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The USA Medical System
For what my opinion is worth....(apparently nothing).....
We have a lot of very fine technology, equipment, and learned people. AND, I believe we have a TERRIBLE, EGOCENTRIC, MONEY-GRUBBING, ARROGANT, SELF-SERVING medical system in the "Good Ole U S of A". Frankly, it is a disgrace. That's my opinion...what's yours? not cheerfully, :flame: Bruce P.S. I MIGHT give some of my reasons for feeling this way in later posts, if it seems appropriate. If inappropriate, I'll probably not comment. After all, it's only one "dummy's" opinion. |
Preaching to the choir, my friend. I've done the national healthcare thing both here in the U.K. and when I lived in Japan, and I'm not looking forward to going back to the U.S. and having zero health insurance until I get a job and can pay for it. It blows people's minds here when I tell them about how health coverage works in the States (heck, it blows my mind on occasion, and I've lived under that system for the better part of my life).
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I'm sorry for whatever you are going through, and I agree that our system stinks.
I don't think socialized medicine is the answer, though. |
Hello "TOP NERD",
Bist du Deutsch? Ich kann un bischen Deutsch verstehen. Du bist rictich! (Can't spell German worth a hoot...ha-ha!) RockyGlen, I agree that socialized medicine is NOT the answer. But what I THINK may be part of the answer is to allow U.S. citizens to make their OWN individual choices and NOT DICTATE parameters. We all take our own risks every day (like the seatbelt law). My prayer: "Lord, Save me from "do-gooders"....ARROGANT BUMS!...Amen. an opinion, Bruce P.S. They THINK that ONLY Doctors can heal (under Gov't Supervision). BUNK! |
The corporate system stinks not the doctors, nurses and hard working staff.
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Painterswife.....
I wholeheartedly disagree with you. :) The Doctors, Nurses, and "hard working staff" are more to blame (in my opinion) that the so-called "Corporate Masters". How many Corporate CEOs have you visited with? What did they tell you personally....that the Balance Sheet was a little "OFF-Kilter"? Right. :rolleyes: The people who you see are the people you defend. They are "arrogant" because they have been taught that the "general populace" is to be cared for in their (us) "benign ignorance". :cool: They smile sweetly while they "play the game". It is NOT THEIR FAULT, but they do the "dealing"! [B]THE SYSTEM IS SCREWED UP! :hobbyhors Tommy Jefferson is spinning so fast in his grave that he is distorting gravity! :Bawling: Bruce :) |
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(Sad to say, but my ---dish vocabulary is actually better than my German, and my Japanese is better than both- two years in Japan filtered out a huge chunk of my other foreign languages) I don't think national health care is a panacea, but I think some kind of a system that provides for people without jobs is a totally reasonable thing to want. In this day in age, the prospect of anyone going without health care just seems wrong to me (and a lot of others, though I wouldn't expect that alone to convince someone who felt otherwise). People post on this board all the time about various injuries and illnesses they have that are worrying them but haven't been checked out solely because they haven't got insurance and don't have the money to pay the exorbitant hospital or doctor's fees out of pocket. It really bothers me- especially knowing that kids are in that position, through no fault of their own. Ah, well. One more thing to add to the list of "Stuff That Needs Improvement," I guess. |
One of the things killing the US medical system is malpractice premiums. Some doctors are paying $1,000 per day just in insurance -- this would be obstetricians and orthopedic surgeons. Other docs are high but not at the top. People come in for treatment and if they don't get the result they want they will sue for top dollar and the lawyers push for it, hoping for high percentages on cases won. However, how can you control something like this in a free enterprise system?
Ken in Glassboro, NJ :) |
My mom is a hard working nurse of 35 years. She says things are not the same. She said it is a 'terrible time to get sick'. :(
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Wow - I have to say that I don't agree with the socialized medicine view at all. Why would anyone view medical care as a right?
