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Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
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dm24angel
Happiness
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Donna
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by KLSbear
Posted by neenie
Posted by dm24angel
The reason people will spend $75 on other things is because it leads to immediate happiness....example.....My own situation above. I actually went out to dinner that same night. I said, dinner or co pay. I felt "ok" and wanted to spend time with friends badly, so I opted for instant gratification.
But While the $75 is just an example. My MIL has HORRID insurance. She has needed a certain surgery , not life threatening but could get worse over the years , for a LONG time...and she wont pay for it. She goes To A/C and gambles...makes her happy...but wont pay for that surgery.
So who knows why...but I think the basis of this should be...could we make this type of thing work and if not..whats the NEXT option, cause our current way is not working for many KWIM?
I hope this doesn't sound as an attack- i don't mean it that way- but in the examples you gave... that kind of proves what i was saying- WHAT is the government supposed to do in those situations that would make it better? The gov't is supposed to pay for something that people won't pay for themselves. People choose other things as a priority for their money, but want the gov't to do the opposite. Again, i agree that there needs to be changes, but the responsibility does not rely solely on the govt.
ITA - you need to choose your priorities. If you put instant gratification, dining out, expensive toys, gambling in AC, etc. in front of your heath care then don't ask me to pay for your doctor via extra taxes.
In all this conversation I haven't seen one mention about taking responsibility for one's own health to reduce the overall burden on the system either. How many people here are taking Lipitor or similar drugs for cholestorol when they could eliminate the need altogether by exercising, eating better and losing weight - but it's easier to take a pill. Granted, some people will need it no matter what they do, but many health care expenses could be eliminated if we would just stop overeating, exercise more, and in general just take better care of our own health instead of looking for the magic pills.
I agree with this as well....and for the record, I didnt say I wanted the government or anyone to pay for it. Im saying the average person who cannot afford many things feels this way and thats why the situation gets WORSE as time goes on...
Its finding the problem and solving it that we need to do, not talk about what we shouldnt do, why we are angry at this or that.
Its naive to think people will eat less and excercise....Never happen.
But maybe if we force them by inflicting a physical on them and increasing health care costs due to that it wil.
The problem with that though then becomes people who are chronically ill and healthy people. the healthy will get annoyed once again they are paying the same as someone who has say cancer. We cannot prove if smoking caused a persons cancer so there in leads the issue why THAT wont work.
Im all about solutions....looking for them....
Message edited 9/1/2008 12:15:25 AM.
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Posted 9/1/08 12:09 AM  |
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usuk2004
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Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
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Farah
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Admittedly I have not read this entire thread, but as someone who has lived both in America and the UK, I feel I have a good perspecitve on this issue.
I find the National Health Service in the UK difficult to navigate. It's not perfect by any means. I find it difficult when I need to be proactive about things and because things are different from home Ie - women only have paps once every 3 years, a gyn is considered a specialist and you have to be referred, you talk with your GP about all issues and they are sometimes not very knowledgeable about the specifics. I found that when I was in a situation that required reactive care, I was very happy with the service. The doctors were kind and knowledgeable and I was offered options and treatments that I didn't think the NHS would offer.
I prefer the US system, but that's probably because I know it better. It really s*cks to have an issue and not know where to turn, which is how I've felt in the UK. But when I really take a look at the situation, I most likely feel this way because I've always had healthcare and it's never been an issue before. Currently a family member lost his job and is expecting a baby in about 6 weeks - and he's basically screwed. When you take situations like this into consideration, it's easy to argue for socialized medicine.
Further to that, there is something else that I find really interesting in the UK. When you remove the pressure of having to have a job that offers a good insurance package, it opens up a lot of doors. When I first moved the UK, I was having some difficulty finding a job, and for a period of time I was working two part time professional jobs. There's a lot more flexibility in terms of job shares, temporary positions, etc when healthcare is not a concern of the employers. Just a thought...
