Posted by Randy Thomas on January 1, 2002, at 17:04:29
In reply to Re: communist? » Randy Thomas, posted by spike4848 on January 1, 2002, at 16:12:53
> I agree that medical insurance companies need reform .... that is inherit in the idea of the free market economy model of health care. I think we all agree insurance companies are corrupt to some degree ..... the innumerable amount of restrictions they place on doctors and health care consumers are ridicuous. Having to call the insurance company to pre-authorize an emergency room visit ... if I'm having a heart attack they are the last people I will be calling!And under a rational healthcare plan, like they have in Canada, you wont have to. The same goes for Austrailia.
> > Our elders, seniors, disabled and war veterans (i.e. people who cannot work)are paying through the nose for medications that are half the cost in CA oe AU, for example.
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> I assume your refering to Medicare and how it does not adequately cover prescriptions .... but what is Medicare? Another form of socialized, government controlled medical system that *failed*. That is another point in favor of the free market model.My point was that for many people in the US, it is almost impossible to afford or even get healthcare insurance unless you are employed with benefits. Even if you can afford it, pre-existing conditions usually come into play, if you pay for your plan privatly.
It the case of many war veterans, pre-1960, they were promised FREE health care for life, but they are not getting it in many cases, without red tape and strings. Under a national plan everyone could access healthcare, not just those young enough or healthy enough to work for a company that provides healthcare benefits.
> > > I think I'll keep this portion of communism, thanks. The big debate up here is whether to allow a two-tiered health system. The one we have now, plus one for thos that can afford to pay extra (ie. able to go to a private MRI clinic rather than waiting in queue, or having elective surgery in a private hospital. The big beef is, is that the poor would get worse care. In the big picture, I doubt that would happen.
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> I think we as a people should take more responsiblity for our health care. I don't think anyone *owes* me or I have a *right* to let say "vagus nerve stimulation therapy" for my depression, but if I want it ... then I will have to pay for it. I may have to forego something else with that money, but at least I was able to make that decision.But you would be paying into the system with your tax dollars, just like you do for roads, the military, police, firefighters, ect. I see nothing that would keep you from obtaining healthcare services with your own $$$ , should you choose to.
When one becomes ill the last thing you want to do is jump trough hoops trying to get access to healthcare. In the USA, this happens all to often, with tragic results.
poster:Randy Thomas
thread:88146
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/88467.html