You get a job, you pay for coverage, you get medical care. I'm sorry - that's how it works. Now, I agree on tort reform etc. and that our system isn't perfect. I just don't believe that you have a right to get what you want/feel that you need for free. I need a house to live in but it, if I don't earn one - I deserve to be out on my behind. |
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If it were that simple for everyone cjb..........what if your like me who has a multi handicapped child and no private insurance will cover her because in thier eyes, she's "too expensive on thier wallets." DH and I have no problem with getting ins. for ourselves. But we can't afford it. It's a Catch 22, he gets a better job that offers benefits, but they still won't cover DD. So what should we do? Pay out of pocket for her medical care? How does anyone afford $100,000 a year medical expenses? :shrug: |
Yeah, you beat me to it, FiddleKat. The problem is that there are millions of people in the U.S. who do work (and work hard), but for various reasons, can't get insurance. Maybe they're working multiple part-time jobs that pay just enough to mean they're "not poor enough" to get state health care but nowhere near enough to mean they can pay however many hundreds per month for their own health coverage. Maybe they've been diagnosed with some kind of condition that the insurance companies consider "preexisting" and won't cover, despite the fact that the treatment costs thousands of dollars. Maybe they work for a company like Wal-Mart that attempts to avoid giving them enough hours/money to require the company to give them health coverage. There are a heck of a lot of reasons that someone may not have health coverage that don't fall into the category of, "I'm a lazy bum who sits around eating Cheetos and watching TV all day."
Personally, I think I may have or be seriously at risk for a fairly major medical problem, but I can't/won't get it checked out until I'm safely in a job with health coverage, because if it turns out to be what I think it is, I don't want some insurance company trying to tell me it's "preexisting." Also, I've applied for a load of jobs to try and make sure I'm employed ASAP when I return to the U.S. If I get one lined up, great, but even then, let's say my mom picks me up at the airport and on the way home, we're in a car accident and I'm badly/permanently injured. No insurance coverage? Say hello to bankruptcy! In theory, the whole argument of, "Hey, if you want coverage, get a job," sounds great, but in practice, it means that a hell of a lot of perfectly hard-working, responsible people fall through the cracks. And it ignores the fact that the kids of parents in these situations are also placed at a huge risk, since they're not covered, either (unless they qualify for state coverage, but that isn't guaranteed). I don't think it's really on to put someone at risk of not being able to get proper treatment or a timely diagnosis for leukemia or something simply because his parents don't have jobs that provide health care. |
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I'm not saying that we shouldn't have special programs to offer financial assistance in cases such as yours... but that is a vastly different situation then an able-bodied person that doesn't have a job, yet still expects the same level of health care as everyone else. |
Exactly Faustus, I and DH are thankful that the state will cover our daughter since she does have so many needs. In fact, this morning we brought her to be casted for a new pair of leg braces. I asked the orthotist out of curiousity how much they ran. He said anywhere from $900 to $1200 a pair. She had ones done last year, but have outgrown them. And he said Medicade/Medicare has set prices on everything across the board. And that they will end up getting $700 for the leg braces. It boggles the mind! But he said, medical offices also have to look at thier profit margins, because afterall its still a business.
My husband at his last job, he could have gotten ins. for us but it was $1000 a month!! ON top of a mortgage, utilities, vehicles etc. people today would have to be making ALOT of money. And I mean ALOT!! So for now, both DH and I have applied to a local clinic and only have to pay $15 for a doctor's visit. But still, we limit that. DH gets a yearly checkup paid for by his boss, so we are also good there. However, back in May DD had strep, and I wasn't feeling well. So I went to the clinic on a friday morning since I didn't want to postpone it and end up in the ER. The doctor tells me my throat is hurting from sinus pressure. What happens, I end up in the ER anyway with a bill for over $300 |
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They may suppose to accept every dep. but they don't. We've gone through this, and have been told that they would cover him and I, but not DD. And yes, I do agree able-bodied people who are capable of working, should work and recieve benefits through ins. that way. |
Should Americans be able to buy "presciption" medicines without a DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION, just like in MEXICO?