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:01 AM |
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BaroqueMama
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Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by usuk2004
Admittedly I have not read this entire thread, but as someone who has lived both in America and the UK, I feel I have a good perspecitve on this issue.
I find the National Health Service in the UK difficult to navigate. It's not perfect by any means. I find it difficult when I need to be proactive about things and because things are different from home Ie - women only have paps once every 3 years, a gyn is considered a specialist and you have to be referred, you talk with your GP about all issues and they are sometimes not very knowledgeable about the specifics. I found that when I was in a situation that required reactive care, I was very happy with the service. The doctors were kind and knowledgeable and I was offered options and treatments that I didn't think the NHS would offer.
I prefer the US system, but that's probably because I know it better. It really s*cks to have an issue and not know where to turn, which is how I've felt in the UK. But when I really take a look at the situation, I most likely feel this way because I've always had healthcare and it's never been an issue before. Currently a family member lost his job and is expecting a baby in about 6 weeks - and he's basically screwed. When you take situations like this into consideration, it's easy to argue for socialized medicine.
Further to that, there is something else that I find really interesting in the UK. When you remove the pressure of having to have a job that offers a good insurance package, it opens up a lot of doors. When I first moved the UK, I was having some difficulty finding a job, and for a period of time I was working two part time professional jobs. There's a lot more flexibility in terms of job shares, temporary positions, etc when healthcare is not a concern of the employers. Just a thought...
I'm glad you posted because you have the benefit of seeing both sides of the argument. It's interesting that you mentioned having more options open to you in terms of jobs with the NHS, I never thought about it that way. There's been so many times in my short professional career where i've had to turn down a different path because I needed health insurance. It's part of the reason why I am no longer a performing musician. I just couldn't afford to pay out of pocket for my insurance and I certainly couldn't go without it at all. It's sad to think that my life's dream was hindered by the fear of not having insurance.
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:16 AM |
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passerby
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/08 47 total posts
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
quoted wrong
Message edited 9/1/2008 7:46:58 AM.
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:45 AM |
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passerby
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/08 47 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by KLSbear
Posted by neenie
Posted by dm24angel
The reason people will spend $75 on other things is because it leads to immediate happiness....example.....My own situation above. I actually went out to dinner that same night. I said, dinner or co pay. I felt "ok" and wanted to spend time with friends badly, so I opted for instant gratification.
But While the $75 is just an example. My MIL has HORRID insurance. She has needed a certain surgery , not life threatening but could get worse over the years , for a LONG time...and she wont pay for it. She goes To A/C and gambles...makes her happy...but wont pay for that surgery.
So who knows why...but I think the basis of this should be...could we make this type of thing work and if not..whats the NEXT option, cause our current way is not working for many KWIM?
I hope this doesn't sound as an attack- i don't mean it that way- but in the examples you gave... that kind of proves what i was saying- WHAT is the government supposed to do in those situations that would make it better? The gov't is supposed to pay for something that people won't pay for themselves. People choose other things as a priority for their money, but want the gov't to do the opposite. Again, i agree that there needs to be changes, but the responsibility does not rely solely on the govt.
ITA - you need to choose your priorities. If you put instant gratification, dining out, expensive toys, gambling in AC, etc. in front of your heath care then don't ask me to pay for your doctor via extra taxes.
In all this conversation I haven't seen one mention about taking responsibility for one's own health to reduce the overall burden on the system either. How many people here are taking Lipitor or similar drugs for cholestorol when they could eliminate the need altogether by exercising, eating better and losing weight - but it's easier to take a pill. Granted, some people will need it no matter what they do, but many health care expenses could be eliminated if we would just stop overeating, exercise more, and in general just take better care of our own health instead of looking for the magic pills.
I think too many people do rely on Dr's and pills to treat them what happened to diet and exercise? Not we have pills for everything and handicapped parking. People are always looking for something or someone else to help them. When i was trying to get pregnant it cost me $30 each visit and that was sometimes everyday for a week. when my dd had an eye procedure the deductible was $200. I didn't look for someone else to pay it.
