Universal Healthcare . . .

[drunkpirate66]

It's really about the cost of insurance to me. I work for a small company with crap insurance. I use my wife's insurance. My wife is a teacher - in her contract negotiations her health insurance tends to be the 1st thing compromised. We went from no out-of-pocket for my daughter to $4k out of pocket for my son. Naturally I wouldn't sit there and say scrwe this my kids not worth $4k.

The military isn't for everyone though and some people like myself have family histories of medical issues which aren't so much a live healthier issue - though it does help. People argue that the VA system is junk anyway so it's not a viable source.

See in thinking about this, Insurance and Drug companies can easily say . . . how much is your life or condition of life worth to you? They get you by the goody sack there. Who doesn't want to live a long quality life!? Now you find youself in positions to pay for that - be it through drugs or what your Dr says you need that insurance may not cover.

I don't know. It's easy to say the govenment sucks and they can't handle it. I can't say I disagree either but things can't continue as they are.

I can't see the issue being with Healthcare providers persay but due to poor protection from lawsuits leaves them to raise prices or leave.

probably shouldn't talk about stuff you don't know about . . . makes you look pompous.

[mjeischen]

I know we've got some Canucks out there who have Universal Healthcare . . . Their input would be valuable here. Again that leaves us Americans looking to our government to "get it right".

Does the current political climate cause us to feel this way? If we had a better administration Rep or Dem (non-issue) would we feel easier about the change? I mean I can't sit here and say I trust our current admin and what their motives may or may not be.

[pbans]

Whats not to love about not needing to worry about insurance coverage?

unfortunately... that is what is grabbing everyone's attention...

mostly the people that can't afford the insurance....
it's sad, because those that see that think all their worries will go away, and someone will be taking care of that for them.....

I would love to see where there was insurance available to everyone, but not in this way!!!!!!

Unfortunately that's a HUGE percentage of people!
We are BEYOND fortunate because my hubby works for local gov't....if I had to pay for the insurance that my employer offers (which BLOWS)....I wouldn't even get a paycheck.

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

[buffettbride]

I've heard Canuckie care is better than European care.

[drunkpirate66]

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

It's very expensive to truly "live healthier." Processed foods are cheaper than whole foods like fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. When we stopped buying processed food and only bought fresh stuff, our grocery bill tripled. To feed 4 people, I spend almost what we make for our house payment in food. It's wayyyyy cheaper to buy a big economy bag of spaghetti, cereal, etc. to feed the family than it is to only eat unprocessed stuff. It seriously makes me consider planting a garden so I don't have to buy as much food!

All that crap you see on boxes now like "made with whole grains" it's all crap food. Even bread. It's all bad bad bad bad bad. (And I seriously read the label of every single food I buy). The stuff in our food is crap.

don't know what to tell you . . . I eat alot of seafood . . . drink a ton of water . . . I don't use multi vitamins which are either bad for you or don't do anything benefitial . . . don't smoke . . . don't drink as much as my buffettnews name would lead you to believe . . . eat alot of fruit (apples and banana's are wicked cheap) and stay away from salt and sugar.

haven't been sick in years. just saying . . . perhaps those are the reasons perhaps they aren't.

[drunkpirate66]

Whats not to love about not needing to worry about insurance coverage?

unfortunately... that is what is grabbing everyone's attention...

mostly the people that can't afford the insurance....
it's sad, because those that see that think all their worries will go away, and someone will be taking care of that for them.....

I would love to see where there was insurance available to everyone, but not in this way!!!!!!

Unfortunately that's a HUGE percentage of people!
We are BEYOND fortunate because my hubby works for local gov't....if I had to pay for the insurance that my employer offers (which BLOWS)....I wouldn't even get a paycheck.

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

[mjeischen]

It's really about the cost of insurance to me. I work for a small company with crap insurance. I use my wife's insurance. My wife is a teacher - in her contract negotiations her health insurance tends to be the 1st thing compromised. We went from no out-of-pocket for my daughter to $4k out of pocket for my son. Naturally I wouldn't sit there and say scrwe this my kids not worth $4k.

The military isn't for everyone though and some people like myself have family histories of medical issues which aren't so much a live healthier issue - though it does help. People argue that the VA system is junk anyway so it's not a viable source.

See in thinking about this, Insurance and Drug companies can easily say . . . how much is your life or condition of life worth to you? They get you by the goody sack there. Who doesn't want to live a long quality life!? Now you find youself in positions to pay for that - be it through drugs or what your Dr says you need that insurance may not cover.

I don't know. It's easy to say the govenment sucks and they can't handle it. I can't say I disagree either but things can't continue as they are.

I can't see the issue being with Healthcare providers persay but due to poor protection from lawsuits leaves them to raise prices or leave.

probably shouldn't talk about stuff you don't know about . . . makes you look pompous.