Whadda ya think? |
IF American's weren't spoon fed the idea (thank you, modern marketing!) every day, all day, that no one should go through life with any discomfort whatever, and that going to the doctor or ER for a COLD is a proper use of medical resources, we'd all be better off. I can't tell you the number of times I have seen local clinics clogged up with folks who did not need to be there-many of them young parents with kids who have a slight fever, for example, or a simple cold. But no, they will go burn up $160 worth of clinic time, who knows how much in lab fees, then get some subsidized drug for cheap that isn't any more effective than anything else on a virus-but I digress ;)
That and tort reform, of course-the ignorant even think that the health care insurance companies would like that-NOT! It's all about corporate profits and returns to shareholders. JMO. |
As long as there is money to be made in treatment rather then cure or prevention, we'll be on the cutting edge of . . . treatment.
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Where I live we have a different system. We do not have the NHS and until a few years ago health care was totally private. Then they changed the system - they added an extra 1% to everyone's Social Insurance payments which covers a huge health insurance for specialist health care for everyone. This means that if I go to my GP with a minor grumble I have to pay for it, if he decides that it is not a minor grumble and refers me to a specialist of ANY sort then from then on the insurance covers it. If I get pregnant then all my ob/gyn visits and scans are paid for, anything beyond what the GP can provide is covered. This works - there are no get-out clauses for the insurance company, no question of not paying because of the nature of the illness, no refusing to cover anyone, and I am sure we get the cover a lot cheaper than if we all took out individual policies.
Dentistry is not included and you need to take out your own insurance for that. Kids dentistry is free while they are of school age. I don't know what the rights and wrongs are of any system are, but this works for us. It is not free health care, we all pay in and we all get it back. hoggie |
Fiddlekat, is it that they will not cover her, period, or that they will after a waiting period?
Never mind - I see that they would have covered her, just at a higher cost. I am not a fan of insurance, and hate the fact that it is mandatory for cars. It's like gambling....I'll give you this much every month, on the off chance I may need more than that if I get sick. BUT....I can understand why your premium would be so high. Your daughter has ongoing health issues, and in your case they are most likely going to cost way more than even the $1000 premium. Actually, $1000 seems reasonable to me for her health issues. |
RockyGlen we were told that they would not cover her period, and there was one case they would but at a higher rate. Even higher than the $1000 a month.
And since you brought up the car ins. that's another thing. How many people drive without it?? We pay just over $1, 029 a year for full coverage on both vehicles. And both DH and I have clean driving records. My concern is being hit and the other driver taking off. Since that happened to use before. |
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Things are only going to get worse for people with serious (or even possibly serious) medical conditions unless the Senate gets off their duff and passes the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). Currently, many people are afraid to be tested for genetic disorders because it can lead to loss of jobs, denial from insurance companies or very, very high premiums based on the presence of a gene that may or may not cause a person or their child to have serious medical problems.
This doesn't just apply to people affected now by these disorders-- genetic information has been used to deny Jewish families insurance because they may have a child with Tay Sach's in the future or a Black person may carry the sickle cell trait and give birth to a child that needs transfusions, hospitalization etc.. People have lost their jobs after employers (who have access to their medical records) discover they carry the Huntington's or early onset Alzheimers gene. Before anyone says-- this discrimination doesn't affect many people: Over 30 million Americans have a rare genetic disorder. Everyone of us has 6 or 7 (maybe more) genes for lethal or debilitating disorders. If our coverage were to based on our genetic profile we'd all be paying out the ying-yang for coverage. Things such as pre-disposition to cancer could mean high premiums, loss of coverage or even loss of jobs for many Americans who may or may not ever develop cancer. OK-- I'll get off my soapbox now... I do feel we need to reform the system, but honestly, paying for all Americans to have healthcare doesn't seem feasible. Michelle |
Part of the problem are people who walk into the hospital or emergency room without a lick of insurance and zero in the bank and then get "free" treatment. Free to the deadbeats, I mean. The rest of us who pay or who have insurance or who pay taxes end up paying the hospital bills for the deadbeats. Thus, our insurance rates and medical treatment costs skyrocket out of control.