Also on the pills and immunizations when i got the statement from my Ins co. that tells you what the Dr rec'd for the visit one of the Immunizations he got paid something like $1200.00 thats what needs to be addressed.
Message edited 9/1/2008 7:52:47 AM.
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:48 AM |
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mommy2Alex
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Member since 5/05 6683 total posts
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Absolutely not!
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:49 AM |
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usuk2004
I'm ONE!
Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
Name:
Farah
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by prncss
I'm glad you posted because you have the benefit of seeing both sides of the argument. It's interesting that you mentioned having more options open to you in terms of jobs with the NHS, I never thought about it that way. There's been so many times in my short professional career where i've had to turn down a different path because I needed health insurance. It's part of the reason why I am no longer a performing musician. I just couldn't afford to pay out of pocket for my insurance and I certainly couldn't go without it at all. It's sad to think that my life's dream was hindered by the fear of not having insurance.
Thanks! 
I'm sure Racheeee could shed even more light as she's been here longer than I have and has had a baby on the NHS.
In general though, I've always noticed that it seems more common here in the UK to work part time or to go freelance, or open your own business. It's really just dawned on me lately that it's all because not having to worry about health insurance really does free you up for that sort of thing.
I think the system really breaks down in some areas, though. This morning I was watching the news and there was a story about a woman with cancer that wants to take a certain type of drug which the NHS can't provide because it's too expensive. She's willing to buy the drug on her own, but then the NHS refuses to treat her - I guess because they don't have any experience with the drug, etc. But then again there are people who get IVF via the NHS. So is it more important for this woman to have access to a drug that could save her life or for someone to have a baby they might not have been able to conceive? Also, it gets a little too "Big Brother" for my taste - the government is always trying to pass laws restricting access to NHS if you're doing stuff that's "detrimental" to your health, like smoking.
I really don't know what the answers are, but maybe there's some sort of combination of the two?
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:54 AM |
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passerby
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Member since 8/08 47 total posts
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by AmyG13
Posted by passerby
Posted by AmyG13
Posted by passerby
when did having insurance become right?
When did seeking medical care become a privilege?
Its not a right or a privilege it is an option. you have a right to purchase healthcare or get a job that provides it. We have a right to own guns but the government doesn't have to provide them to us.
My lipa bill and auto insurance is thru the roof should the government provide that too?
Having a home and paying utilities is an OPTION. You could rent an all inclusive apartment, have a smaller home. Having a car and paying insurance is an OPTION. You could take a bus or a train or ride a bike. But when you get sick or injured, medical care is NOT an option, it's a necessity, and it should be available to everyone.
Fewer and fewer employers are offering benefits these days, so for many people that kind of job is not an option.
Why should i have to settle for less renting isn't an option for me and my family nor is riding the train, bus or bicycle. I shell out the money for our needs. I'm not looking for others to pay for me. Everyone complains about the cost of medical insurance but everyone seems to have new cars, cells phones for every member of family, game boys, game cube ect... Malls are always filled as are most resturants. If people want socialized medicine their are plenty of places that have it maybe they should opt to move their.
Message edited 9/1/2008 7:58:26 AM.
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| Posted 9/1/08 7:57 AM |
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mcl916
my two loves
Member since 10/06 5133 total posts
Name:
Megan
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by KLSbear
In all this conversation I haven't seen one mention about taking responsibility for one's own health to reduce the overall burden on the system either. How many people here are taking Lipitor or similar drugs for cholestorol when they could eliminate the need altogether by exercising, eating better and losing weight - but it's easier to take a pill. Granted, some people will need it no matter what they do, but many health care expenses could be eliminated if we would just stop overeating, exercise more, and in general just take better care of our own health instead of looking for the magic pills.
Great point! And should we ever go to a socialized type system I would hope the government would make that a priority. Also, there should be standards you are required to maintain to STAY in the system. If you smoke= higher copay, if you gain more then x lbs in one year= counseling etc.. I know that's not a popular opinion, but if I go out of my way to keep myself healthy why should I be supporting someone who doesn't care for themselves at all??
