Healthcare

[timmyc]

I am not sure the answer, but the current system is !@#$ed

not sure why health care has to be tied to employment, I have a decent plan but a bad job. I have to make a decision soon about decent healthcare or a better paycheck/job satisfaction.

The insurance industry is corrupt, they can collect premiums till the cows come home, but drop coverage with no reason, just when they don't feel like paying anymore. Talk about death panels.

Salesmen and insurance executives are living high, I want my money to go to actual health care not inning corporate coffers.

The insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies fix the prices what happened to competition?

everyone who says they love their plan, remember, your job is not as secure as it once was any company can drop any employees at anytime in this economy.

We have all these stupid wars on.... (gambling, drugs I am not talking national security here) They have proven to be pointless if these thriving industries were taxed and regulated they would bring in more than enough to cover health care costs.

What happened to the Hippocratic oath, it is all about the doctors next Corvette.

Bigger companies get better insurance rates because of bigger buying power, if we used the buying power of all the citizens we should be able to get much better rates for everyone.

I want medical coverage that is affordable and can't be taken away once I pay into it. If I am too sick to work I should have the opportunity to get better. I should be allowed to enhance my career without worrying about loosing what I already have paid. I don't mind paying taxes if that money is used for good. How many people have declared bankruptcy of medical bills? That can't be good for anyone. The system is totally broken and I don't think we can trust corporate America to fix it.

[M 90]

Oh don't forget the other idiotic point the left makes on guns. Somehow the 2nd amendment was written only to apply to a branch of civil service that didn't exist till nearly 200 years after the constitution was written,

I just want the damn pendulum to stop swinging and for this nation to operate on commonsense.

I actually haven't heard of that rediculous reasoning for the 2nd amendment, but thanx for the warning

I also totally agree with your second statement it would be nice but it seems you can't quite control and lull a society asleep with influencing common sense. To control a population you need to keep them in fear at all cost and paint yourself out to be their one and only savior. And you keep them dependant on you and in fear by "swinging the pendulum" so to speak through propaganda at all levels. This way decisions made by the individual are more so irrational and made out of panic and fear, there for distorting and crippling rational decision making which is through common sense and critical thinking.

Don't know if my last statement is where you were getting at but its the way I took it.

[babyvr6]

To control a population you need to keep them in fear at all cost and paint yourself out to be their one and only savior. And you keep them dependant on you and in fear by "swinging the pendulum" so to speak through propaganda at all levels. This way decisions made by the individual are more so irrational and made out of panic and fear, there for distorting and crippling rational decision making which is througn common sense and critical thinking.

Wow that sounds nothing like whats going on right now. Are you suggesting that by dumbing down a population and fear-mongering on every level of mass communication will lead to people behaving in a pattern that benefits the landed gentry? Nah, couldn't be! Rubbish I say!

[redneck diaper boy]

The profit margin for an insurance company is only a few percent. The cap on my coverage is $6,000,000.00

As for paying up, private insurance has a much better record of paying doctor bill when compared to Medicaid. I have grandkids on Medicaid and it is lousy. My grandson had congestion in his lungs and they didn't allow a chest X-ray. My son falls and bumps his head and he gets an MRI right away. My son is covered by private insurance.

Last week I went to the dentist. I needed a root canal. I spent all morning in the chair. This was a one dentist operation. The bill was $998.00. There was a dental assistant and an office worker. By the time this dentist pays his help, pays the rent and utilities, pays for his professional liability insurance and pays for supplies, I doubt if he got 200 bucks out of the deal.

Nobody has explained why people come to America for medical treatment. They don't go to Cuba. They don't go to Canada. They don't go to the UK. They don't go to the old Soviet Union! They don't go to China.

Healthcare innovation origionates in America. If the financial incentive is removed, the innovation goes away.

On the issue of the second amendment, the Supreme Court overturned the Miller. decision. Americans have the right to own firearms.