I'm not claiming to be an expert on anything by any means. I've seen 1 post here and read several "Letters to the Editor" type things in our local papers on the VA topic.

I personally only go to an outpatient care for sinus infections I get due to allergies. I'm at that point though where I need a primary care and should start going for annual physicals so it caused me to look at little deeper at it.

[pbans]

Whats not to love about not needing to worry about insurance coverage?

unfortunately... that is what is grabbing everyone's attention...

mostly the people that can't afford the insurance....
it's sad, because those that see that think all their worries will go away, and someone will be taking care of that for them.....

I would love to see where there was insurance available to everyone, but not in this way!!!!!!

Unfortunately that's a HUGE percentage of people!
We are BEYOND fortunate because my hubby works for local gov't....if I had to pay for the insurance that my employer offers (which BLOWS)....I wouldn't even get a paycheck.

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

because I'm almost 50 f'ing years old......it's not always an option.

[mjeischen]

Whats not to love about not needing to worry about insurance coverage?

unfortunately... that is what is grabbing everyone's attention...

mostly the people that can't afford the insurance....
it's sad, because those that see that think all their worries will go away, and someone will be taking care of that for them.....

I would love to see where there was insurance available to everyone, but not in this way!!!!!!

Unfortunately that's a HUGE percentage of people!
We are BEYOND fortunate because my hubby works for local gov't....if I had to pay for the insurance that my employer offers (which BLOWS)....I wouldn't even get a paycheck.

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

At 18 I wasn't thinking about enlisting in the military OR my long term healthcare needs. 14 years later the military won't want me and my families healthcare is an issue as I now have a family.

[krusin1]

I say BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

But why!? I mean your opinion matters being that you work in the field. Being that you are in the Healthcare Industry what is it the average man like myself doesn't understand about the issue.

I'll offer a reply... and I've got perspective from two angles. My wife is an RN and runs a cardiac cath lab and I'm in education (administration) and get to deal with the government up close and personal.


From the RN perspective.... my wife works at a non-profit hospital, but works with doctors from a for-profit doctor group.


The non-profit hospital has little concern about patient satisfaction, and doesn't care much about its employees either - yanks them around routinely, leaves bad managers in place, etc. etc.


The for-profit doctors group, though, is very concerned about patient satisfaction, makes sure it has the latest equipment, and treats the nurses/employees with respect. As a result, they're rapidly growing (while the non-profit hospital simply grows obsolete.)


On the government/education side... I recently sat through a meeting where the state department bigwigs went through their usual "we're here to help" and "want to do anything we can to help you" spiel.


Sitting there, I asked myself the following question: "What does the state department (government) do that I wish they would continue doing?" Answer: Nothing. What they do generally makes it harder to get the job done.


Here's why... in a government or non-profit situation, there is simply no reason (other than your own conscience) to do more than the minimum. You won't earn more, you won't get promoted. You can only make more by simply continuing to exist and move down the rigid salary schedule.

The main objective of any bureaucrat is to simply justify their own existence by pushing through mountains of paperwork. That's it. In fact, finding ways to make things more efficient could ultimately put their job in jeopardy!


In a for-profit situation, though, results are valued. In the words of Captain Ron, "You do your job good, you get a better job."


Now, I'll still be the first to say that our current health care system needs reform - in a lot of areas. But... state-run, non-profit, no-incentive, bureaucrat-dispensed health care? I don't want any part of it.

[mjeischen]

unfortunately... that is what is grabbing everyone's attention...

mostly the people that can't afford the insurance....
it's sad, because those that see that think all their worries will go away, and someone will be taking care of that for them.....

I would love to see where there was insurance available to everyone, but not in this way!!!!!!

Unfortunately that's a HUGE percentage of people!
We are BEYOND fortunate because my hubby works for local gov't....if I had to pay for the insurance that my employer offers (which BLOWS)....I wouldn't even get a paycheck.

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

because I'm almost 50 f'ing years old......it's not always an option.

You're a hot 50 though . . . that'll count for something . . .

[thebeachbumm33]

Universal Heath Care, what a great idea Let's give the government more tax dollars so they can use it for other programs that they've been pilfering from for so many years. Added to that I certainly wouldn't want some flunky who got his job because he has a "cousin in Miami" deciding whether or not I need a certain procedure or medicine.

[buffettbride]

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

It's very expensive to truly "live healthier." Processed foods are cheaper than whole foods like fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. When we stopped buying processed food and only bought fresh stuff, our grocery bill tripled. To feed 4 people, I spend almost what we make for our house payment in food. It's wayyyyy cheaper to buy a big economy bag of spaghetti, cereal, etc. to feed the family than it is to only eat unprocessed stuff. It seriously makes me consider planting a garden so I don't have to buy as much food!