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| Posted 9/1/08 8:12 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by passerby
Why should i have to settle for less renting isn't an option for me and my family nor is riding the train, bus or bicycle. I shell out the money for our needs. I'm not looking for others to pay for me. Everyone complains about the cost of medical insurance but everyone seems to have new cars, cells phones for every member of family, game boys, game cube ect... Malls are always filled as are most resturants. If people want socialized medicine their are plenty of places that have it maybe they should opt to move their.
Such blanket statements...
I think you justify denying humans the right to healthcare with imaginary scenerios in your head....
I do rent
purchased used car in cash
I have a prepaid phone which I pay 20.00 every 3 months for...it sits in my car incase of emergency...DH no phone.
no game cubes here.
Insurance and medical bills are already DRAINING us. Yes we pay...but I agree with Donna...I would have to be bleeding to death to ever call an amubulence to take me to the ER...or even go to the ER.
I take care of myself, I have never smoked...maybe a beer once a month, run daily....yet we are paying crazy amounts for premiums and co-pays.
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| Posted 9/1/08 8:30 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
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me
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by usuk2004
Admittedly I have not read this entire thread, but as someone who has lived both in America and the UK, I feel I have a good perspecitve on this issue.
I find the National Health Service in the UK difficult to navigate. It's not perfect by any means. I find it difficult when I need to be proactive about things and because things are different from home Ie - women only have paps once every 3 years, a gyn is considered a specialist and you have to be referred, you talk with your GP about all issues and they are sometimes not very knowledgeable about the specifics. I found that when I was in a situation that required reactive care, I was very happy with the service. The doctors were kind and knowledgeable and I was offered options and treatments that I didn't think the NHS would offer.
I prefer the US system, but that's probably because I know it better. It really s*cks to have an issue and not know where to turn, which is how I've felt in the UK. But when I really take a look at the situation, I most likely feel this way because I've always had healthcare and it's never been an issue before. Currently a family member lost his job and is expecting a baby in about 6 weeks - and he's basically screwed. When you take situations like this into consideration, it's easy to argue for socialized medicine.
Further to that, there is something else that I find really interesting in the UK. When you remove the pressure of having to have a job that offers a good insurance package, it opens up a lot of doors. When I first moved the UK, I was having some difficulty finding a job, and for a period of time I was working two part time professional jobs. There's a lot more flexibility in terms of job shares, temporary positions, etc when healthcare is not a concern of the employers. Just a thought...
You see it's not like that in France.
You can go to a OB without a referal. Of course they are a specialist. They are also here. I did it all the time until I moved to the US in my 20's.
Yes, some Drs will have a long wait in France. But so do some Drs in the US.
I called a pediatric pulmonologist for my son in early July and they told me the earliest he could be seen was in September.
I have to wait sometimes to see my own OB here.
I never waited more than the same day or latest the following day to see a Dr when I was sick when I was in France.
I have gone to the ER many times (horseback riding accidents). I did not have to wait HOURS in the ER. I had x-rays done right away, etc...
I think we will have good and bad experience all in countries.
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| Posted 9/1/08 8:38 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
I usually lean to the socialist side, but I do think that our HC is a pretty good compromise...private companies paying private insurance for their employees and the government helping the least fortunate. The issue comes from the people who do not qualify for government insurance AND don't have a job that includes it.
I do agree with what USUK said...health insurance is a major part of job decisions. Now that we have kids, we would never relocate without a job with benefits or think about freelancing/contract work w/o one of us having insurance. Dh's uncle wants to relocate, but he is on a lot of heart meds and couldn't (he had a heart attack in his 40's - but wasn't overweight, was in good shape, his wife only cooks healthy and organic foods...you just never know!)
the grass always seems greener, but I think both have pros and both have cons. I think combining ideas (being in the middle of the road) works well.
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| Posted 9/1/08 9:14 AM |
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MrsPorkChop
Twinning!!
