay.
Cigna "mandated" that my individual premium be $1,000 a month, so that I was forced to drop it, because that was nearly half my income.
However, as the Obama plan now exists, payments would be geared to income, if mandating what I can afford, I'd welcome that mandate.
ezpz
· 5 months ago
I hear ya. You just have to stay healthy. That's all. We ALL do.
Wow, $1,000 a month! That's obscene. Shame on them!
Let's hope it works out for all of us. Good luck! :)
tehwalrus
· 5 months ago
Enlarge our problems with the health care system and many other aspects of our american society are due the lack of accountability for our own health, our families health. We vote everytime we open our wallet, we need to be made more responsible, more accountable when we vote and not continue down a path of missed placed accountability.
The bigger issue with the Health Care System is not being addressed. Therefore any solution which does not address the root problem will only create new challenges and/or make the existing problems likely worst or at best somewhat better.
The root of the health care solution has to make accountability for one's health incredibly important.
With little to no exception, EVERYONE should be required to seek & acquire health insurance on their own instead of through benefit packages provided private and public institutions as is done today. Which will put accountability squarely on the shoulders of where the responsibility of the root problem and more effectively address the following problems and drive more effective solutions.
Here are some problems and benefits. * Families will be more responsible for child development of a life style for a better quality of life. * The medical system would be forced to provide a higher quality of health care at more affordable cost * The medical system would be able provide higher quality care when not overwhelmed by the cause and effects of poor life styles. * Group insurance could no longer penalize individuals who choose a life style that does not require higher level of need or use of the health care system. * Reduced tax payer burden through alleviating government involvement. * Force the systems that provide food services to provide more affordable healthier choices which will also drive down these costs for niche-market option through making healthier choices no longer niche-market but rather standard options at your local restaurant, convenient and regular grocery stores.
Could this be a real cure for like many of the cancer cases handled today? You bet! and there is would still be room for a socialized medical system that the less fortunate to have access to some form of medical care.
The list could go on and on... but this is a start for hopefully meaningful discussions which can work towards the best solution.
Jophus
· 5 months ago
I had to go to the doctor today, and I asked him if he was a member of AMA. I have an issue with their stance on health care. I would say that personally I am for single-payer, and my doctor has a GIANT reputation in patient care. He literally will go and pick up some of his old patients, personally, and bring them in if they need to come and can't get a ride. He also goes to the lobby of the hospital to help people that are too weak to come to his floor. He works for free in the children's cancer ward and spends his free time entertaining kids there too. I assumed he was super liberal, obviously.
I was incredibly wrong. He went off on into a 45 minute lecture about the single-payer... I didn't dare ask him about the public option. He said a lot of the same stuff you did and then cursed the government and unions. When I left his waiting room was packed. Those people must be so pissed at me right now.
Then he told me he wasn't charging me for my labs or appointment and gave me a plastic shopping bag filled half way with free antibiotics and other stuff I need.
I love my doctor, but now I think he is a freeper with morals and ethics (I guess that is possible). He is just a tad crazy, I guess. One thing we both agree on.... We all need to help each other out because our government could care less about us.
I still think you are both wrong, btw. :-D
jacquestrap
· 5 months ago
"Haiku Hiatus"?
Maybe she's renewing her
Poetic license.
PompanoGator
· 5 months ago
The public option could be a boon for the Insurance industry if there is no language dictating rate and coverage requirements in the private sector. They will do what they can to get sick and heavy users out of their programs and push them to the government option; dramatically reduce rates for the remaining young, fit and healthy patients while offering substantially better service. This will straddle the goverment with the costliest patients; possibley make a mockery of the original cost estimates and utimately make the insurance industry even wealthier. The government will succeed in doing exactly what the insurance industry has been trying to do.
Ultimately create a two tiered system with folks in the private sector getting much better care and service than those in the government system. We kind of have that now. I know a doctor that will take very few insurance cards and will not accept any medicare or medicaid patients as 50% of his patients are wealthy and pay cash.
All Comments
The biggest problem with health care comes from the exorbitant administrative costs brought on by a multi-payer system and from the skimming and ripoffs that line the pockets of insurance company executives and stockholders.
However, until we get corporate money out of elections, nothing is going to change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f7js0mLwY4&feat...
This is like having pavement insurance to maintain our streets. The providers will be more than happy to maintain our residential streets in great condition. They will resist maintenance of freeways where the costs are much greater.
Anyway, her's my reply:
http://www.americablog.com/2009/07/saturday-mor...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3HyK5rB9jY
But as folks started getting laid off, I think the debate escalated because that is millions more people thrown off their health care plans (if they had any to begin with). Somehow the MSM managed to keep it in the news enough that it ended up as a campaign point during the primaries.
It might also be the intertubes in general. People have access to information about other countries' plans and how they are doing it. So they find out that the U.S. basically stinks in the area of health care and that we were sold a pack of lies about "the best health care in the world" or whatever that winger talking point is.
