Can We Heal Healthcare?
Good Afternoon Living Beings!
I'm a beneficiary of circumstance, genetics, and my lifestyle. I've never had a major illness or have even broken a bone; hell, I've only had 2 cavities! My LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels are ideal, on average I exercise 2-3 times a week, eat much healthier than the average American, and am in overall excellent health; just ask my yuppie physician. I am by no means a perfect specimen of the human race; however, health insurance is not one of my top ten concerns... (besides, I work in public sector for fuck's sake; if there's any reason to be there, it would be for the benefits if you're an unhealthy fat slob with a litter of children!) More importantly, there's a huge debate over universal healthcare in America and the topic is going to be a significant factor come November of 2008. I've taken a look at some of the healthcare reform plans that some legislators and presidential candidates have proposed, and I'm here to break them on down for you like M.C. Hammer! (http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/politics/HEALTH_POSITIONS_2.html)
Note: I haven't had a chance to see Michael Moore's "Sicko", so I won't be addressing his socialist point of view; just those of the presidential candidates; and of course, my own.
Democrats; big government....
Most democrats are pushing for universal healthcare; they just don't agree on how to make it work. Most of them want employers to pay a bigger chunk; good for employees, not so much for business owners. They also want states and the federal government to subsidize the costs of healthcare by "ending the Iraq war" and eliminating tax cuts for the wealthy. Some believe that with a "not-for-profit" healthcare system, we could use all the profit that insurers made and in turn fund the system (Kucinich). While others believe that a universal voucher system will not cost any more than the existing system (Gravel). Hillary goes into the most detail with a 7-point plan to controlling costs. Regardless of opinion, in general the democrats want the government to be responsible for providing healthcare coverage for citizens with funding most likely coming from employers, states, and the federal government.
Republicans; small government....
Similar to their perspectives on retirement, the republicans want to maintain private healthcare that citizens may purchase, while offering tax deductions and cost control measures to make it relatively affordable. Ascribing to the capitalistic model, consumers will have higher quality care with increased options and competition among healthcare providers. In regards to paying for this system, most republicans either don't address the issue, or they indicate that competition and free market will not require much money. Some candidates point out that 25% of the 50 million uninsured Americans are illegal immigrants, so fuck 'em (paraphrased from Tancredo). Regardless of opinion, the main divergence from the democrats is that the republicans do not want the government to run healthcare; rather, they want the government to try to control costs of private healthcare.
Don's Healthcare System; a chimp's view...
I believe in individual differences. I don't think that quantity should be more important that quality. Those who become detrimentally ill (like the Beastie Boys!) for reasons outside of their control should be provided with "special" coverage regardless of their financial or employment status. Those who become sick with preventable illnesses due to obesity, drugs, and other lifestyle factors should have to pay extra for healthcare. So how can you build a system with these parameters?
I believe that every U.S. CITIZEN should have a basic-level of universal healthcare coverage that includes emergency and preventative medicine (1 annual exam that includes an evaluation and recommendations). The cost of this basic coverage should be absorbed primarily by state and federal governments (and you and I indirectly through TAXES). Understand that if you are sick, need by-pass surgery, a prescription, or a new organ, you will NOT be covered. Rather, if a citizen requires anything beyond emergency or a yearly examination, they will be required to purchase additional insurance from private insurers; subsidized by employers and made reasonably affordable with government tax breaks for citizens and incentives for businesses.
Furthermore, I don't believe that healthcare is purely an economic or political issue, but a social issue. If you drive and treat your car like shit, why should the government (that's OUR money) be responsible for paying a mechanic to fix your car? I believe we need to take a proactive role in our health and stop expecting doctors to be our mechanics when we destroy our bodies. Obviously, those who become ill outside of their own control should not have to worry about healthcare. Therefore, I would propose that ALL citizens be REQUIRED to purchase an additional "special coverage" insurance (I mentioned earlier...) that would cover unpreventable diseases (i.e. cancer, Alzheimer’s, lupus, etc.). Although only a minority of people may develop these diseases, it's in our best interest as a society to provide the money for the research and treatment of these conditions; besides, you never know if you'll be next.