Junkmanme, there are a lot of deadbeats in this country (if you catch my drift). |
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See that's an ASSUMPTION on your part. Never did I say I resent paying for insurance...........I just commented that its EXPENSIVE. Nor did I say I think that it ought to be FREE. Stop reading into posts........................and putting words into my mouth. |
Healthcare (or some of it) is not something we can plan for
Trixi I understand how you say FK feels- I feel that way about college for my DD. Why should I, intelligently working hard to save enough for my retirement and for tuition at an average cost college, not be eligible for any financial aid for DD should she have the opportunity to attend a top notch college which costs much more than I have saved for paying such costs? Had I frittered away all my pay all my life (like my family of birth does) DD would get full need scholarship to such a college were she admitted (like I did). I have occasional resentful mad schemes to throw away all my money before DD applies for aid (better than making her marry or join military for 2 years just to become 'independent')
Guess I am grumpy that college costs so much that most people need financial aid to attend. Which perhaps overhigh tuition from the few ineligible for aid helps subsidize. Like health care if everyone had to pay for their own with no assistance bet tuition would be lower. Anyway unlike college, with healthcare we can not always chose to not bother buying it- if FK neglected her child's medical care she would lose her child to death and/or protective services. Yet the costs for some unlucky ones with ailments such as FK's DD are beyond the means of almost anyone even those who've tried to prepare for it. Therefore [WARNING SOCIALIST SENTIMENTS TO FOLLOW] healthcare is not something which everyone should have to pay for all by themselves. Like hoggie off the English coast we should all expect to pay for regular 'tune-ups' so to speak but if the unpredictable (and normal childbirth perhaps should not fall into this category, but the state has a strong interest in even those unwilling to pay for proper maternity care; receiving proper maternity care) befalls us and we need more than a GP's (FP's) care just as if unusually we need the police or the fire department at our home why not have society share this risk and burden? |
Aside from the "health insurance problem", what do you think about how the Medical System functions? Do you believe that Medical care should be controlled by MDs and Hospitals? Is "self-care" a crime? (seems to be....)
Junkmanme |
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Point is, you know very well how expensive your daughter's care is. That money comes from somewhere, and what they're asking you to pay in insurance, while tough to manage, is just a drop in the bucket. You're being asked to pay maybe $20,000 a year for healthcare that costs five times that amount annually, and it's unfair? I just don't get it. |
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how do you prevent a oncogene from mutating? How do you cure it? How can you prevent that pancrease from stopping the production of insulin? How do you prevent that blood clot from forming and leading to a debilitating stroke? How do you prevent that appendix from getting infected and needing surgical removal? The list could go on and on and these unforeseen and unpreventable things will continue to occur and if they happen to 'you' diagnosis and treatment of the condition will cost money.....and those costs can get very high very fast....for instance biopdy, contrast CT, MRI and/or PET scan for a diagnosis of cancer and determination of the extent and spread of the disease.....let alone surgery........of course the individual does have the choice to not seek medical care so they can save their money....... |
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In my own limited experience, it looks to me as though it's the insurance carriers that have munged things up so royally. Perhaps it would make sense to move to a system in which carriers openly compete for direct customers who choose plans based on their own needs, not who are chosen by employers with little in mind but low cost. More like auto insurance, which isn't nearly so out of control. Employers could still offer copayment as a benefit to employees they deemed desirable enough. |
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FiddleKat - I'm not sure how much the "one case they would but at a higher rate" was but even if it was twice as much ($2K) a month - that is still a very good investment for over $100K a year in expenses. Of course I realize that you have stated that is more then your household can afford :( And I applaude you doing whatever it takes to makes sure your daughter has the best possible medical care. With HMO's and such, and Medicare/Medicade, and people with insurance that negotiates costs with doctors and medical institutions, the real shame is that the working poor pay more for medical care in the U.S. then anyone one else - there is no way anyone can justify that fact in my eyes. Perhaps the answer lies in people currently without health insurance or not enough health insurance organizing to form their own pool of funds for medical coverage. Even if it fails they will have a better understanding of what it takes to afford medical coverage? Hugs, Marlene |
If my history classes served me right, I remember int he Declaration of Independence that we have the RIGHT to pursue happiness. How is working a stink job just because you NEED insurance allowing you to pursue happiness?
