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75% of Americans want the health care system overhauled75% of Americans want the health care system overhauled
Heather said: "No matter what your stance is on health care, at least you don't have to worry
about something [URL="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060928/ap_on_he_me/kazakhstan_hiv_city"]like this never happens.[/URL]
A hospital infected at least 63 kids with HIV by using tainted blood."
Darren said: "Here are [url=http://www.featherish.com/blog/2006/09/17/3-out-of-4-americans-want-the-health-care-system-overhauled/]my thoughts on the subject[/url]
I agree with the people who said the system is ineffective and that it costs too much. What is your experience?"
cvalh said: "I just want to make one point... If health care is nationalized, it will become much more difficult to get care. If you are extremely sick, you will go to the top of the line and get treated, yes, but if you have something that doesn't cause immediate danger (yet is chronic) you will live with that for a LONG time before getting treated.
Taxes will also go up. You'll be doling out an incredibly high portion of your salary to taxes rather than to health care. What happens then? It has to go through the corrupt government, where people will siphon off money. Then not enough of that will go to equipment, and our "state-of-the-art" medical equipment will suddenly start to be out-dated because hospitals can't afford as much.
Also because of monetary restrictions, doctors will not be paid as much. Many of you probably think doctors earn a LOT - but the fact is, a lot of that goes to THEIR insurance to protect them from lawsuits, because just about anyone can win a suit against a doctor today. Doctors in public hospitals already don't earn much, and they'll earn even less then. This will lead to fewer people becoming doctors, because they won't want to have to pay off their school loans and pay their insurance costs."
spectrachic311 said: "My mother-in-law has a similar problem to yours, ShyDoll. She can't work due to severe bipolar disorder/depression. Her physician told her that any job she would take would be too "stressful" for her to handle. So she can't work and before my father in law retired, he had to pay for health care for both of them and his stingy employer didn't pay a whole lot of it. Sometimes it doesn't matter whether you have a high-paying job or not, it's all about how much of the coverage your employer wants to pay for. My husband is an engineer for cripes' sake and his benefits are still more expensive than a lot of people's. He had to go to the hospital for some stitches when he wrecked his bike a few months ago and even though it was just a couple stitches and an xray, we STILL had to pay the hospital $400 that the insurance wouldn't cover. And we can't go back to the hospital for the rest of the year or the insurance won't cover it because we "used up" our hospital visit money.
What the country should do is make some sort of law for EMPLOYERS to follow stating that they must pay a minimum of say 50% of health care premiums so there wouldn't be such a discrepancy."
spectrachic311 said: "I have mixed opinions on health care in America. It is definitely a lot more accessible and better than it is in many other countries, but that does come with a higher price. I have always been insured, so I don't have the experience that say, my inlaws have had. They are dirt-poor and my father in law just retired and they are now on Medicare. Before Medicare, my father in law had to pay through the nose for health insurance. For someone like me who is not on many prescription drugs (right now, only my birth control), I could probably get by with only having major medical coverage, but my inlaws take so many medications that they are paying outrageously for. I would vote to have our health care become sort of like Canada's system where it's all free, but the taxes to make that happen would be outrageous, so I don't think many people are going to want to subsidize health care. I think a lot of people think "Hey, I pay my premium for my health care, why should I be paying for some gangster's gunshot wounds or some teen parent's doctor visits?" It's sad, but that's how a lot of people think."
Razor said: "Shydoll,
You should re-read my post. I never put you down or asked anything about your husbands salary. Everyone and I mean everyone has their obstacles, and it not about the obstacles. It is how you overcome those obstacles. Darwin said it best.
I was basically saying that it's kinda like complaining about the president when you don't vote!"