What's tragic is that Moore supported Obama and not one of the other candidates who supported single payer (e.g., Brian Moore or Ralph Nader). And I doubt MIchael Moore is happy with the way this "debate" is going seeing that insurance companies will be kept in the mix. I haven't seen his website lately, but a few months back he was making no overtures to criticize Obama about anything. I think Moore is stuck in "first black president" mode and hasn't snapped out of his stupor yet.
I was sickened watching Obama in that video. The man disgusts me. I can barely watch the guy speaking these days. Total charlatan, lied to the entire country to get elected and never intended to help working people or protect our civil rights. So typical of the mainstream parties. I despise the guy and everything he stands for. You can't believe a word coming out of his mouth.
Personally, I think the man is a hero. I do believe he opened the eyes to the public in general. You know those people we know that are absolutely ignorant about current events. He showed them what healthcare could be like, beyond theory. Then of course election years are always sensitive
on the issues, and everyone was chanting change.
I'm wondering what the response is going to be to the film about Wall Street and Corporate America. Are the professional democrats going to call him unprofessional and accuse him of sensationalizing again? We know the republicans are going to call him a biased liar before the film even comes out.
As far as Michael Moore speaking out against Obama, I'm only 100% positive it is coming when he does press for the Bailout/Corporate Welfare film. It is unavoidable. I'm willing to put money down that Obama will be somewhat attacked in the film, and I hope to god I am right.
I've never been so excited for a film, other than Where the Wild Things are. Thanks for responding! Here is a clip about the film from MSNBC where they discuss it, and you'll even seen them discrediting him a bit. It is on his channel so the videos in the related videos field are his too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=486D2-bfgg0
Single Individuals have no excuse not to have insurance other than pre-existing issues. That is easily solved by outlawing insurance companies from even considering it. Family level insurance is ludicrous and that needs to be fixed but it can be done via the private sector. I can guarantee that even with profit built in; the private sector will provide better service cheaper than the govment can do it.
As for firing employees, social workers are now forced to warn those with insurance who get cancer -- or any other disease or accident that will be expensive to the insurance company -- that they will more than likely be fired, after the insurance company informs that business that next year there will be a million dollar addition to the employers bill as long as the "expensive" patient is on staff.
Or, if the patient is covered by a spouse's (parent's) insurance the same will happen to that company.
And the company then finds a reason to fire the employee, as will the next business "warned" and the next, until the patient has been bankrupted by health care, and can be enrolled in public healthcare.
As I said, this has become so standard, social workers in hospitals warn patients.
So standard, it has happened to two people in my life: a close friend and my stepbrother.
Wendy had ovarian cancer, in order to finish her chemo she had to run through her life savings and borrowed another $10,000 from her mother.
Wendy made the mistake of not going on Medicare because she was in the midst of her Phd with a job at the local university waiting for her (in her state, she couldn't enroll on disability while in college.)
Or so she thought: the job had vanished by the time Wendy was done with chemo and finished her Phd. Now Wendy is without a career, and has no health insurance because no health insurance company will take her on -- and Ovarian cancer typically returns in three years.
My stepbrother had heart surgery, and then was fired from his job.
The Personnel exec later told him privately that the only reason he'd been fired was because the insurance company had been threatened: fire the "heart patient" -- or else.
Everyone thinks they have "good" insurance, until a major illness or accident shoves them up against an insurance company more concerned with profit than their lives.
Private health insurance is a shell game: they collect your premiums, but God forbid you need "expensive" care, then they dissappear, and take your career with them.
I don't wish that on the propagandist above, but under the Obama plan he can keep his shell game.
The rest of us only ask for the option for true health care, the public option.
Finding individual insurance when you have a pre-existing condition is tough but not impossible.
"We have been successful," said Kevin Lembo, a state health care advocate with the state of Connecticut. "There are options out there."
1. Become a group of one.
In about a dozen states, you can be a group all by yourself for insurance purposes. What this means is that you become, in effect, just like any other company, and insurers can't deny you insurance or charge you higher premiums because of your pre-existing condition, according to Lembo.
"You'd be surprised at the number of folks who open their own landscaping business" to get the group of one, he says.
To find out whether your state will allow you to become a group of one, see this list from the Kaiser Family Foundation (look at the column headed "Definition of Small Group," and look for "1-50").
For more information on becoming a group of one, see this advice from the American Diabetes Association.
In states where you can't become a group of one, you can become a group of two.
"You can hire your brother-in-law to become a subcontractor for your landscaping company," Lembo said. "It's horrible, but what else are you going to do?"
An important note: Under these rules, an insurance company might be allowed to exclude coverage for your specific condition for a short period of time, usually about six months.
2. If you've been laid off, get COBRA.
COBRA can be extremely expensive, but it's worth digging deep in your pockets for the premiums, because it may be difficult, if not impossible, to get insurance any other way, Consumer Reports' Metcalf says. If you've been laid off since September 1, you're eligible for a 65 percent discount on COBRA premiums. For more information, visit the Department of Labor's Web site.
3. When you lose your employer-related insurance, apply for new insurance within 63 days.
In all states, a designated insurance company -- charmingly called "the insurer of last resort" -- has to take "all comers" in insurance lingo. You have to apply for this insurance within 63 days of losing your group insurance. For all the rules, read this explanation from Families USA (scroll down and look for the "HIPAA eligible" heading).