I was talking with my SIL last night. She has depression. Her husband works and they have crappy insurance. The company they work for can't change it for another year. She went to a therapist who accepted her insurance (very few would even though it's a mainstream insurance co.). The insurance paid half. My SIL has to come up with the other $95 a week to get therapy. They're already paying $600 a month for the insurance at work and since they have a child who is asthematic (likes to turn blue), they are reluctant to give up the $600 a month insurance because they fear the next time the asthma flares up. One hospital stay alone could cost them $15K. They tried to get private insurance, but between the depression and the fact that she's of child bearing age, they were denied, or were going to be charge $1,200 a month. My SIL has to suffer from depression for at least another year when the insurance can be switched (but they've been warned it probably won't be as it's cheap for the employer.), or she waits 6-8 months to get an appointment at the free clinic where they'll shove drugs at her. She went on drugs last time and had some very negative reactions-reactions so bad my MIL had to move in with them for a few months. Either way, she's in a deep pit and sees no light out. My BIL WORKS AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS STILL LETTING THEM DOWN. WHAT ARE THEY TO DO? Folks assume that because someone works they have ACCEPTABLE health care. They don't realize that an employer can't afford the good insurance anymore or that they are not adequately covered. We own our own small company. We have 5 employees. We resent having to pay $5,000 every other month to cover our people. That bites into our earnings. We've had to miss paychecks to keep the insurance going. We'd gladly pay more out of pocket for taxes if it meant that our company could be more profitable. |
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Ayn Rand makes a distinction between "life" and "survival." The first is a right that we all have upon birth, and which no person has the right to take away from us (thus, murder is wrong). "Survival" is another matter, and requires that individuals go out and get what they need for themselves. No one has a "right" to that. No one has a God-given right to a job they love. No one has the right to take things away from people who have succeeded, using nothing but their own failure as their "moral" validation. |
Well, I live in the Lucky Country, Australia, where everybody gets medical care of the highest quality, whether they can afford to pay for it or not. People who have jobs are encouraged to take out private insurance, and when needed, to go to private hospitals, of which there are many more than Public hospitals, though there are a lot of those, too.
Anybody (including unemployed, sick, elderly, disabled, war veterans and their spouses) who receives assistance from social security is eligible for free medical and dental care, spectacles, prostheses, hearing aids and assorted equipment as required (granny pushers, wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs etc). The equipment isn't always the very best and most expensive available, but they are adequate and that's the main thing. I have been on a disability allowance for many years, and my experience just recently illustrates the help I've received (and still receive), as an example. I attend my GP for free. I get blood tests, assorted scans and other tests for free. I get free spectacles (2 pairs every 2 years for different purposes) - but if I want extras like tinting or hardening, or bifocals, I pay the difference). I get free rides in an ambulance (including transport to and from hospital or doctor for appointments - I have to give 2 days' notice, however, and might have to await their availability after the appointment if they're busy). Any time I spend as an in-patient in hospital is free, as is all treatment and drugs I need while there. Most of the drugs I get on prescription (when leaving hospital or at home) are heavily subsidised. In my particular case, all the drugs I've needed have been covered by this scheme. Any surgery I've had has been carried out by specialists, free. Cosmetic surgery, liposuction and other elective procedures are not free, though some specialists will 'bulk bill'. That is, they'll accept a prescribed amount which is paid by the govt, and forego any extra costs which an insured person might have to pay. If I have a condition that my GP can't handle, any specialist he sends me to will 'bulk bill' ie will be free to me. Some specialists do not take 'bulk bill' patients, so the GP picks and chooses. In hospital, I have been treated by renowned consultants (as in my latest illness). Free. Not all GPs accept 'bulk bill' patients, either. Doctors have this personal choice, but there is usually at least one doctor in each practice who does. S/he is usually a very busy person! Any person who goes to the Casualty Department at any hospital is entitled to free treatment, whether they are wealthy or poverty-stricken. A treating doctor will