Razor said: "[QUOTE=shy_doll]We need a major health care overhaul in the United States...way too many people are suffering because they can't afford insurance or their medications. Thankfully, children can qualify for Hoosier Healthwise (medicaid) in my state so they don't have to go without. My husband has always been hardworking, but has never had a job that offered insurance that was even close to being affordable for us. I've gone without medical care since I was 18 years old. I have a hernia that hasn't been operated on, scoliosis which I haven't had my treatments for, for almost 10 years now...my leg lenth disrecpency has gotten worse and the impact on my hips and ankles is worse and worse each year. I don't have the ability to see the doctors I used to for my depression and anxiety so I just try and cope with it alone. My teeth haven't seen a dentist since I was a child and my last "female" exam was just after my almost 5yr old son was born. We used to have a center here, Planned Parenthood that offered these exams at little or no cost to people who couldn't afford it, but it closed for some reason.....I don't use my medical problems as an excuse...but they do stand in the way sometimes of what I would like my life to be...I have constant heartburn that keeps from bending over, lifting, lying down, moving a whole lot...the more I move the more the acid spills up my esophogus. This condition also heightens the chances of developing esophogeal cancers. My back causes so many problems I don't even know where to begin...sometimes my right shoulder is painful that I just want to cry, my left hip is really feeling hard hit from my back as well as my right ankle. I have days where numbness runs down my leg or arm, or through my buttocks from it. A bad back can lead to all sorts of other pains and issues in other areas of the body. And then the depression...which itself causes physical pain as well, can keep me from doing anything on some days. Coupled with the anxiety I am a basket-case at times...unable to function "normally" in my day to day life. What are people in my situation to do?? Pretty much nothing....We have a clinic in town that will see you for a very small fee, like 10 bucks but they aren't the doctors I need. I've been there and then they refer you to the specialists you need and you're on your own to afford the appointments and meds. I can't get out and hold a job that's even going to offer me insurance coverage until I get some of these things in order. Somedays, I'm in so much pain I just wanna disappear....I hope that someday the health care system changes to help more people who really need it....the Canadians have the right idea.[/QUOTE]
No way our medical care can be free, is ANYTHING free? Do you have any idea how much money it cost to go to medical school? There is a lot of different programs, but did you know that a doctor fresh out of medical school has to complete a residency? Did you also know this residency is pretty much an internship so they make very little or no money? A lot of new doctors have to take out loans on top of loans to be able to survive, how are these people supposed to make a living if all healthcare was free? The government pay all their salaries, and loans that they took out to better themselves, as well as our medical care?? Then there is equipment, maybe the government should regulate the market on how much that stuff cost, and then pay for it?? If you want free medical care then go to school and get an education, and become a doctor.
Medical care has not become so expensive because someone said we have to raise the margins, it's because with lawsuits these days, anyone can get sued for anything so there is insurance against that, then there is state of the art equipment, then there are people who have no insurance. Look at that ratio of people who are insured and who are not. A county hospital can't turn away someone without insurance, so who pays for that????????
Shydoll,
You said a bunch of stuff that threw me, you said you have no had insurance since you were 18, this tells me that was when you quit being covered by your parents policy, have you worked since then? Do you have an education? Your husband has NEVER had a job with benefits, what does he do for a living? Does he have an education? and still you are a stay at home mom with three children who are on a goverment funded insurance program. Do you think all that money is out of the goverments pocket? Please do not take this as me attacking you because I am not. Just all that you said threw me for a loop!"
ExManiac said: "I work two jobs and I don't have health insurance. Ironically, one of my two jobs is a government-contracted insurance company; unfortunately I work less than part-time hours, and they simply aren't hiring for full-time positions.
My other job is waitressing. Whether I put in 30 or 50 hours there, there is absolutely no insurance offered except to upper management.
So that leaves me with the option of buying my own insurance.
Right. I'll get right on that. Because that wouldn't completely defeat the purpose of working two jobs.
I'm sure I make too much to get low income insurance from the government. Basically, I have to hang in there and hope I don't get sick before I get a "real" job with real insurance. This year, I've paid probably $900 in medical expenses (one of those visits because they chose not to give me an antibiotic for my throat -- and I came back to the doctor when my throat was so swollen I could no longer swallow water!) $900 is a lot of money to me. If I quit my jobs and lived under a bridge -- well, then I could get state health insurance.