Here's the bad news: Although in some states there are limits to what the "insurer of last resort" can charge you, in other states, there aren't. In those states, "the sky's the limit," Metcalf said. "They can and will charge you a fortune. It could be, say, $1,400 a month in premiums with a $5,000 deductible. But some people pay that because it's the only game in town."
To find out the rules in your state, visit the Kaiser Family Foundation's State Health Facts or contact your state insurance commissioner.
4. Find out whether your state has a high-risk pool.
State high-risk pools are specifically for people with pre-existing conditions who can't find affordable insurance on their own. Thirty states have high-risk pools, insuring 175,000 people, according to the American Diabetes Association, which lists the states on its Web site.
5. See whether your professional organization offers group insurance.
Some professional groups, such as those representing real estate agents and freelance writers, offer health insurance. Check and see whether your profession does the same.
Here's another piece of advice, offered somewhat tongue in cheek: Move to Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York or Vermont.
"In those states, everyone has to sell to you," said Cheryl Fish-Parcham, deputy director of health policy at Families USA. Not only do insurance companies have to sell you a policy in those states, there are limits on how much they can charge you, she says.
For more help in finding insurance when you have a pre-existing condition, you can contact the Cover Me Foundation at 877-678-7631 or Coverage For All at 800-234-1317.
You probably fall into one of 2 groups: You are wealthy enough to pay for your own health insurance; you have an employer who pays for your health insurance. I'm also guessing you haven't had a catastrophic illness or accident that required you to dig into your own pockets to pay some of the bills that would no doubt be required by your own insurance company.
Start seeing it through the eyes of someone who has been victimized by these insurance companies. Start looking at it through a different prism. How would you feel about draining your savings or your retirement to pay for 1 or 2 procedures or cancer treatments? How would you feel about declaring bankruptcy EVEN IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
In short, you lack empathy. That speaks volumes about your humanity. Or lack of it.
http://www.slate.com/id/2223023/
I'd rather have no bill than a bad one and this is one time that I'm grateful for those who are stalling, even though I know it's for reasons I don't agree with, to say the least.
http://www.americablog.com/2009/07/saturday-mor...
Again, I say let's get it right rather than rush into something that will 'sound' good but will be far worse than what we have now.
My heart sank for personal reasons: that means two more years I go without health insurance, and without health care.
If I'm "mandated" to buy insurance and it's affordable, okay.
Cigna "mandated" that my individual premium be $1,000 a month, so that I was forced to drop it, because that was nearly half my income.
However, as the Obama plan now exists, payments would be geared to income, if mandating what I can afford, I'd welcome that mandate.
You just have to stay healthy. That's all.
We ALL do.
Wow, $1,000 a month! That's obscene. Shame on them!
Let's hope it works out for all of us.
Good luck!
:)
The bigger issue with the Health Care System is not being addressed. Therefore any solution which does not address the root problem will only create new challenges and/or make the existing problems likely worst or at best somewhat better.
The root of the health care solution has to make accountability for one's health incredibly important.
With little to no exception, EVERYONE should be required to seek & acquire health insurance on their own instead of through benefit packages provided private and public institutions as is done today. Which will put accountability squarely on the shoulders of where the responsibility of the root problem and more effectively address the following problems and drive more effective solutions.
Here are some problems and benefits.
* Families will be more responsible for child development of a life style for a better quality of life.
* The medical system would be forced to provide a higher quality of health care at more affordable cost
* The medical system would be able provide higher quality care when not overwhelmed by the cause and effects of poor life styles.
* Group insurance could no longer penalize individuals who choose a life style that does not require higher level of need or use of the health care system.
* Reduced tax payer burden through alleviating government involvement.
* Force the systems that provide food services to provide more affordable healthier choices which will also drive down these costs for niche-market option through making healthier choices no longer niche-market but rather standard options at your local restaurant, convenient and regular grocery stores.
Could this be a real cure for like many of the cancer cases handled today? You bet! and there is would still be room for a socialized medical system that the less fortunate to have access to some form of medical care.
The list could go on and on... but this is a start for hopefully meaningful discussions which can work towards the best solution.
I was incredibly wrong. He went off on into a 45 minute lecture about the single-payer... I didn't dare ask him about the public option. He said a lot of the same stuff you did and then cursed the government and unions. When I left his waiting room was packed. Those people must be so pissed at me right now.
Then he told me he wasn't charging me for my labs or appointment and gave me a plastic shopping bag filled half way with free antibiotics and other stuff I need.
I love my doctor, but now I think he is a freeper with morals and ethics (I guess that is possible). He is just a tad crazy, I guess. One thing we both agree on.... We all need to help each other out because our government could care less about us.
I still think you are both wrong, btw. :-D
Maybe she's renewing her
Poetic license.
Ultimately create a two tiered system with folks in the private sector getting much better care and service than those in the government system. We kind of have that now. I know a doctor that will take very few insurance cards and will not accept any medicare or medicaid patients as 50% of his patients are wealthy and pay cash.