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According to this August 2009 link, some studies suggest that 18,000 - 22,000 Americans die a year because of lack of health insurance. But the author of the article also says the methodology of those studies is poor and that, really, health insurance doesn't have a large effect in saving people's lives.
Yes. It is good to know if I have a serious condition before I end up in critical condition in the Emergency Room. I should probably be able to see a doctor some day...
No, health insurance does not save lives. Insurance pays the bills for medical care which under emergency conditions should be available to all. Some with chronic illness may survive without health insurance, some will not. Some with insurance will survive, some will not.
Of course it saves lives. People who do not have insurance do not get a lot of preventative care such as annual physical exams, cancer screenings and do not go to the doctor until any disease they may have is at a critical stage, and the care becomes even more expensive or is paid for by those with insurance using the emergency room. Why? Duh--because it costs a lot of money. Using the emergency room for medical care basically raises the costs for everyone with health insurance and definitely increases the chances of dying.
Insurance pays for all that (or should). The local emergency room won't treat you for cancer, osteoporosis, or kidney disease.
Nor will some insurance. Having that insurance is not a guarantee of treatment. Ask any family who has lost some one through lack of facility, regardless of wealth - real or not. Or just wait until old age and your 'Death Panel' interview... 'Hi, we're from the government and we're here to help'
Of course it saves lives. People who do not have insurance do not get a lot of preventative care such as annual physical exams, cancer screenings and do not go to the doctor until any disease they may have is at a critical stage, and the care becomes even more expensive or is paid for by those with insurance using the emergency room. Why? Duh--because it costs a lot of money. Using the emergency room for medical care basically raises the costs for everyone with health insurance and definitely increases the chances of dying.
No, it's not sensible, rational, or even faintly reasonable.
It's total stupidity.
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