Government health systems have their own problems I'm sure, but at least everyone has the opportunity to see a doctor when they need to."
shy_doll said: "[QUOTE=klynnfosh]It sounds like this thread has opened up a can of worms. Everyone needs to understand health care is a major concern for all. For those who cannot afford it and for those who pay for it. We could all benefit from a government funded program. I would like to say ShyDoll, you are doing the best you can and hopefully someday you can get the medical attention you need. No one should have to live their life in pain and agony when there is medical help available. Just because you can't afford it should not be a reason to be excluded from that care. Why is it only the poorest can get free medical care and those that try to help theirselves always get left out. I applaud you for getting out of bed each day with all your struggles. You hang in there! Not everyone is cut out to get a college degree and to work a job that pays enough money to afford everything they need in life, if that was the case we all would be doctors, lawyers and the chief commander! What would the world do with out the waitress, the bank teller, the clerk at Wal-Mart, the florist, the office worker, the trash man? I would shudder to think, even the lowest of jobs has its importance in our society and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect no matter what there job or financial situation.[/QUOTE]
Thank you Klynnfosh...your words mean more than you know to me. "Why is it only the poorest can get free medical care and those that try to help theirselves always get left out"...my exact predicament. My husband makes too much to qualify for any medical programs the state offers but not enough to pay for health insurance, and his work doesn't offer any at all...so we're stuck in the big gap with no way out in sight..yet. I don't plan on just giving in and resigning that is my situation for the rest of my life...I do try and have overcame alot to even get as far as I have. I don't intend to always be in this mess, I do have dreams, goals and ambitions. And I do have faith that I will get the help I need to get my health in order so I can accomplish more in my future. I hadn't felt worthless in a long while till I came here today....I personally felt as though I was being attacked earlier for my situation...I felt as though I was being looked down upon and told I don't try hard enough...but I do, I have and I will continue to. Thanks again Klynn..."
shy_doll said: "[QUOTE=Razor]
Shydoll,
You said a bunch of stuff that threw me, you said you have no had insurance since you were 18, this tells me that was when you quit being covered by your parents policy, have you worked since then? Do you have an education? Your husband has NEVER had a job with benefits, what does he do for a living? Does he have an education? and still you are a stay at home mom with three children who are on a goverment funded insurance program. Do you think all that money is out of the goverments pocket? Please do not take this as me attacking you because I am not. Just all that you said threw me for a loop![/QUOTE]
Well Razor, I am taking your post as a personal attack......Did you read the damn thing?? Do you understand depression and anxiety?? Have you ever gone to leave your house and was overcome with a panic attack that you couldn't even step out to check your mail?? Do you know what that is like?? No, I don't work because I can't....I'm not normal like everyone else..There I've spilled the beans here.....I have issues...Have you ever woke up unable to bend your back at all....had to have your husband or whoever help pull you straight up off the bed while you cry because of the pain?? Have you ever woke up with your hip locked up on ya and taken till noon to get it workin right again?? Have you ever woke up choking on stomach acids, unable to breathe?? Probably not...and I would hope not..And I didn't say it needs to be free....my husband pays taxes....the taxes collected could go to a medical insurance system like Canada uses.....And I never said I wanted anything just handed to me Razor....I would work if I could get out there and do it yet...but I can't...and believe me I don't sit around my house though and be lazy...here I can work through it all crying or whatever it takes..no one else will see me...And how many employers you think hire people who can't sit for long, can't stand for long, can't bend over, can't move much, has anxiety and panic attacks causing anything from frequent, very frequent bathroom visits to having to just up and leave because it's too much?? I take your comments about my husband to be very rude...are you dogging him out for not having a higher paying job?? Well you know what....he works to the best of his ability...you know where he comes from? A family that beat him into submission, kept him out of school to do things for them, he was raped by his uncle numerous times over his childhood, his mother abandoned him for 8 years, and when she returned she started him doing drugs and drinking at age 14.....I helped him to straighten things up in his life and turn things around and I'm damn proud of him for doing so. He has the best job he could get right now with his education and job experience...And yes, he's tried to get his G.E.D...you see how long it takes you when you can't read well, can't write and only really got a 7th grade education. My husband farms....works 50 hours a week except for spring and fall (planting and harvest) and then he works 90-100 hours a week....we don't collect food stamps, we don't get help on our rent, we're buying a car and have a year of payments left, we don't get any sort of assistance except my kids having medical coverage through the state...we're not welfare dead beats as I took your post to make us out to be. And no I didn't work when we met back then either Razor...back when I was 18...I have had these problems all of my life that I can remember....you walk in my shoes before you put down my life...NO ONE understands mental illness until they experience it...You don't know what I go through.....You don't know the things that go on inside of my head that keep me from functioning like most other people...Don't put me down for my life situation...He works, he pays taxes, we're law abiding citizens, we contribute to that healthcare my kids get thank you very much....Trust me, if I could choose to be normal I would be...If I could choose to not be afraid of people, I would be."
