So, "free universal" health care is good?

[Dmiles]

Lots of quality conversation going on here, but I would expect no less from the folks who frequent iRV2. It's an important topic, glad to see so many folks have chimed in.

[Ray,IN]

If one thinks the medical profession and facilities are overburdened now, wait until an estimated 45 million un-insured join the ranks of those in the system presently covered by health insurance.
Guess we may be destined to a future of paying over 55% of our gross income in federal taxes, like England. Well, that is if you work.

[chasfm11]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

If one thinks the medical profession and facilities are overburdened now, wait until an estimated 45 million un-insured join the ranks of those in the system presently covered by health insurance..

That is one of the facts that I'd love to see broken down. I know someone in that group. She is a Christian Scientist and she will have to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to participate. I suspect that there are some (many) in that 45 million count who just don't believe in health care in general. Some just don't trust doctors. I personally am rankled by the projected numbers of citizens of other countries who might be covered by in that 45 million number. We have a large number of those in our community hospitals today that are already paid for through taxes. I have not objection to treating someone who is here temporarily and needs emergency medical care. Others should be able to pay for the care they receive or return to their own countries to receive it. I've been following the current California budget crises in this regard. I suspect it will be an indicator if CA starts eliminating that kind of medical support.

[VI Roamers]

We are Canadian...in between wealth and poverty...retired and enjoying it. We couldn't be here, retired, without our health care, but both of us are cared for by our pensionable time with our previous employers.

There has to be levels... but for some... there can be no contribution... we are not all capable of communicating on this forum... most of us know some in our families like that. The best we can hope for is some kind of a means test. We need to find a way of cutting off those that abuse the system, but can't shut off the funds to those that truly need it.

[Rick&Cheryl]

I wish our Congress would start by:
Removing the fraud and waste that is in the Medicare/Medicaid system
Removing the extra expense caused by defensive tests and such, just to avoid malpractice.
Penalizing those that wont if they do need care.

Once they get the "national" system under control, I might have more support for them to add 45 million more, but without contol, its only going to be worse.

[dickfrompasadena]

Why is healthcare so expensive? A neurosurgeon pays an average of $200,000 in malpractice insurance. WHY???? The answer is simplke LAWYERS! Take them out of the loop and you are well on the way to healthcare reform. Why aren't the Senators and Congress people adressing this? Most of them are Lawyers. They have a wonderful healthcare and retirement program. Put them under Social Security and make it mandatory they participate in the changes to healthcare they make.

[Hitchhiker]

Just an administrative caution here, as long as this thread continues discussing the virtues or consequences of the Health Care issue it complies with our rules. If it starts discussing congress and/or various political views it then becomes a political discussion and thus is prohibited.

Please stick to the topic so we don't have to close this thread.

[glenda1908]

Originally Posted by Jack R

WW

I have the military health care plan you talked about. I paid for it already.
22 years worth. Why even think of taking it back.

My DH spent 32 yrs. in the Navy and is 100% disabled due to a helo crash. They have already started "rationing" the care to the vets. During one trip to the VA Hosp. recently he was instructed that he could ask about only ONE of his medical issues. I assure you he has more than one issue due to his accident. However, he was told by the Dr. that they have been instructed to only take one question per visit. I am just glad that we are in a financial position that he does not have to depend on the VA hosp. for his ongoing care. This is only going to get worse if the government takes over the health care system. If they just took care of the fraud and abuse of the system more people could afford good care for less $$.

[Meandering Retiree]

Billions and trillions for war, but not one cent for the health of our own people. Sounds about right for this country.

[hondo122]

Originally Posted by glenda1908

My DH spent 32 yrs. in the Navy and is 100% disabled due to a helo crash. They have already started "rationing" the care to the vets. During one trip to the VA Hosp. recently he was instructed that he could ask about only ONE of his medical issues. I assure you he has more than one issue due to his accident. However, he was told by the Dr. that they have been instructed to only take one question per visit. I am just glad that we are in a financial position that he does not have to depend on the VA hosp. for his ongoing care.

They served with one promise. We would take care of the if injured or sick, very sad state of affairs

[widowson1968]

While stationed in Brittain, many, many moons ago, as an Air Force Medic, I got a glimpse of the Socialized Medicine they had then. Indeed all had access to "National Health" benefits, that access being metered out by and rationed by system rules. A non-strangulated inguinal hernia was not an emergency and could require a long wait for surgical repair, up to and beyond one year back then. This is not an issue unless, of course, it is YOUR HERNIA. All penshioners (retirees) were relegated to the NH system for medical care. The NH hospitals I visited were all huge wards of row upon row of hospital cots seperated by draw curtains for privacy or rather lack thereof. After all these years though I'm sure all that has changed, ask the Canadians.

Best.... Jack&Rita

[TXiceman]

To be provide basic medical care, you do not have to have a private room. People have come to expect a private room with able TV, phone and private bath. The basic coverage should not cover such extravagant services. But regardless of the amenities, everyone should have access to the basic medical care.

The high medical cost all can be traced back to good old greed. Doctors want to make more, hospitals want to make more and so do the lawyers and insurance companies. And all along we expect the room to meet 5 star hotel service.

We have got to accept two things....basic medical care for all and above that you pay extra. Basic medial care should take care of all of the medical needs to provide a quality life. The unnecessary and elective surgery should not be covered and cost extra. The oter thing we need to accept is we need to be responsible fro our own actions and not try to blame some one else for a simple accident and sue them. Yes sue them for gross malpractice, but a crooked toe nail for toe surgery or a slightly less than round navel...no lawsuit here.

We lived in Canada and were on the provicence inusurance plan and it worked and was not expensive by US Standards. But Canadian Doctors were leaving and going to the US for .....MORE MONEY.

Under a National Insurance and Mediacal Plan, the Doctors need to be compensated adequately so they can maintain a good standard of living.

We need a good basic National insurance plan. Some people will not get what they expect...but we need something.

Step off of soap box and push it back to the corner.

Ken

[DonavonP]

Universal health care in the US will create a huge medical industry, fantastic hospitals, and premium care for those that can afford it. In Mexico.

[Rick&Cheryl]

Originally Posted by DonavonP

Universal health care in the US will create a huge medical industry, fantastic hospitals, and premium care for those that can afford it. In Mexico.

I hadn't thought of that, but it sure makes sense, just thinking of how many dental offices are just across the border in Progresso.