Thadius
Posts: 5091
Joined: 10/11/2005 Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Musicmystery Thadius, I think you're making a lot of assumptions (at least implied assumptions). Wouldn't it be great if anyone could just have any care at all? Well, no. Why not? First, not all care is necessary or even desirable, and not everyone wants to hear it. I have a doctor I like and trust. If he says I don't need something, I believe him. If he says to get the flu shot and here's why, I listen and do it. But not everyone trusts their doctors and/or are going to want to do everything possible whether it's realistically indicated or not. That's expensive and unnecessary. That means someone or ones, somewhere and somehow, will have to make decisions regarding care, whether through public or private insurance. Can that be abused? Of course. It is--and by private insurance. We need bean counters, like it or not. And we government regulation and oversight, like it or not. And we need a better health care system, like it or not. In its absence, we have an expensive health care crisis treatment system, and we have a lawsuit-nervous overtreatment system. It's not working well. Live well, Tim Tim, Thanks for hitting on 2 other key parts of this discussion. Choice and liability. In terms of choice shouldn't it be up to each individual whether or not they want full on coverage, no coverage, or something in between? Fining me $325 a year for not having coverage is going to do what to bring down the costs to taxpayers when I have an emergency (all hypothetical, I have coverage), it definitely is not an ammount that comes close to paying premiums all year long. I suggest that many will choose to remain uninsured and pay the fine, because it is the lesser amount, especially the young and healthy. Indeed, the skyrocketing costs of medical care in this country is related to the ungodly amount of lawsuits (many of which are frivolous). It is the reason malpractice insurance rates have been so damned high, and it forces hospitals and doctors to do everything to cover their own asses. Like giving 85 year old women pregnancy tests when they visit an ER. Hell, I understand the purpose of malpractice suits, and even support them in cases of malpractice. There just has to be some sort of way to protect innocent doctors and facilities from the insane costs associated with fighting these things. WE are in agreement something needs to be done, I am leaning more towards tweaking than a complete overhaul. Enjoying the beauty of the snow that has fallen recently, Thadius
_____________________________
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends." ~ Japanese Proverb
|