shy_doll said: "We need a major health care overhaul in the United States...way too many people are suffering because they can't afford insurance or their medications. Thankfully, children can qualify for Hoosier Healthwise (medicaid) in my state so they don't have to go without. My husband has always been hardworking, but has never had a job that offered insurance that was even close to being affordable for us. I've gone without medical care since I was 18 years old. I have a hernia that hasn't been operated on, scoliosis which I haven't had my treatments for, for almost 10 years now...my leg lenth disrecpency has gotten worse and the impact on my hips and ankles is worse and worse each year. I don't have the ability to see the doctors I used to for my depression and anxiety so I just try and cope with it alone. My teeth haven't seen a dentist since I was a child and my last "female" exam was just after my almost 5yr old son was born. We used to have a center here, Planned Parenthood that offered these exams at little or no cost to people who couldn't afford it, but it closed for some reason.....I don't use my medical problems as an excuse...but they do stand in the way sometimes of what I would like my life to be...I have constant heartburn that keeps from bending over, lifting, lying down, moving a whole lot...the more I move the more the acid spills up my esophogus. This condition also heightens the chances of developing esophogeal cancers. My back causes so many problems I don't even know where to begin...sometimes my right shoulder is painful that I just want to cry, my left hip is really feeling hard hit from my back as well as my right ankle. I have days where numbness runs down my leg or arm, or through my buttocks from it. A bad back can lead to all sorts of other pains and issues in other areas of the body. And then the depression...which itself causes physical pain as well, can keep me from doing anything on some days. Coupled with the anxiety I am a basket-case at times...unable to function "normally" in my day to day life. What are people in my situation to do?? Pretty much nothing....We have a clinic in town that will see you for a very small fee, like 10 bucks but they aren't the doctors I need. I've been there and then they refer you to the specialists you need and you're on your own to afford the appointments and meds. I can't get out and hold a job that's even going to offer me insurance coverage until I get some of these things in order. Somedays, I'm in so much pain I just wanna disappear....I hope that someday the health care system changes to help more people who really need it....the Canadians have the right idea."
DBrew said: "Public health care does seem like a nice idea on the surface, but in my state, Ohio, taxes are already sky high. I am concerned about how much more we would be paying and also, if the care will be as good, as accessible in time of need, and if docs would care as much as they must now with all the malpractice suits. Those kind of keep them in line.????? It is a mystery, it is like, we better really be careful about what we wish for. If we already have good insurance, that is."
DBrew said: "That is so ridiculous< Miss V.(about your bro., I mean).
It does seem that the main reason nobody wants to give this kind of insurance a go is selfishness, and worry that the needs being met by those of us already insured then will not be.
I admit, it is a worry of mine, but also, I admit, that I think all mankind should be treated fairly. I do not think it would hurt to try something new. I think we should just keep trying as a country to figure out what would work best for all peaople, and to not stop until we do.
I do not think the gov. will stop wasting money. If they can, they will. They make it seem as though we the people are in charge because we can vote. But, we do not necessarily get what we were voting for most of the time. We can not trust any one and it has been shown to us time and time again.]
Laklady, I love what you said about Einstein. It reminds me of my recent eating habits. He would definately deem them insane!