All that crap you see on boxes now like "made with whole grains" it's all crap food. Even bread. It's all bad bad bad bad bad. (And I seriously read the label of every single food I buy). The stuff in our food is crap.

don't know what to tell you . . . I eat alot of seafood . . . drink a ton of water . . . I don't use multi vitamins which are either bad for you or don't do anything benefitial . . . don't smoke . . . don't drink as much as my buffettnews name would lead you to believe . . . eat alot of fruit (apples and banana's are wicked cheap) and stay away from salt and sugar.

haven't been sick in years. just saying . . . perhaps those are the reasons perhaps they aren't.

you are an idol of healthy perfection. we should all bow to your way of life. (btw, do you have any idea the price of seafood in colorado??? )

you kinda sound like a pompous retard tho.

[krusin1]

If we had a better administration Rep or Dem (non-issue) would we feel easier about the change? I mean I can't sit here and say I trust our current admin and what their motives may or may not be.

No. The only government agency that gets their job done well is the U.S. Military. Their charge is to kill bad people and break their things - and they are wicked-good at accomplishing those aims.

That being said... in terms of an organization.. the military is STILL horribly inefficient

[alphabits]

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

because I'm almost 50 f'ing years old......it's not always an option.

Have I told you lately that I love you?

[mjeischen]

In a for-profit situation, though, results are valued. In the words of Captain Ron, "You do your job good, you get a better job."

The general consensus is the government sucks but if your fear is no motivation to those involved why not provide it or build it into the program?
Cardiac Care banks this dollar amount. You get an increase based on years of service, furthered education, positive feedback/reviews and so on.
Brain surgeons would warrant more perhaps and then have the same evaluation tiers beneath it.

[STL PARROTHEAD]

well said Krusin!!

and hey! I work in a cath lab too!! I do the recovery part/ and work in pre-op for open hearts.. we have a weird dept. with our Heart hospital.... a little of everything....pre/post. It is a nonprofit hospital and
I'm sorry your wife works at a place that patient satisfaction is poor..... it's shoved down our throats daily!!! which is a good thing!

[pbans]

1. People can join the United States Military and have medical for themselves and their families forever . . . alot of countries with "free" (and there is no such thing) or universal health care have mandatory military service . . . sign up! Your country needs you.

2. Or you could move.

3. Get a part time job

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

Thanks, you just solved all of my problems.
Off to see the recruiter....back in a bit.

why not? millions of people do it and have done it . . . why not?

because I'm almost 50 f'ing years old......it's not always an option.

Have I told you lately that I love you?

no, but I've been waiting patiently.......

[thebeachbumm33]

If we had a better administration Rep or Dem (non-issue) would we feel easier about the change? I mean I can't sit here and say I trust our current admin and what their motives may or may not be.

No. The only government agency that gets their job done well is the U.S. Military. Their charge is to kill bad people and break their things - and they are wicked-good at accomplishing those aims.

That being said... in terms of an organization.. the military is STILL horribly inefficient

How long have they been chasing a little bearded man in the mountains for?

[drunkpirate66]

4. Live healthier . . . hey! If people worked out more, ate better, drank less, didn't smoke like an idiot (yes, I believe all smokers are idiots) then you wouldn't need health care as much . . . I haven't been to the doctor in literally 8 years . . .

It's very expensive to truly "live healthier." Processed foods are cheaper than whole foods like fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. When we stopped buying processed food and only bought fresh stuff, our grocery bill tripled. To feed 4 people, I spend almost what we make for our house payment in food. It's wayyyyy cheaper to buy a big economy bag of spaghetti, cereal, etc. to feed the family than it is to only eat unprocessed stuff. It seriously makes me consider planting a garden so I don't have to buy as much food!

All that crap you see on boxes now like "made with whole grains" it's all crap food. Even bread. It's all bad bad bad bad bad. (And I seriously read the label of every single food I buy). The stuff in our food is crap.

don't know what to tell you . . . I eat alot of seafood . . . drink a ton of water . . . I don't use multi vitamins which are either bad for you or don't do anything benefitial . . . don't smoke . . . don't drink as much as my buffettnews name would lead you to believe . . . eat alot of fruit (apples and banana's are wicked cheap) and stay away from salt and sugar.

haven't been sick in years. just saying . . . perhaps those are the reasons perhaps they aren't.

you are an idol of healthy perfection. we should all bow to your way of life. (btw, do you have any idea the price of seafood in colorado??? )

you kinda sound like a pompous retard tho.

but not a smoker . . . and not going to pay for smokers health bills . . . directly or indirectly anymore than I am already forced to do . . .

bottom . .. Universal Health Care is simply a bad idea . . .

and calling people names is just f'n sexy . . . keep it up. please!