What he's saying sounds great in theory. Lower costs, same or more control of your physicians, and healthcare for everyone. I hope he succeeds but I feel you run into the fundamental problem of doctor's treating patients in a way that makes them more money. It's a very real issue. So anyway, can someone outline his plan a little better with specifics or is that info not out yet? I'm curious to see how this will happen. My only healthcare requests are that the gov't not get saddled with so much cost that we have to raise taxes, and that I can still go to any physician I want any time I want.
You're living in a dream world. It has never worked before...anywhere, and it will not work here. We're screwed.
In a country thats the richest economy on this planet, you can go bankrupt if you get cancer or some other major surgery, even with the best insurance plan. Id say something has to change, maybe not government single payer plan, but reform in the industry as it stands has to take place. I know the argument oh its all about profits and free enterprise, but this is a life and death situation for alot of people.
I like the free market solution, however, it is woven into the fabric of those in power to oppose such ideas. We will probably end up with something closely resembling the VA and I once again say, God help us all!
One of my doctors, who's very outspoken, says that she just wishes that "fair" prices were charged across the board for visits/procedures. She insists that the insurance and phar. companies set pricing that's highly unequal, depending on companies and plans. She said she'd be happy with across the board pricing, regardless of insurance companies. And she has a point. I can get any prescription for $10 with my health insurance. How is it that a $400 set of medicine (using my daughter's asthma inhaler, as a reference) can be sold to me for $10? But the next guy buying it might pay $200? And the next guy $80? Set a REAL price and go with it. The quality of care in this country is good, in my experience, but insurance companies are a real problem. No, folks should not be bankrupted because of a serious illness or accident. But...when has the government's control of ANYTHING turned out positively?
once the competitive incentive is driven out of the market place, we're all phucked. no more MRI's unless they decide you deserve one. get on the 2 yr waiting list. wake up people. the government in place of private practice is a complete disaster. we dont need every other socialist economy to prove this but its there. the latest and greatest UK is proof enough.
Im assuming you where referencing my statement, which I never mentioned that the government should have control over it. But the free market system is great for healthcare, but the insurance companies ruin it with greed. Its still a matter of life and death for me not profit. You love it until your healthcare is decided by an insurance adjuster who has no medical background and says you cant get treated for your cancer or something because they flagged it as a pre-existing condition. Because their risk reporting says with your condition, age, race, and family history you are more likely to die. Thats who you want making that decision?
not even sure i read your reply. was just sounding off. if letting the government decide who lives or dies, which is exactly what happens in europe, sounds better than not being able to pay your health insurance, so be it. But thats how it goes down. everyone gets health care alright, whatever their appointed doctors see fit. despite what treatment you think you need. muck akin to that court-appointed lawyer. if its something they deem a "rare" disease or something they simply arent very familiar with, its to the end of the line. you have been bumped. no incentive to find that new cure anyhow. universal health care will be an absolute failure just like everything else the federal govt touches.
I wasnt refering to your post, my friend. I agree with your points the government shouldnt run healthcare, but I think we are a far cry from that and the specifics you mentioned. But I also think reform needs to happen with the cost and decision making.
I've seen this up close and personal. Not the death part but I've seen a family I lived with in France have to go to in front of a board to plead their case for a procedure for their nine year old daughter. I don't want that. There's a harsh truth in healthcare and it's that maybe not everyone can afford to have the most expensive up to date surgeries. Maybe there is a pay to play aspect for that type of stuff. Everyone should have access to general health care, no question, and kids should have access to anything as well, but putting an 80 year old on chemo when they can't afford it might not be the best thing to do.