Shydaoll, I suffer from anxiety attacks and I know how scary they are. Mine must not be as bad as yours but I know if they were worse, it would be hard to gt anything done. Excersizing regularly helps me alot. It seems to get out alot of anxiety. Also, I just try to tlak myself out of panic mode and put things into perspective. I try to use my mind to help me. Maybe you could do that too."
klynnfosh said: "It sounds like this thread has opened up a can of worms. Everyone needs to understand health care is a major concern for all. For those who cannot afford it and for those who pay for it. We could all benefit from a government funded program. I would like to say ShyDoll, you are doing the best you can and hopefully someday you can get the medical attention you need. No one should have to live their life in pain and agony when there is medical help available. Just because you can't afford it should not be a reason to be excluded from that care. Why is it only the poorest can get free medical care and those that try to help theirselves always get left out. I applaud you for getting out of bed each day with all your struggles. You hang in there! Not everyone is cut out to get a college degree and to work a job that pays enough money to afford everything they need in life, if that was the case we all would be doctors, lawyers and the chief commander! What would the world do with out the waitress, the bank teller, the clerk at Wal-Mart, the florist, the office worker, the trash man? I would shudder to think, even the lowest of jobs has its importance in our society and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect no matter what there job or financial situation."
klynnfosh said: "I think it well past due for the health care system in the U.S. to be overhauled. I get the pleasure of dealing with agents and looking over the plans each year before our renewal. And most years you just cringe because you know the cost is going up and that you will have to cut some benefits just to be insured. I have also seen a trend when having anything done at the hospital they now ask for your portion not paid by insurance up front. It used to be they only asked when you had no insurance. I could not afford the health insurance for myself and husband if we did not get it through our work. I pay for health insurance on both my boys to keep them from going through a major hardship incase of an accident. My youngest 19 I just had to get a policy for and he had been treated for acne, not a medical devistation disease or something and when we got the policy back they excluded any coverage for him for acne permantly, that means never in his life would they pay, I had the same experience with my older son, who had two kidney infections and they excluded him from coverage on his kidneys. I don't see how they can get away with it and charge the premiums they do, but you are at their mercy. I think all people should have some basic coverage and they should make it optional for any additional benefits. They all ready provide medicaid to those who are no insured anyway and cover ever charge they incur so I think they should include everyone, some people based on their income could afford to contribute more to the cost, but it should be for all and based on income the amount you pay. It could be withheld from your pay like all other taxes."
HDales said: "I am from canada and LOVE our health care system. My aunt had cancer and not really having to worry about how we will pay for her medications was definately a blessing during those times.. Of course though Canada didn't have a machine at that point (gamma ray surgery) that could have probably saved her life and we tried to raise money for her to go to the states but by then it was just to late and the tumor was to big.. We also tried to get funding from the government but because the doctors hadn't reccommended it she couldn't get it. (They found out from a flight attendant about the gamma ray stuff.) Then once they finally got a doctors reccommendation her tumor had become to big to be treated by the machine.. She ended up dying.
Anyway.. The only downside is yes.. Taxes in Canada are outrageous. I only take home about 65% of what I make. over 800 a month goes to taxes.. Then I also get taxed on living, and buying things.. and sometimes you can get taxed on you taxes.. haha. (if you don't pay 'enough' into Income tax..)
Its pretty retarded."
Jabberwocky said: "As someone who works on the financial side of one of the nation's largest health care provider. I have to say that affordable health care is a pipe dream. The reality is that there are underlying cost to doctors, facilities, drugs, and doing business overall. I'm not trying to sound cold, but that's the reality of it.
The only ways to make health care cheaper is to reduce the quality of service and coverage. People want to best care money can buy for pennies. That's sort of a contradiction. If you pay doctors less, you get lower quality doctors or worse yet a shortage of doctors, likewise with other medical staff. if you skimp on facility cost, your hospital may become poorly equipped. People demand more expensive name brand drugs even when generics do the same thing.
The way I see it. Quality health care will cost what it costs. The money has to be there for there to be quality care. I agree that there should be some basic health care coverage for everyone, I'm all for raising taxes to do it."