Member since 5/05 9941 total posts
Name:
Missy
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
what about cancer - how can i "protect myself" from that? lose weight? i am at my target weight and i eat very healthily.
i needed a breast bioipsy, i got it in a matter of days. i needed an ultrasound, i got one NEXT DAY.
you can't do that in these foreign country. waiting lists are WEEKS.
Imagine waiting WEEKS to find out if a Lump is cancerous? Imagine what that waiting , itself, does to your stress level and immune system, just from the worrying??
Sorry, but i am 100% against universal health care.
Message edited 9/1/2008 9:43:39 AM.
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| Posted 9/1/08 9:42 AM |
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BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by MrsPorkChop
what about cancer - how can i "protect myself" from that? lose weight? i am at my target weight and i eat very healthily.
i needed a breast bioipsy, i got it in a matter of days. i needed an ultrasound, i got one NEXT DAY.
you can't do that in these foreign country. waiting lists are WEEKS.
Imagine waiting WEEKS to find out if a Lump is cancerous? Imagine what that waiting , itself, does to your stress level and immune system, just from the worrying??
Sorry, but i am 100% against universal health care.
Actually, if you go back and read some other posts by the women that have been in universal health care programs, this is not always the case. Infact, I don't think any of them said they had to wait for something urgent like that and that it was quite the opposite.
I really don't know where I stand on all of this because I really don't have enough information to base my opinion on. All I know is that I have excellent health insurance right now, but my husband is afraid to move to a different company because he is afraid of losing the great benefits. I think it's sad that my husband has to work a job that makes him miserable just because we're afraid our insurance will be crappier. If it was just the two of us, I think we could deal, but we have baby now, and I can't risk having a lower coverage.
What it really comes down to for me is reform. There needs to be some sort of reform of the health care in this country. I don't know what that plan of action should be, but I definitely think that taking away power from all of the pharmaceutical companies is a damn good place to start.
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| Posted 9/1/08 9:52 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
imagine having a lump and being scared to get in checked out in fear of your deductible and co-pay?
Imagine the feeling of a tax paying American, having a lump, but no insurance? that must be a sick feeling...
I am sure they would pick the choice of waiting a few weeks for an appointment....and from what my sister's Canadian family says, there really isn't much of a wait at all, especially if its a serious concern.
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| Posted 9/1/08 9:56 AM |
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AmyG13
LIF Infant
Member since 12/07 159 total posts
Name:
Amy
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by Janice
Posted by passerby
Why should i have to settle for less renting isn't an option for me and my family nor is riding the train, bus or bicycle. I shell out the money for our needs. I'm not looking for others to pay for me. Everyone complains about the cost of medical insurance but everyone seems to have new cars, cells phones for every member of family, game boys, game cube ect... Malls are always filled as are most resturants. If people want socialized medicine their are plenty of places that have it maybe they should opt to move their.
Such blanket statements...
I think you justify denying humans the right to healthcare with imaginary scenerios in your head....
I do rent
purchased used car in cash
I have a prepaid phone which I pay 20.00 every 3 months for...it sits in my car incase of emergency...DH no phone.
no game cubes here.
Insurance and medical bills are already DRAINING us. Yes we pay...but I agree with Donna...I would have to be bleeding to death to ever call an amubulence to take me to the ER...or even go to the ER.
I take care of myself, I have never smoked...maybe a beer once a month, run daily....yet we are paying crazy amounts for premiums and co-pays.
Janice made the point I was going to make.
I totally agree that people should get their priorities straight. Food, shelter, medical care are basic necessities and should come first. And for many people they do. I know a lot of families that don't have fancy things, that live in small apartments, that work really hard and can barely make ends meet. If you can afford to have more, than good for you and your family. I'm certain you work hard for it. But why deny others that work hard and are getting screwed by greedy insurance companies?