ask if you are covered by insurance, and will refer the patient to the appropriate specialist if needed. In addition to all that, I am entitled, when necessary, to other assistance. I currently have a cleaner (free) once a fortnight because I cannot even make my bed yet. I could have a nurse come in every day to shower me, or give me injections, if I needed it. (I have a shower chair.) I am provided with a counsellor (free) who will make house calls when needed, or if not who rings me regularly. I am entitled to certain fittings to be installed at my house - like grab rails in the bathroom, or if I had a wheelchair, I'd get help installing ramps if needed, or a chair-lift up stairs. Some of the more expensive items are not free, but they are subsidised. If I needed somebody here to look after me full-time, that person would be entitled to a Carer's Allowance, and we'd both be entitled to have me attend respite care on a regular basis. If I had absolutely nobody at all to help me, I'd be provided with somebody who could do my shopping, drive me to the hairdresser, pay bills for me, post letters - that sort of thing. In short, if I need help, I get it. My consultant would not discharge me until a social worker had arranged for things like the cleaner, and Meals on Wheels, and was assured that I had a friend or family member who could help, and a GP prepared to make home visits. The services of the social worker come free, too. Of course, follow-up services are also available - free - such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and whatnot. My chemist delivers my medications to me at my home. My friend withdraws small amounts of cash from my bank account for the purpose of paying for these. I prefer to do it this way, rather than to have an ever-increasing debt on account. The chemist collects the doctor's prescription and keeps it for repeats, so all I have to do when running out of one drug or other, is to ring and ask for them. The service is free, and so far they've always been on the same day as my phone call. BUT - the system isn't perfect. Far from it. We have an aging population, and hospital beds aren't always available to others. I spent 10 hours on a trolley parked in a corridor in Casualty before a bed was found for me recently. I was too sick to care - and I received all the necessary attention while I waited. One room was kept free for the purposes of privacy for any patients who didn't have a cubicle. One of the major hospitals locally (the one I was in) has a policy of putting men and women in rooms together. I strongly object to this, but I can see that any bed in hospital is better than none when there is a shortage. We also get free dental care, however there are chronic long waiting lists for routine checks and simple procedures. In an emergency, however, we'll get help if we attend the Casualty Dept at any public hospital. Free dentures are available, too, but you might have to wait a while for them. For some people, once you're 'in the system', it's easy. For others, 'getting in' can be a lengthy process - except in an emergency, and except if you're a victim of a violent crime - rape, muggings, etc - or an accident victim. In which case, all stops are pulled out for you. People complain all the time about a nationalised health service - shortages of hospitals, doctors, equipment, funding - and long waiting lists, but honestly I have no cause to complain at all. I might not have a private room, but I do get top-of-the-tree doctors when needed, and nursing, and medications, and surgery, and subsidiary assistance as required, and after-care, and what more can a person really want? People who are employed pay a small percentage on their income tax to cover the costs of our health service. I'm not sure how much, but I think it's about 1-3%. I don't consider that unfair. I paid for it when I was working, and now I can no longer work, I reap the benefits. I don't know a lot about the American system, but it does make my blood curdle to read so many posts here at HT from people who cannot afford even basic medical care. America is a wealthy country, many times wealthier than Australia, but I get the impression that the American Powers-That-Be don't give a hoot about the state of health of its citizens. The poor ones, especially. All people are entitled to have proper medical care when needed. I regard it as a basic right. Perhaps America should stop playing war games and play Happy Families instead. |
Problem started with caving into the blackmail of our politicians by GM, GE etal. In order for the group of businesses to 'buy into Social Security', they wanted to self-fund healthcare. See recent news as to how these very same companies whine the longest and loudest about healthcare costs. Insurance, be it P&C, health etc. CAN make a reasonable (this is a key word here) profit and still meet the contractual obligation of their policies. BUT in order for insurance to "work", the pool of insureds must be large enough to share in the risk. Our pools are small (and shallow sometimes). A policy covering 6 people is doomed to fail.
