tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post7438244242665222680..comments2023-05-20T07:34:38.057-07:00Comments on Bits and Pieces: Health Care ReformLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-11559977995781035352009-11-22T10:47:35.359-08:002009-11-22T10:47:35.359-08:00It is really not that complicated. DEBT is not th...It is really not that complicated. DEBT is not the solution. In Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" he explains the imoportance of getting out of, and staying out of Debt. When you aren't constantly paying creditors outrageous borrowing fees, there is so much more to go around. Dave explains how when we do this, we can GIVE plentifully. I know this is on a personal level, but why can't it also apply to Government? Especially since so many people look up to our Government and put their complete trust there (a government that wants to take more and more individual choices away from us)Don't kid yourself, China isn't just giving us all of that money, and I'm not so sure that they will just let it go, if they don't get it back. I've spent time in Europe. It's quite different. Anyone can have free health care- but the Quality isn't there, because Doctor's don't have as much drive. They are paid more like teachers. Most families have one vehicle for everyone to share. They give up an astronomical amount of their income to taxes. Personally I think the tax refunds are great- trusting the individual! If someone wants to buy health insurance, so be it. If they want to piddle their money away and be poor and sickly, so be it. The quality of life, freedom of choice, drive are all present in a free market economy. Private sectors, keep price down and quality up! We have an awesome local doctor. She stopped treating Medicaid patients. Guess why? She never received payment from them! (I really think they-our gov't. -has any money left)She really wouldn't be able to pay off her loans if she didn't only accept private insurance/cash patients. She is also the cheapest doctor around. Also, my daughter has Juvenile Arthritis. The only Specialist within 5 hrs was in Green Bay. And they didn't accept Medical Assistance either. But guess what? Out of the goodness of his heart, that Doctor treated her. When I tried to give him a few $20's in an envelope, I recieved them back through the mail, back at home- he wanted us to care for Ali. Goodness is still out there- trust others! Humanity IS still alive. And YES FORGIVE, like you read on the Amish. If only those money hungary individuals, starting expensive lawsuits could realize that we are all human, and mistakes sometimes happen. This has only been my experience from which I can speak.I don't think George W. was all that great w/ managing money, either. Ron Paul, 2012!-he wrote an excellent book. <br />Lovingly, Juliana JohnsonJuliana Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-89629604414530326632009-11-06T16:18:19.845-08:002009-11-06T16:18:19.845-08:00I guess I didn't illustrate my point well enou...I guess I didn't illustrate my point well enough. A support system doesn't just happen- it is built. We help others in need, they help us. At the time of Ron's accident, we got a monetary gift from some old friends of Ron's parents, who wrote a letter telling about how his parents had helped them in a time of need. We pay it forward and we pay it backwards. <br /><br />I do think there should be some changes in the health care system-<br />but I not sure what. I just don't want to add the huge debt our country is already in.<br /><br /> My point was simply that we can't replace caring for each other with a government agency. There were social services before there was social services- it was neighbors helping each other out. But I suppose we shouldn't open that can of worms...: )Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00503844100790593794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-50838865214114504762009-11-05T23:50:05.430-08:002009-11-05T23:50:05.430-08:00I don't have any answer but I agree that somet...I don't have any answer but I agree that something needs to be done. I am lucky enough to work a job that has insurance but it is not what I want to be doing. I am going to school to be a massage therapist and would love to do that as my job. The thing stopping me from quitting my job to be able to do what I love and to be able to spend more time with my kids is having insurance. So I will work all kinds of shifts in a job I like but not love because I don't have another option. I don't think anyone would be willing to pay (in the cost of a massage) for me to have insurance. Yet they expect people to be around to give massages! Or cut your hair-Or serve you in a restaurant- Or do all the other jobs that don't offer insurance. <br />I agree that we need to take care of each other. @Jan- You should consider yourself lucky that you have a great support system but many don't. I like to think that I do but I guess I don't have that same trust that you do that everything would be okay. What should the people that don't have that support system do? You say that broken bones are horrible no matter what- just imagine doing it alone w/out insurance.