"We might as well give up and run, if they take away out God and guns". Lynard Skynard

Oh don't forget the other idiotic point the left makes on guns. Somehow the 2nd amendment was written only to apply to a branch of civil service that didn't exist till nearly 200 years after the constitution was written,

I just want the damn pendulum to stop swinging and for this nation to operate on commonsense.

[DailyDi]

Having the best Healthcare and having access to said healthcare are not the same thing. Doesn't matter how good the doctors are if people can't afford to see them.

I'm not asking for "free" healthcare, just access and choices.

[M 90]

Wow that sounds nothing like whats going on right now. Are you suggesting that by dumbing down a population and fear-mongering on every level of mass communication will lead to people behaving in a pattern that benefits the landed gentry? Nah, couldn't be! Rubbish I say!

, No, seriously don't listen to me I am just a delusional conspiracy theorist, my opinion is irrelevant, ha ha.

babyvr6, glad you could join the thread

[redneck diaper boy]

Our healthcare system is not perfect. There are those that make too much money to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford high quality healthcare. Many of the un-insured qualify for Medicaid and never apply for it. Many of the so-called un-insured are in America illegally.

Many people, in America, complain that they cannot afford healthcare but they have brand new cars, cell phones, cable tv and 300 dollar sneakers. Some people's priorities are out of wack. Many people do not buy health insurance because they feel like they don't need it.

Anyone, with a threatening medical condition, can walk into an American hospital Emergency Ward and be treated. This is not the most efficient use of resources and should be repaired. The hospitals, by existing law, have to treat anyone. Existing indigent care in America is superior to socialized care anywhere else. Our local indigent care hospital is operated by the University of Florida.

The existing healthcare legislation, that we have been able to see, has little to do with healthcare but plenty of wealth redistribution. Our bad healthcare problems could be fixed with a lot less effort but the politicians have a more sinister plan. The late legislation, that we can see, is about control. The politician's objective is to get as many people depending on a government program as posible. This insures their political power base. To understand the political objective, read the writings of Saul Alinsky. Alinsky was one of Obama's mentors.

Having the best Healthcare and having access to said healthcare are not the same thing. Doesn't matter how good the doctors are if people can't afford to see them.

I'm not asking for "free" healthcare, just access and choices.

[ArtemisEnterri]

I am not sure the answer, but the current system is !@#$ed

not sure why health care has to be tied to employment, I have a decent plan but a bad job. I have to make a decision soon about decent healthcare or a better paycheck/job satisfaction.

The insurance industry is corrupt, they can collect premiums till the cows come home, but drop coverage with no reason, just when they don't feel like paying anymore. Talk about death panels.

Salesmen and insurance executives are living high, I want my money to go to actual health care not inning corporate coffers.

The insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies fix the prices what happened to competition?

everyone who says they love their plan, remember, your job is not as secure as it once was any company can drop any employees at anytime in this economy.

We have all these stupid wars on.... (gambling, drugs I am not talking national security here) They have proven to be pointless if these thriving industries were taxed and regulated they would bring in more than enough to cover health care costs.

What happened to the Hippocratic oath, it is all about the doctors next Corvette.

Bigger companies get better insurance rates because of bigger buying power, if we used the buying power of all the citizens we should be able to get much better rates for everyone.

I want medical coverage that is affordable and can't be taken away once I pay into it. If I am too sick to work I should have the opportunity to get better. I should be allowed to enhance my career without worrying about loosing what I already have paid. I don't mind paying taxes if that money is used for good. How many people have declared bankruptcy of medical bills? That can't be good for anyone. The system is totally broken and I don't think we can trust corporate America to fix it.

Well I sure as hell don't trust the politicians in DC to be able to fix it either. When has ANY program created by the American government EVER been SUCCESSFUL??? When a program goes bad, they throw more money at it thinking it will help, even though it never does.

In the corporate sector, if 2 nearly identical programs are being tested and one fails (loses too much money) but the other succeeds (provides profit), the companies will TERMINATE the programs that fail, they do NOT keep failing programs running (unless of course it is a "not for profit" business, then all their programs lose money month after month).