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See your ASSUMING again........................ I didn't say I thought it was unfair. Who doesn't complain about the high cost of insurance? Whether it be car, medical or whatever?? :shrug: YOUR the one who's saying its unfair. I didn't. Obviously you don't get it. And yes, I know how expensive my daughter's care is, and I am THANKFUL that the gov. is covering her, and I have had no problems whatsoever. They covered her $7000 wheelchair she got three years ago, and we just had it adjusted for growth, and probably will last her another three years. She just had her AFO's (leg braces) approved. But please, I ask you not to turn my words around to try to start something. Because I feel that that is what your doing. |
Well, I guess I will jump into this fray. My opinions are based on my experiences and I am sure that they are not going to be popular... but oh well. Before I start, let me state for the record that I am very aware that life is full of choices and the consequences of those choices.
John (late dh) worked for Home Depot. It was one of the highest paying jobs he had ever had. They did offer insurance. If he were to have it... meaning if he signed up for it at exactly the right time (they only allowed you to sign up for it once a year) it would have cost him $100 a month. Now that doesn't sound like much to most of y'all, but to us it was more than we could afford. That was just insurance for him... not me or the kids too. So he did not have insurance. If he would have had it he would have been more likely to see a doctor and perhaps have his high blood pressure diagnosed. As it was, when he got sick he refused to go to the hospital because he was afraid to run up a bill that we could not get out from under. We had an appointment for the local free clinic but the wait was so long, he didn't make it. After he died from complications of high blood pressure, I wrote a letter to President Bush. I knew it would never reach him but it was something that I just had to do. The gist of that letter was that if we could somehow make insurance for people that do work affordable, tragedies like our would not happen. Not to mention that I think that it would have made more sense for the government to make insurance available for a larger part of the income bracket... as it was they had to pay the $85,000 hospital bill through a retroactive medicaid card for John after he died. Wouldn't it have been cheaper for them to give him a medicaid card for doctor visits and medications? Right now my kids have Medicaid (state insurance) but I am not covered. Again, my choice to not work due to taking care of John (son) and as such this is my consequence. (long story that would need another thread to talk about) We are blessed with some fine doctors. Their pediatric nurse practitioner is great... we have been with this office for 17 years now. Their psychiatrist is hard to get in to see but he is wonderful and gracious. The specialists that we have had to see have been great too. Perhaps we are just blessed, I don't know. John did have one crappy doctor that was very full of himself during one ER visit, but I just gave him the "stink eye" and he backed down rather quickly. But that is only one in a number of doctors. Recently I have been going to the local free clinic and again I was blessed to get a fantastic gyno. I just love her too! With the state insurance there are some hoops you have to jump through for medications... like John had to wait a month on one med, and it not work before he could get another one. I thought it was rather stupid to ask a suicidal child to use a med that we all knew was not going to work, for a month before they would give him the one that would. But it was worth it because by having Medicaid the $1000 a month that our meds would cost, it paid for. So, while I see that there are some things that could be better, I try not to grumble too much. There, that is one opinion from a different demographic... FWIW. God bless you and yours Deb |
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Why would you think you should have anything if you are not willing to earn it? Food, medical, a roof over your head? All these things are not rights they are earned. I have always felt they should be anyway. Now to clarify I KNOW many work but still cant afford medical and this is a reality that sucks but it is not my point. |
And for the person who said they have the right to pursue happiness and something about a stink job and insurance.
Please realize, only you have the power to be happy. NO ONE can MAKE you that way. NO JOB can give you happiness. Its all about how you choose to see life. You can choose to be happy in ANY situation. |
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