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We would be a nation without a conscience or heart if we didn't find a way for everyone to receive the healthcare they need.
I prefer to be a country that tells you to go out and get your own insurance, no goverment health insurance and tell them to start taking self responsibility. stop relying on the goverment to be your nanny from cradle to grave.
"Americans spend $2.4 trillion a year on health care. The Business Roundtable report says Americans in 2006 spent $1,928 per capita on health care, at least two-and-a-half times more per person than any other advanced country."
"The United States is 23 points behind five leading economic competitors: Canada, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and France. The five nations cover all their citizens, and though their systems differ, in each country the government plays a much larger role than in the U.S."
I prefer to be a country that tells you to go out and get your own insurance, no goverment health insurance and tell them to start taking self responsibility. stop relying on the goverment to be your nanny from cradle to grave.
Perhaps you would prefer to live alone on an island where you don't have to be bothered with something called, SOCIETY!
No one has answered the one magical question that will determine the effectiveness of UHC: What percentage of your income will you be required to spend on healthcare?
Average amount of healthcare dollars spent per person in US in $8,000. How will we pay for this when half the people in the US don't currently pay Federal income tax? Will the middle class get screwed yet again?
Where are the independent economic studies on UHC. I've seen proposed tax rates all over the place. We need real numbers on the premiums/tax rates. If we allow this to be too quickly pushed through, we'll have a fiasco like the AIG bail out.
The US could save enough on administrative costs1 (more than $350 billion annually) with a single-payer system2 to cover all of the uninsured.
1. Woolhandler, et al “Costs of Health Administration in the U.S. and Canada,” NEJM 349(8) Sept. 21, 2003
2. “Proposal of the Physicians’ Working Group for Single-Payer National Health Insurance,” JAMA 290(6): Aug 30, 2003 Business pays less than 20 percent of our nation’s health bill. It is a misnomer that our health system is “privately financed” (60 percent is paid by taxes and the remaining 20 percent is out-of-pocket payments).
I posted links to the above from the Physicians for a Single Payer System website because, while it doesn't completely answer your question, it does suggest where some of the money can be found.
Remember, t hat a lot of the costs tied into a premium for coverage is administrative and that includes the costs on the Dr's side, etc. Your premiums also goes to pay otu "profits" to shareholders, CEO's salaries, nto to mention the millions of dollars that go into lobbying congress.
Insurance companies are like a big bully that is standing in the way of you and your healthcare. You can have your lunch if you pay me with two more lunches!! Type of thing.
I can't find it now and will look for it, but I believe I posted a study awhile back (months ago) that talked about hte potential tax cost etc. I have other things to do at the moment, but when I get a chance I'll try to find some more information on it.
This website has some very good articles, information and research.
Perhaps you would prefer to live alone on an island where you don't have to be bothered with something called, SOCIETY!
that is why I live a country of the people. not be a subject of the goverment and have them play mommy and daddy for me from cradle to grave.
you dont like the free market, then why not go someplace else that likes to order its citizens around, or to tell people what medical procedures they can or cant have. depending on how much political status you have.
Health care now rationed by ability to pay
Dr. Bill Roy is a retired physician and former member of Congress. He has a law degree and lives in Topeka
Quote:
Today, only America among advanced nations rations medical care by ability to pay. And the results are horrendous except for rich Americans, many of whom are trying to scare you out of universal medical care provided on the basis of need, not price. They like what they have.
that is why I live a country of the people. not be a subject of the goverment and have them play mommy and daddy for me from cradle to grave.
you dont like the free market, then why not go someplace else that likes to order its citizens around, or to tell people what medical procedures they can or cant have. depending on how much political status you have.
Suggestion: If that is how you feel, don't drive on our roads, don't accept municipal water to your home, don't use the schools, don't use 911 for any reason. I still think with your attitude, you might enjoy a secluded island best.
Again, no one, NO ONE is denied health care in this country for lack of financial resources. That is a fact.
The other FACT is, there are some, right here on this board, who want the government to assure everyone financial stability - that they won't have to go in debt because of health issues. Why?
Where is it that the government has to take care of everyone "cradle to the grave"? Where is it that one should not go into debt over their health.
While I have a great deal of sympathy for those who go into debt for their health, frankly, that's life. The government is not responsible, nor should be responsible, for everyones financial well being. To use an old saying - "s hit happens" or, "life ain't a bed of roses". Bad things happen. And it is not the governments job to step in and make everything better.
If someone cannot afford their needed health care - there is help already there for them. Yes, they have to apply for it. Yes, they may have to go to doctors they don't know. But, it is there nonetheless.
Locally, Mayo Clinic and Barrows Neurological Institute - two of the finest facilities in the world, are giving world class, life saving care to those who cannot afford it. That's a fact. St. Judes Hospital, the finest childrens hospital in the world (IMO) - takes everyone - regardless of their ability to pay. That's a fact.
TM, You are doing an excellent job of pointing out facts of how our country and its citizens would be better off economically with UHS. Too bad that most people who are against it have made up their minds already and will refuse to consider the facts.
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