My cousin works full time, as does her husband. But her company charges so much for health insurance she can't afford it. When she was PG they used her husbands insurance plan b/c it was cheaper. They paid a premium to his employer, but the secretary was stealing the money and telling them the insurance was ok. She had to have a c-section due to complications and that's when they found out the insurance lapsed. They now have a $35,000 hospital bill hanging over their heads that they can't pay. She also caught a staph infection at the hospital, but they denied liability and she had to pay out of pocket for home care.
Good, hard working people get screwed all the time. It isn't right.
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| Posted 9/1/08 10:30 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by AmyG13
They now have a $35,000 hospital bill hanging over their heads that they can't pay. She also caught a staph infection at the hospital, but they denied liability and she had to pay out of pocket for home care.
Good, hard working people get screwed all the time. It isn't right.
 35000!!!!!
Whatever is remaining in my checking account after paying bills, I sent partial payments out to hosptials, drs, and medics.
I could not imagine having 35K looming over my head. that is heartbreaking!
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| Posted 9/1/08 10:38 AM |
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mcl916
my two loves
Member since 10/06 5133 total posts
Name:
Megan
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by MrsPorkChop
what about cancer - how can i "protect myself" from that? lose weight? i am at my target weight and i eat very healthily.
i needed a breast bioipsy, i got it in a matter of days. i needed an ultrasound, i got one NEXT DAY.
you can't do that in these foreign country. waiting lists are WEEKS.
Imagine waiting WEEKS to find out if a Lump is cancerous? Imagine what that waiting , itself, does to your stress level and immune system, just from the worrying??
Sorry, but i am 100% against universal health care.
Cancer is not something that can be "preventable" in most cases. That was not what I was referring to. And I am in NO way in total favor for a socialized system and I don't believe that the system is perfect by any means. But from some of the other posts it's clear we don't have a perfect view of how it is in other countries- that they aren't waiting weeks and months for treatment. I don't think that system would work well here, but it's obvious from the state of healthcare today we need to figure out something that would work here.
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| Posted 9/1/08 10:49 AM |
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usuk2004
I'm ONE!
Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
Name:
Farah
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by mcl916
Posted by MrsPorkChop
what about cancer - how can i "protect myself" from that? lose weight? i am at my target weight and i eat very healthily.
i needed a breast bioipsy, i got it in a matter of days. i needed an ultrasound, i got one NEXT DAY.
you can't do that in these foreign country. waiting lists are WEEKS.
Imagine waiting WEEKS to find out if a Lump is cancerous? Imagine what that waiting , itself, does to your stress level and immune system, just from the worrying??
Sorry, but i am 100% against universal health care.
Cancer is not something that can be "preventable" in most cases. That was not what I was referring to. And I am in NO way in total favor for a socialized system and I don't believe that the system is perfect by any means. But from some of the other posts it's clear we don't have a perfect view of how it is in other countries- that they aren't waiting weeks and months for treatment. I don't think that system would work well here, but it's obvious from the state of healthcare today we need to figure out something that would work here.
Exactly. Yes there is apparently a 3-year waiting list for IVF, but I haven't had to wait for treatment for any health issues. I was pregnant and had bleeding - I was seen and given a sonogram on a Sunday morning. I've been offered early sonograms for my next pregnancy, I've been offered all sorts of tests to check hormone levels and I've not had to wait or pay out of pocket for any of it. No it wasnt' cancer, but I did appreciate the fact that I received very good, efficient and kind care at a time when I needed it.
I can only speak from my own experience and that of my immediate family here and I can say no one's had to wait an inordinate amount of time for any kind of treatment. In fact our local hospital is extremely well funded and has some of the top staff in the nation.
AGain, the system is not perfect. But I think people should be a bit more open-minded. I think the people here who are arguing so emphatically against national healthcare are those who have never been in a situation where they've not had coverage.
Message edited 9/1/2008 11:06:08 AM.
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:04 AM |
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passerby
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/08 47 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by Janice
Posted by AmyG13
They now have a $35,000 hospital bill hanging over their heads that they can't pay. She also caught a staph infection at the hospital, but they denied liability and she had to pay out of pocket for home care.
