Sicko

[chick]

Cheese, I think people have some great fear that someone else will get more or something for nothing, and this belief that a universal or nationalized system means a strictly gov't run system.

The models that have successfully instituted a nationalized system, is not about a solely "gov't run" system but a multi-tiered system, which also include private healthcare and private insurance. As there exists already, those who want care elsewhere, can get it elsewhere.

It makes no sense to complain about how much the alternative will cost, when that alternative has shown to be much more cost-efficient, all the while complacent about, or even preferring, the high cost and waste of the current system.

[Zeus]

You all sound like a pack of commies.

Seriously, I don't understand the reaction of individuals like TheRainman. Looking at two very simple facts at a macro level, there's no reason why the USA couldn't have universal health care for all.

Fact: The USA has anywhere from the 4th to the 6th highest GDP per capita in the world, a full 25-30% more than countries like Australia & Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...PP)_per_capita

Fact: Countries like Australia & Canada have had universal health-care for decades without significant economic consequences.

So what's the problem?

Chris.

[adi chicago]

if i was the president...treatments and cure ...not power and money.

[Andy]

My favorite theme of the US health care system is the way things are billed. Raise the price some 40% so the insurance carrier can get their 40% in-network discount when they pay up. Not covered or no insurance? Guess which version of the price you are paying (or will be sued for). It was interesting spending some time adding up all the EOB's to find that $750,000 accident was paid in full with some $400,000.

Other gems included such limitations of only one doctor visit per day when in the hospital. What do you think happens when someone codes? PCA's come running to the rescue? Thankfully my carrier is just a middleman between my self-insured employer so they didnt fight various issues too much when questioned why something wasnt paid as it wasnt out of their pocket. And to throw some really wacky determinations into the "for you to expend your time and energy dealing with us instead of recuperating" list, how about some things like LifeFlight was not covered because it was used for convienance, yeah, that was rather good call by whoever reviews the bills there, I musta wanted to go on an exciting helocopter ride rather than die in a lowly ambulance.

But all in all, I fear a government rationed health care system. We all see how well other government programs work, at least in this country. Maybe there is a bit of the have/have not mentality going there, but I like where I'm at, and I worked to get it, so I'm enjoying it. I'd hate to be forced into a lowest common denomenator system, I put forth the effort to make sure I was secure in life (good thing I was concerned about such things when career hopping back then, eh?), so I figure I have every right to it. I know that if I was in something like the current government funded health program in this country, I would not be in the same state of health I am in now.

Now if I was born and raised in say...Leif's country where it seems they have a functioning government, I might take a different mindset to this. But I'm kinda too American I guess, way too jaded with our corrupt systems here, so as the saying goes "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". It's a game of survival of the fittest in the USA...although the Fall of the Roman Empire keeps coming to mind

[Juke_spin]

Originally Posted by adi chicago

if i was the president...treatments and cure ...not power and money.

That's one reason you'll never be president.

[Juke_spin]

Originally Posted by Andy

I know that if I was in something like the current government funded health program in this country, I would not be in the same state of health I am in now.

Not necessarily so, Andy, or at 2+ decades your senior I couldn't be as chubby-healthy as I am, having depended on that very "government funded health program" you're disparaging.

And don't bitch; I may have deleted everything else but I left in your "tongue" smilie.

[adi chicago]

Originally Posted by Juke_spin

That's one reason you'll never be president.

i am the president ....regarding my life ,pain and love.
poliiticians ....i dont think so...
to be rich do not mean that the person is smart....i can die happy.lol.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Juke_spin

Not necessarily so, Andy, or at 2+ decades your senior I couldn't be as chubby-healthy as I am, having depended on that very "government funded health program" you're disparaging.

And don't bitch; I may have deleted everything else but I left in your "tongue" smilie.

I have paranoia towards the 'common' bladder issues in SCI, and have my beliefs on how to take care of them. I translated these beliefs into a 'looking out for #1' program of a shitload of overpriced urological supplies at no cost to me. The gubment wouldnt allow me to do that. That and any doctor or facility rolling out the red carpet for me whenever the whim may strike to go on a health kick I find comforting rather than begging if I may be accepted there. I also like the fact that I dont have some 'Primary Care Rationer, err, Provider' with finacial gain to deny things I want to do. Somehow I think that the HMO style system of BS might apply to me should someone else be the brains behind my medical needs with a Universal type of system. Just my selfish opinion...with a bunch of smiley's back at ya bud .

And man, I am really afraid of getting to where you have made it, how the heck does that go? Worse, same ol same ol, better? You've got my respect making it as far and long as you did, I'm having a hard time picturing how that might work out, you old goat, lol

[Juke_spin]

Originally Posted by Andy

And man, I am really afraid of getting to where you have made it, how the heck does that go? Worse, same ol same ol, better? You've got my respect making it as far and long as you did, I'm having a hard time picturing how that might work out, you old goat, lol

It has gotten tricky, dicey even at times, but I've managed to save so at least I don't have any money problems.

X4

On a more level-headed note, a reasonable answer would require a few paragraphs and links to three or four recent posts on mine and a) I don't want to jack the thread and b) I'm too lazy to do it. I'll PM ya in a bit.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by Andy

But all in all, I fear a government rationed health care system. We all see how well other government programs work, at least in this country. Maybe there is a bit of the have/have not mentality going there, but I like where I'm at, and I worked to get it, so I'm enjoying it. I'd hate to be forced into a lowest common denomenator system, I put forth the effort to make sure I was secure in life (good thing I was concerned about such things when career hopping back then, eh?), so I figure I have every right to it. I know that if I was in something like the current government funded health program in this country, I would not be in the same state of health I am in now.

Andy. Think you said “I”, 14 times just here in this quote... Aya a hay aviva.