<br />I didn't have insurance for a few months because of a waiting period and during that time I was so stressed about someone getting sick or hurt. I knew that it was going to end- I cannot imagine what it would feel like to not have an end in sight.Amy Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-8778238712089882262009-11-05T18:52:06.242-08:002009-11-05T18:52:06.242-08:00Sue, thank you for your comments! Yes, something ...Sue, thank you for your comments! Yes, something must be done. 24%?! Insane. <br /><br />Something else we haven't mentioned: My parents own their own business. Their insurance costs for their employees is out of control. This is the case for many small businesses. Makes me so sad. The only way they can retain good employees is to offer benefits, so they have no option. It EATS up their profits. <br /><br />Amy - agreed.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-6227279166979833212009-11-05T14:59:27.431-08:002009-11-05T14:59:27.431-08:00For those people who oppose a government option to...For those people who oppose a government option to health care, my response is that I hope you decline Medicare/Medicaid when you become eligible, because that is exactly what that is: government-sponsored health insurance.<br />That is all I have to say.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06585487327260803920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-50156048745904178872009-11-05T12:41:31.417-08:002009-11-05T12:41:31.417-08:00Hi Leanne...friend of Shari's, sister to Krist...Hi Leanne...friend of Shari's, sister to Kristy and Cindy here.<br />I agree something has to be done...I wish I had some brainstorm idea to post but I will say that we buy our own insurance and it is so expensive and getting worse. Our premiums went up 24% in October...that's ridiculous. I agree that the lawyers have made a big impact on costs with outrageous lawsuits. Also, that the insured are covering costs being left behind by the uninsured that are using emergency rooms for things that could have been dealt with at a primary care physician before they got to be an emergency situation. I do think that if insurance was made affordable that more people would go to well-care visits and nip problems in the bud, so to speak. Sure there are emergency situations that have nothing to do with well-care but how many heart attack/stroke, diabetic shock or asthma visits could be prevented if the patient has received proper treatment?<br />Something has to change...wish I had the answer but if I did, I'd probably be up there on Capital Hill putting my two cents in instead of sitting here at my computer.<br />BTW-nice to "meet" you.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16331051666976285992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-37672559361874666952009-11-04T15:37:06.346-08:002009-11-04T15:37:06.346-08:00Good enough. That's always been my question. ...Good enough. That's always been my question. Everyone is so anti-goverment option, but then has nothing else to offer. More of the same won't work.<br /><br />I don't know that bill, but I will look into after the kids go to bed tonight.<br /><br />Thanks for your comments! I don't agree with your viewpoint, but I respect your position.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-89331698325797868252009-11-04T15:33:45.315-08:002009-11-04T15:33:45.315-08:00There are two points I would like to make. First ...There are two points I would like to make. First your comment about social security, I will gladly collect it (if there is any there) because we have paid into it. That is the money that has been taken out of our paychecks as long as we have been working. Second, I do believe there has to be a change. Read bill H.R. 3713 'The American Health Care Solutions Act' by Mike Rogers. Just because I don't agree with a government option does not mean I am against change. Aunt KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-51489009407370105532009-11-04T14:50:52.544-08:002009-11-04T14:50:52.544-08:00Hey--good comments here!
I haven't heard much...Hey--good comments here!<br /><br />I haven't heard much in the way of answering your question, Leanne, of what should be done about the situation...but it's been a good conversation.<br /><br />Please, let's be careful about saying anything about ourselves...and how if we can accomplish something, others should be able to, too. <br /><br />We are very privileged to even be having this conversation. We are privileged, period. And, because of that, we do need to take care of others who are not as privileged, as does our government.<br /><br />It's what Jesus would do...and I don't say that lightly.