Matt_9 said: "A lot of employers out there do NOT give good health benefits. Just because an employer offers health insurance doesn't mean 1. that it's affordable or 2. that it's worth a damn.
Thankfully mine is, but without it...I'd be screwed. Not all of America's families have jobs where the parents employers are willing to cover them for a reasonable price or a reasonable plan.
And if you don't get health care through your job, then forget it, there's no way you'll be able to afford it. My friend down in Maryland wanted to get health insurance for her and her husband. It was over $750 a month. Who can just afford to shell out that kind of money on the chance that something MAY go wrong?
Health care doesn't have to be completely free, but it could be affordable for all. There's only one reason why it isn't...
POLITICS. Plain and simple."
Matt_9 said: "health care for every single american in the country should be free, or very, very VERY low priced. it's simply too high. i think what, 55% of americans don't have health care? and most of the ones who do only have it because their work pays for it?
i can't speak for every family, but i know my relatives health care was going up to $1500 a month for 2 people. who can realistically afford that? $18,000 a year for health care?"
lakelady said: "[QUOTE=HDales]I am from canada and LOVE our health care system. My aunt had cancer and not really having to worry about how we will pay for her medications was definately a blessing during those times[/QUOTE]
I just came across this thread. My family is from Denmark. No one dies there for lack of ability to pay for treatment. Here, over 19,000 people a year DIE because they don't have health insurance. Yes....die. And, yes, nationalized health-care would be a b-i-t-c-h, you would have to wait longer for an appointment for your chronic stomach cramps. Or you would have the option of paying a private doctor for the consultation. Yes, taxes would go up, about 500 dollars a year for every man woman and child in the U. S. I'll pay it! Hell, I'll pay for some others too! [B]That people DIE here because they can't afford medical care is our national shame![/B] Aren't we supposed to be the richest, strongest, best country in the world? If we were to dump the useless 'war against drugs', dismantle the DEA and their billions-per-year expenses, (which money may as well have been dumped into the atlantic, for all the effect it's had) I read that the U. S. could afford free health care for everyone not covered by insurance, pay for 25% of college costs for EVERY state college student, [I]and[/I] present every graduating high school senior with a brand new lap-top computer. Imagine what we could do if we could secure our borders just a scooch better! Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Things need to change!
postscript, ironically, I read the information contained in this post in a medical trade journal...in my [I]DOCTORS OFFICE![/I]"
echoecho said: "Hi there
i have also just seen this thread. As i live in England uk we dont have to worry treatment but we do have to pay for tablets. which is not a great deal. I feel really out raged on how you all have to pay for every thing. It's like you have to pay for you being ill. If thats not enouth being ill in the frist place. Over in england we are so lucky to have the NHS here.
THis site will tell you a little about our NHS
[url]http://www.nhs.uk/England/AboutTheNhs/Default.cmsx[/url]
HDales Iam so sorry about your aunt. just some times money is worth more than a life i hate that and it makes me :angry:.
every thing about money "Oh can i aford that treatment i need." " No! i can't!!!! i have to suffer" thats not how we should be.
I am so blessed being in england
Em x-x-x"
MissVenus said: "What the US needs is a complete reshuffling of priorities. Nationalized health care WOULD BE possible, if we didn't spend so much on national defense and unjustified, unwinnable wars (war on terror, war on drugs...Americans seem to enjoy declaring war on things...). The other big problem is capitalism. I am NOT a socialist or a communist...but it seems to me that in a country that puts the all mighty dollar FIRST and FOREMOST, it is perfectly logical that a) the poorest would remain uncovered and b) no one would want to spend their money to help out other people (other people? what are those?!)
It is too late for me to argue politics particularly well, but I'm pretty annoyed with a government that uses my tax money to send my brother to Iraq and then won't pay for his multiple surguries and physical therapy (due to injury sustained while over-seas). And, as he's unemployed at the moment (being mostly crippled at 28 will do that to a person), he can't get the insurance he needs to finish getting treated.
*fumes*"