The problem with the DC politicians is that the overwhelming majority of them have previous job histories as LAWYERS. There are almost ZERO politicians who were previously corporate CEO's, teachers, accountants, etc - people with REAL business backgrounds... Which is why there's always out-of-control spending, and when they need more money they either raise taxes or cut benefits for things, they NEVER try to SAVE any money for future concerns...

Term Limits need to be applied to ALL of them (not just the President) so that we can get fresh, uncorrupted, people into office who will actually do things for US and not for special interest groups and lobbyists.

[Snugglebug]

America has the best healthcare system in the world! If our healthcare system is so bad, why do people come to America from all over the world when their socialized medical care fails?

Mostly for elective surgery for those who can't be arsed to wait. Keep in mind, they're paying money, large amounts of it, for that priviledge. Myself? I'll stay in Canada, thank you, as Hitler-esque as you must seem to think it is.

[ArtemisEnterri]

Our healthcare system is not perfect. There are those that make too much money to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford high quality healthcare. Many of the un-insured qualify for Medicaid and never apply for it. Many of the so-called un-insured are in America illegally.

Many people, in America, complain that they cannot afford healthcare but they have brand new cars, cell phones, cable tv and 300 dollar sneakers. Some people's priorities are out of wack. Many people do not buy health insurance because they feel like they don't need it.

Gee, if only the politicians could use intelligence instead of their overinflated desire for "equality for all"....

I'm so sick of seeing illegals having better benefits than I can get...

Anyone, with a threatening medical condition, can walk into an American hospital Emergency Ward and be treated. This is not the most efficient use of resources and should be repaired. The hospitals, by existing law, have to treat anyone. Existing indigent care in America is superior to socialized care anywhere else. Our local indigent care hospital is operated by the University of Florida.

The existing healthcare legislation, that we have been able to see, has little to do with healthcare but plenty of wealth redistribution. Our bad healthcare problems could be fixed with a lot less effort but the politicians have a more sinister plan. The late legislation, that we can see, is about control. The politician's objective is to get as many people depending on a government program as posible. This insures their political power base. To understand the political objective, read the writings of Saul Alinsky. Alinsky was one of Obama's mentors.

And don't forget that the legislation being voted on takes away freedom of choice, because of the section penalizing anyone who doesn't have "approved" coverage (like college kids who think they are healthy enough they don't need a plan, or the "rich" who can afford to pay cash at the doctor/hospital and don't want to deal with an insurance company)...

I thought the whole idea of being an American was the FREEDOMS we get...

[ArtemisEnterri]

Mostly for elective surgery for those who can't be arsed to wait. Keep in mind, they're paying money, large amounts of it, for that priviledge. Myself? I'll stay in Canada, thank you, as Hitler-esque as you must seem to think it is.

I would rather take home more in my paychecks and choose my own healthcare plan than have one shoved down my throat by politicians while they take even more taxes out of my paycheck. And don't forget the fact that the money you pay into a government-controlled system is very likely to be used for services you might not agree with (like abortion)... At least with a private plan you can specify what services you want your money to be used for...

[Opie]

I don't mean to chopshop your post, but it's easier for me to post my thoughts to your comments.

The insurance industry is corrupt, they can collect premiums till the cows come home, but drop coverage with no reason, just when they don't feel like paying anymore. Talk about death panels.

I agree with you here. I wouldn't say the industry as a whole is corrupt, more along the lines of the people running them. There's always bad apples though that will spoil the bunch though.

I don't mind paying taxes if that money is used for good.

I would love to see a list of projects that our elected officials have signed off on that list the "good" and "bad" projects. Most of those earmarked "pork" projects aren't for good things. And don't even get me started on government programs such as Medicare, Social Security, welfare, etc... I love to see good things happening with my money, but it seems there is more crap than good and it's usually the politicians themselves benefiting somehow.

I want medical coverage that is affordable and can't be taken away once I pay into it. I should be allowed to enhance my career without worrying about loosing what I already have paid.

This is a common misconception. Insurance as it is now is a risk based business. Just like a casino. You are paying the insurance company to take a risk that you will stay healthy. If they lose, they could pay untold amounts of money. If they win, you're monthly premiums were their "jackpot". There is no loosing what you paid when it comes to insurance of any kind.