Good, hard working people get screwed all the time. It isn't right.
35000!!!!!
Whatever is remaining in my checking account after paying bills, I sent partial payments out to hosptials, drs, and medics.
I could not imagine having 35K looming over my head. that is heartbreaking!
what about students loans and house payments/rent those are bills looming over alot of peoples heads
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:05 AM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by Janice
imagine having a lump and being scared to get in checked out in fear of your deductible and co-pay?
Imagine the feeling of a tax paying American, having a lump, but no insurance? that must be a sick feeling...
I am sure they would pick the choice of waiting a few weeks for an appointment....and from what my sister's Canadian family says, there really isn't much of a wait at all, especially if its a serious concern.
what people I don't think understand is that you're going to pay for the care either way. you'll either have to pay the co-pay or pay an extra 10% of your salary in income tax.
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:11 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by passerby
what about students loans and house payments/rent those are bills looming over alot of peoples heads
what about it?
you choose to take out the loan.
you choose to have a mortgage...
did her SIL choose to get a staph infection?
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:13 AM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by prncss
Actually, if you go back and read some other posts by the women that have been in universal health care programs, this is not always the case. Infact, I don't think any of them said they had to wait for something urgent like that and that it was quite the opposite.
I am glad that they had positive experiences, but that doesnt mean that everyone does. My friend's cousin found a lump, had to wait almost a month for an appointment, then (even when it was confirmed) had to wait for chemo. It spread. She died. She was 31. (this was in Canada).
Growing up, we went without insurance (my parents were small business owners), but when we had a health scare- we went to the doctor. Sometimes my parents would pay what they could, or pay in installments, sometimes they couldn't pay at all (and maybe the dr's weren't big fans of theirs) but we never went without healthcare. There are options out there.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned one of the biggest reasons that insurance costs are what they are- that we live in a sue-happy society. OBs alone pay $325,000 A YEAR for their malpractice insurance. So, before they even start to make money to pay their overhead, office workers, etc- before even making a salary- they need to make $325K to pay for their insurance. Because, if even the slightest thing goes wrong with a delivery (even when NOTHING happens to the mother or baby), people are jumping on the opportunity to sue sue sue. Granted, there are certainly *some* cases where it's an appropriate response, but in most of the cases- it's just greed. Then we wonder why the costs are what they are.
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:13 AM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by neenie
I'm surprised no one has mentioned one of the biggest reasons that insurance costs are what they are- that we live in a sue-happy society. OBs alone pay $325,000 A YEAR for their malpractice insurance. So, before they even start to make money to pay their overhead, office workers, etc- before even making a salary- they need to make $325K to pay for their insurance. Because, if even the slightest thing goes wrong with a delivery (even when NOTHING happens to the mother or baby), people are jumping on the opportunity to sue sue sue. Granted, there are certainly *some* cases where it's an appropriate response, but in most of the cases- it's just greed. Then we wonder why the costs are what they are.
I am so glad you mentioned this!!
we need more tort reform!! I think that will solve A LOT of these issues.
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:15 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Another political topic - would you want socialized (or universal) healthcare in the US?
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by Janice
imagine having a lump and being scared to get in checked out in fear of your deductible and co-pay?
Imagine the feeling of a tax paying American, having a lump, but no insurance? that must be a sick feeling...
I am sure they would pick the choice of waiting a few weeks for an appointment....and from what my sister's Canadian family says, there really isn't much of a wait at all, especially if its a serious concern.
what people I don't think understand is that you're going to pay for the care either way. you'll either have to pay the co-pay or pay an extra 10% of your salary in income tax.
my co-pay premuim, deductible and copay are MORE then 10% of our salary.
I am sure those who are without insurance will be fine only having to pay 10% more in taxes rather then getting a hospital bill in the mail.
I could never put a dollar sign on my neighbor's child's health. ever. that's not life...that's not the way I live my life.
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| Posted 9/1/08 11:15 AM |
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