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16768332849916216270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-29606910180643559592009-11-04T14:02:29.009-08:002009-11-04T14:02:29.009-08:00by taken advantage, I meant that we have abused it...by taken advantage, I meant that we have abused it in some way - be it large or small - not that we have benefitted from it (though that is true also)Elizabeth Halthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595395276757245598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-47224054095328676722009-11-04T14:00:06.886-08:002009-11-04T14:00:06.886-08:00I guess that's sort of my gripe .. I don't...I guess that's sort of my gripe .. I don't think that "people are going to abuse the system" is a reason to not do something. People abuse every system. And we have all taken advantage of some system ourselves. It's a reason that gets presented like it's the rule, when in fact it's the exception.Elizabeth Halthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595395276757245598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-73717603512486636102009-11-04T13:31:40.788-08:002009-11-04T13:31:40.788-08:00Of course others spend their money other ways. Of...Of course others spend their money other ways. Of course some people don't work hard and expect charity. Of course some people abuse the system. That's always been the case, and I expect it always will be.<br /><br />BUT WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE? That's the point of this story. Since I have been paying attention to this debate, I have heard countless stories of hardworking people in situations such as this one. <br /><br />I'm not even sure why I keep talking about this. I realize that many of you are unconvincable. I just think we have a monumental chance to change the future of this country. I think the opposers to other government policies in times past now realize that we are better off with many of them. You don't find many people turning away their social security checks when they retire.<br /><br />I guess, specifically, Karen, I wonder if you think we need any kind of reform, then, or do you think things are fine as they are? That's my original question. If not a government option...then what?Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-812641730746766512009-11-04T12:49:05.449-08:002009-11-04T12:49:05.449-08:00My husband has health insurance through his work t...My husband has health insurance through his work that covers our family. However, my son has specail needs and requires a lot of medical and therapy expenses that the regular insurance does not cover. So his secondary insurace is medical assistance. Because we are smart with our money and created a savings for our future, we have to pay over $700 a month for him to have his MA. In no way is anyone 'paying for' my sons share of medical assistance, and I would love to have an option where a secondary insurance for him would be only $100 a month!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-6217823726148314162009-11-04T12:33:33.040-08:002009-11-04T12:33:33.040-08:00Leanne- I do not consider $100 a month reasonable ...Leanne- I do not consider $100 a month reasonable health care when I have 3 kids that need it ($300 a month). I realize that is just a figure you put out there but I think that is the problem today. It isn't that all the un-insured cannot afford it, but many choose other ways to spend their money. Not all the un-insured are in the position of your friend. There is no way the private sector can come close to competing with the government. Medicare for example, requires doctors to accept minimal amounts for their claims. Many doctors don't even accept medicare patients. What incentive will there be for doctors when they have their freedoms taken away? I found insurance for my kids for $48 a month. It is not the cadillac plan that the government could give, but it will work. You say the government program wouldn't be free, but I am quite sure that it will be for the majority of the people on it and the rest of us will be paying their share through our own policies or taxes. Just my feelings, Aunt KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-64666359056992303342009-11-04T12:31:36.886-08:002009-11-04T12:31:36.886-08:00I say why not give it a shot. It's got to be b...I say why not give it a shot. It's got to be better than what we have.....or don't have....right now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-36696983331200341482009-11-04T11:08:26.973-08:002009-11-04T11:08:26.973-08:00Oops.. that pbs link posted incorrectly. It should...Oops.. that pbs link posted incorrectly. It should be:<br /><br />www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/08282009/profile2.html<br /><br /><br />(or just add a "html" on to the end of the first link posted, if I screw it up again.)Amy Isaacsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-73529362523966069722009-11-04T11:03:11.850-08:002009-11-04T11:03:11.850-08:00I think there are a lot of myths out there about h...I think there are a lot of myths out there about health care in other countries. Bill Moyer's website is an excellent, balanced source of information. Here's one page I found particularly helpful: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/08282009/profile2.html He provided a link to an article on some health care myths, which I'm not going to try and sum up here, but it's worth reading. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082101778.html<br /><br />Also, one important thing to note is that I don't hear conservatives offering other solutions for reform. Sticking with our current plan (or lack thereof) will be extremely detrimental to the American public. George Bush had eight years to do something about health care- costs only went up during his two terms. I get the impression that a lot of conservatives are just anti-change and aren't interested at examining the evidence. One of Robert Kennedy's favorite quotes was "The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of moral crisis, maintain a neutrality." <br /><br />One former insurance industry insider, Wendell Potter, has spoke out about how the insurance industry peddles influence in Washington. He talks about how his company tried to silence Michael Moore during the filming of "Sicko," his film on health care. The companies pay for ads labeling any government-run programs as "socialized" medicine. They will contribute to the compaigns of candidates who will support their agenda.Amy Isaacsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-16401913644628719962009-11-04T10:30:19.769-08:002009-11-04T10:30:19.769-08:00Many people have a strong support system. They are...Many people have a strong support system. They are lucky. Many many more people do not. I would like them to make it through too.Elizabeth Halthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595395276757245598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-51506591262052895012009-11-04T10:22:00.124-08:002009-11-04T10:22:00.124-08:00It will be interesting to see what happens when I ...It will be interesting to see what happens when I investigate health insurance options next year. Unfortunately - I checked the box that says I have asthma many times - and my current insurance company believes I have it. I don't, but I get asthma-like symptoms when I am around cats, so I thought I had to check it. My doctor confirmed that that is going to hurt me when I do look for coverage. I guess we'll see what happens ..Elizabeth Halthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595395276757245598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-15532508390161629862009-11-04T09:33:59.346-08:002009-11-04T09:33:59.346-08:00In light of Amy's comments, there is really gr...In light of Amy's comments, there is really great commentary on this site. It's meant to be comedy, but it's not funny.<br /><br />www.billionairesforwealthcare.comLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-90994220949549455982009-11-04T09:28:39.596-08:002009-11-04T09:28:39.596-08:00Americans pay the most for health care, in the wor...Americans pay the most for health care, in the world, and we benefit the least from it, in terms of standard of living and infant mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization, the US Health Care system ranks 37th in the world in terms of quality and fairness. Yet we somehow find a way to spend over $500 billion a year on the military? That amounts to half of our entire economy, by the way. We spend more on defense than every other country in the world COMBINED, just in case anyone thinks we lack funds for health care reform.<br /><br />The system now is making huge profits for insurance and drug corporations. There is no incentive for them to change the current system. In fact, many of their lobbyists are railroading the debate in Washington. In America right now, if you lose your job, you can lose your health insurance. If you buy your own health insurance and get sick, you can lose your coverage. If you have a pre-existing condition, like asthma or arthritis, the insurance company can refuse to insure you.<br /><br />If we stay with this system, in seven years the average American family will pay $28,000 a year for health care costs (one-third of their income, on average.)<br /><br />Americans need to pick a side. Anyone standing in the way of reform right now is siding with big corporations and profits, whether you like it or not. Apathy is the corrupt politician's (and lobbyists) best friend.Amy Isaacsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-61593595003896358622009-11-04T08:47:30.356-08:002009-11-04T08:47:30.356-08:00Anonymous - can you please tell us who you are so ...Anonymous - can you please tell us who you are so I don't have to delete your comment?Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-22228709331056964682009-11-04T08:46:32.968-08:002009-11-04T08:46:32.968-08:00I should have said: it's either wicked expens...I should have said: it's either wicked expensive OR not available. Health insurance companies do not like to insure people with high risk.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-34299601449063528912009-11-04T08:44:38.266-08:002009-11-04T08:44:38.266-08:00One other question...why wouldn't you WANT a g...One other question...why wouldn't you WANT a government health care plan for your college students?? Let's say it was something affordable...$100/month and they got reasonable care at any practicioner they chose (administered like Medicare). Wouldn't that be a great option for them?<br /><br />I'm assuming that you're shopping rates, and that none of your college-aged students have a pre-existing condition. Because for the thousands who do, forget about buying private insurance. Period. It's wicked expensive.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17020780856206891718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5674313104544718575.post-88147034977612447842009-11-04T08:42:57.593-08:002009-11-04T08:42:57.593-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com