How many people have declared bankruptcy of medical bills? That can't be good for anyone.

Can't argue again. However, what about all these people who are getting millions of dollars for crap lawsuits? Malpractice insurance is through the roof. What happens when doctors can't get no more malpractice insurance because no one wants to do the insuring no more?

The system is totally broken and I don't think we can trust corporate America to fix it.

Not saying you are inferring the government can fix it, but this is what some people think. Look at government now. You don't have to look hard to see it won't work in healthcare either.

[babyvr6]

The system is broken, and the only way to fix it is to take it back. More news at 11.

[redneck diaper boy]

Take it back from what? It was the socialist mentality that got us in this mess to begin with.

FDR froze wages so to attract workers, employers threw in healthcare.

Since the government got involved with healthcare, the cost has risen much faster than the rate of inflation.

If the government would have left healthcare alone, the free market would have kept the cost affordable. My wife is long past her child bearing years but the government mandates that my group insurance provide her with maternity care!

Government is not the solution. Government is the problem.

The system is broken, and the only way to fix it is to take it back. More news at 11.

[babyvr6]

Take it back from what? It was the socialist mentality that got us in this mess to begin with.

FDR froze wages so to attract workers, employers threw in healthcare.

Since the government got involved with healthcare, the cost has risen much faster than the rate of inflation.

If the government would have left healthcare alone, the free market would have kept the cost affordable. My wife is long past her child bearing years but the government mandates that my group insurance provide her with maternity care!

Government is not the solution. Government is the problem.

Our nation, from the government. "A government large enough to give you everything you need is powerful enough to take everything you have." It's sad that I need to clarify this.

The system is broken (our nation is a rotting cesspool of corporate corruption) The only way to fix it is to take it back. (From the elitist swine that rule the world) More news at 11. (more news at 11 )

[curiositykilledthecat]

Our nation, from the government. "A government large enough to give you everything you need is powerful enough to take everything you have." It's sad that I need to clarify this.

The system is broken (our nation is a rotting cesspool of corporate corruption) The only way to fix it is to take it back. (From the elitist swine that rule the world) More news at 11. (more news at 11 )

never once in human history has a larger government ever been a good thing. Power corrupts and stupid people are easily corrupted.

[Snugglebug]

I would rather take home more in my paychecks and choose my own healthcare plan than have one shoved down my throat by politicians while they take even more taxes out of my paycheck. And don't forget the fact that the money you pay into a government-controlled system is very likely to be used for services you might not agree with (like abortion)... At least with a private plan you can specify what services you want your money to be used for...

Actually, I'm quite happy with the amount of money taken out of my paycheque. Why? Because, quite frankly, you are NEVER assured of a paycheque. What's your country's unemployment rate these days? Shrinking any?

[BoTox]

The US fought for freedom and continues to do it around the world on behalf of the oppressed. We value freedom, or at least our founding fathers did. I value freedom and self reliance. I do not begrudge those with good fortune the fruits of their own backs and brains. Our constitution guarantees rights and limits government. It is supposed to protect against government involvement yet the leading legislative, judicial and executives in power seem to think they have the obligation of screwing over a measly two hundred year old piece of paper.

Every president since Jefferson has done "compassionate" things that have no constitutional backing unless the constitution is amended, which has been done many times. The problem is that congress, the judges and the president have devolved into the rule of man instead of the rule of law. The federal government should only defend this country and regulate interstate commerce. It has no legal standing to dictate personal matters. The states, to a larger degree, have more local powers but based upon each states constitution, they also have limited powers.

Read anything any of our founding fathers wrote and you will quickly find they despised despots and tyrants no matter the title, be it king, emperor, prime minister or president. They feared this day would come when the cattle that used to be citizens would eagerly accept the collar of total servitude for the promise of eternal security.

The soviets proved socialism doesn't work. It never does. Socialism nearly doomed the Jamestown colony in 1607 by forcing all to put into a common store and take only what they needed. The phrase, "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" is a death sentence!

The first Thanksgiving at Plymouth in 1621 was more a last meal of the condemned for the same reason. It wasn't until socialism was abolished that the free market took over and the formerly starving colonies actually produce enough to feed themselves AND export back to England.

Those that will not learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. By all accounts, the UK's health services are going bankrupt along with degrading care, longer waits and staffing problems. By all accounts, Canada is moving toward the same spiraling decline.

I once read a report that stated Pittsburgh, PA has more MRI machines than all of Canada. I've been treated in my Podunk little burg at various times by more than one Canadian doctor that moved here for reasons I leave you to postulate on your own.

In closing, access to medical care in the US is different than paying for same. Part of the problem is the $80 acetaminophen they give you in the hospital when $80 will buy a lifetime supply.

[abypk82]

I hate that my country only has the 37th best healthcare in the world. I hate that there are so many stupid people that rally for "capitalism" without even knowing what they're actually supporting. I hate that George W. Bush managed to run the country into the ground, and that there were still idiots on Fox toting his praises. I hate narrow minded rednecks that think every liberal is the next Adolf Hitler. I hate how easy it is to obtain a firearm in this country, and finally I hate that my state allows multiple D.U.I.'s before it becomes a criminal offense. If you get caught behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated more than twice, we as a society should do ourselves a favor and castrate you.

Who's narrow minded, Liberals praise their views and not bother to listen to other minded persons...You hate Fox, but they just do the same thing as CNN, and MSNBC just with another view point. You want to know what government healthcare will be like go volunteer at the VA, and by the way I'm a vet... The only thing I do agree with you is DUI, I think it should be handled better, however being in the criminal justice system I see murderers get out on a signiture bond because its mandated that domestic violence offenders be held without bond...there's a lot in this country that is wrong...

[M 90]

The US fought for freedom and continues to do it around the world on behalf of the oppressed.

I agree with a lot of what you said except for your very first sentence, our Forefathers were actually against this.

It is our true policy to steer clear of entangling alliances with any portion of the foreign world. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. – George Washington

[redneck diaper boy]

America has survived previous recessions.

I hate Obama with a passion. I am old enough to know that Communism is not compatable with personal freedom. I saw Jimmy Carter fuck up the economy in the 70's. I saw Reagan fix it in the 80's. I see Obama doing the opposite of what needs to be done. Obama is either really stupid or really smart. If Obama's objective is to better America, he is stupid. If Obama's objective is to destroy America, he is doing a good job of it.

Recession is when your neighbor looses his job. Depression is when you loose your job. Revovery will happen when Obama looses his job.

Actually, I'm quite happy with the amount of money taken out of my paycheque. Why? Because, quite frankly, you are NEVER assured of a paycheque. What's your country's unemployment rate these days? Shrinking any?

[Snugglebug]

America has survived previous recessions.

I hate Obama with a passion. I am old enough to know that Communism is not compatable with personal freedom. I saw Jimmy Carter fuck up the economy in the 70's. I saw Reagan fix it in the 80's. I see Obama doing the opposite of what needs to be done. Obama is either really stupid or really smart. If Obama's objective is to better America, he is stupid. If Obama's objective is to destroy America, he is doing a good job of it.

Recession is when your neighbor looses his job. Depression is when you loose your job. Revovery will happen when Obama looses his job.

As far as most Canadians, and much of the rest of the world, are concerned, Obama is the best, last chance for America to pull Herself out of the hole that Bush dug Her into. But I'm not going to argue this any further. If Obama succeeds, hurray for our neighbours to the south! If you succeed, it'll just be the same-old, same-old. Either way, Canada has proven that She can keep Herself from being dragged under by America's struggles, so I don't have to as concerned by any poor choices made by Americans as I may have in the past.

(As a final side note, I do find it interesting to see that you will only be concerned about the unemployment rate when it actually affects you directly.)

[Opie]

Actually, I'm quite happy with the amount of money taken out of my paycheque. Why? Because, quite frankly, you are NEVER assured of a paycheque. What's your country's unemployment rate these days? Shrinking any?

Kind of a low blow, but I'll respond...

The reason we are in a recession in the first place, I believe, is due to government invovlement. When Republicans wanted to add more oversight to the Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac programs, Dems said there was no need, they are doing just fine... Yep. Both broke because they backed loans to people who couldn't afford and maintain them. Which put people in debt and the banks holding the bag. Now the banks are going under, they're not lending money anymore. Now, everyone is scared to spend what they got. Kind of like a paradox. People don't buy stuff, so companies aren't producing it, which means employees are working less, which means they spend less... See the paradox?

Add to this greedy capitalists who took advantage of the American public. Enron, the banks, Madoff, etc...

And some of this does need to be fixed. But you can't preempt every single problem out there. There will always be someone out there taking advantage of someone else.

STILL, WHATEVER THE GOVERNMENT GIVES OUT HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM SOMEONE ELSE.

[M 90]

As far as most Canadians, and much of the rest of the world, are concerned, Obama is the best, last chance for America to pull Herself out of the hole that Bush dug Her into. But I'm not going to argue this any further. If Obama succeeds, hurray for our neighbours to the south! If you succeed, it'll just be the same-old, same-old. Either way, Canada has proven that She can keep Herself from being dragged under by America's struggles, so I don't have to as concerned by any poor choices made by Americans as I may have in the past.

(As a final side note, I do find it interesting to see that you will only be concerned about the unemployment rate when it actually affects you directly.)

Again how can you cheer Obama and dog on Bush? if anything you should thank Bush and his administration for crippling the economy so Obama and his admin. can "clean" it up... or more appropriately "clean it out"!

Your getting caught up in the left-right paradigm that so many of our people so whoofully do. The Republican and Democratic parties are just like McDonald's and Burger King, They both are forever at eachothers throat's trying to one up the other and dominate the burger making market. But the fact is that these 2 companies rely on eachother's compatition with one another to leave every other burger joint in their dust. So Mcdonald's has the Big Mac and Burger King has the Whopper but you know what they are still just selling you fucking Hamburgers! Same with the Democratic and Republican parties ones a little more conservative the other a little more liberal but as the past year has shown they both had the same fucking agenda! The conservative ticket wanted to bankrupt the nation through endless war and empire expansion and the liberals wanted to do it with the national health care reform.

Also check out my other posts as well as curiositykilledthecat's posts in this thread which are further examples of the illusion of choice we have between the two dominant political parties of this nation.

Another example of how much "change" Obama and the Dems are about just google all the article's stating how similar Obama's economic policy is to that of Bush's economic policy. Obama even hired 2 of Bush's economic advisors to help "reverse" our economic down-ward spiral.

The evidence shows that something is being set up and the presidents are just the salesman, the debates, speeches and state of addresses are just the infomercials, but in the end its just a slick talker (in Bush's case, not so slick of a talker) making you beleive in their employers hot-new gadget, in the end there are a board of people behind the scenes making a lot of money off duping you into buying their over-priced, to good to be true, piece of shit product.

I will also agree with you with your comment about the "poor choices of Americans", if more people would just do their homework when it comes to what made America the nation that it was they would realize how far gone our government is and how it has been usurped by the very corruption our Forefathers warned us of, but then again your post proves that you haven't really done your homework either. But I do respect your honest words.

[Opie]

The evidence shows that something is being set up and the presidents are just the salesman, the debates, speeches and state of addresses are just the infomercials, but in the end its just a slick talker (in Bush's case, not so slick of a talker) making you beleive in their employers hot-new gadget, in the end there are a board of people behind the scenes making a lot of money off duping you into buying their over-priced, to good to be true, piece of shit product.

I like how you said that.

I will also agree with you with your comment about the "poor choices of Americans", if more people would just do their homework when it comes to what made America the nation that it was they would realize how far gone our government is and how it has been usurped by the very corruption our Forefathers warned us of, but then again your post proves that you haven't really done your homework either. But I do respect your honest words.

I wish I could speak this eloquently. Even knowing this stuff, I never think to say it.