Finally, hospitals in urban areas, where patient to doctor ratios are shit because of higher volumes of emergency and low income patients, should be subsidized and given incentives by state governments. It's important to provide excellent care regardless of location or income.
The questions for the living:
What are your ideas or thoughts on universal healthcare?
Do you believe in more of a socialist/democrat view of government run healthcare, or more of a capitalist/republican view of privately run healthcare?
Any criticism of my proposed plan when I become president? (of the "I love beer" club)
DO IT TO IT!
All right, click the "comments" link below to read the responses of others, as well as share your own responses. "NO" you don't have to be a member of Blogger to put in your $0.02; Just select "Other" for your identity, type in your name, and post your comments... that's it.... it's as easy as getting shit-canned from your job for blogging!
I'm a beneficiary of circumstance, genetics, and my lifestyle. I've never had a major illness or have even broken a bone; hell, I've only had 2 cavities! My LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels are ideal, on average I exercise 2-3 times a week, eat much healthier than the average American, and am in overall excellent health; just ask my yuppie physician. I am by no means a perfect specimen of the human race; however, health insurance is not one of my top ten concerns... (besides, I work in public sector for fuck's sake; if there's any reason to be there, it would be for the benefits if you're an unhealthy fat slob with a litter of children!) More importantly, there's a huge debate over universal healthcare in America and the topic is going to be a significant factor come November of 2008. I've taken a look at some of the healthcare reform plans that some legislators and presidential candidates have proposed, and I'm here to break them on down for you like M.C. Hammer! (http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/politics/HEALTH_POSITIONS_2.html)
Note: I haven't had a chance to see Michael Moore's "Sicko", so I won't be addressing his socialist point of view; just those of the presidential candidates; and of course, my own.
Democrats; big government....
Most democrats are pushing for universal healthcare; they just don't agree on how to make it work. Most of them want employers to pay a bigger chunk; good for employees, not so much for business owners. They also want states and the federal government to subsidize the costs of healthcare by "ending the Iraq war" and eliminating tax cuts for the wealthy. Some believe that with a "not-for-profit" healthcare system, we could use all the profit that insurers made and in turn fund the system (Kucinich). While others believe that a universal voucher system will not cost any more than the existing system (Gravel). Hillary goes into the most detail with a 7-point plan to controlling costs. Regardless of opinion, in general the democrats want the government to be responsible for providing healthcare coverage for citizens with funding most likely coming from employers, states, and the federal government.
Republicans; small government....
Similar to their perspectives on retirement, the republicans want to maintain private healthcare that citizens may purchase, while offering tax deductions and cost control measures to make it relatively affordable. Ascribing to the capitalistic model, consumers will have higher quality care with increased options and competition among healthcare providers. In regards to paying for this system, most republicans either don't address the issue, or they indicate that competition and free market will not require much money. Some candidates point out that 25% of the 50 million uninsured Americans are illegal immigrants, so fuck 'em (paraphrased from Tancredo). Regardless of opinion, the main divergence from the democrats is that the republicans do not want the government to run healthcare; rather, they want the government to try to control costs of private healthcare.
Don's Healthcare System; a chimp's view...
I believe in individual differences. I don't think that quantity should be more important that quality. Those who become detrimentally ill (like the Beastie Boys!) for reasons outside of their control should be provided with "special" coverage regardless of their financial or employment status. Those who become sick with preventable illnesses due to obesity, drugs, and other lifestyle factors should have to pay extra for healthcare. So how can you build a system with these parameters?
I believe that every U.S. CITIZEN should have a basic-level of universal healthcare coverage that includes emergency and preventative medicine (1 annual exam that includes an evaluation and recommendations). The cost of this basic coverage should be absorbed primarily by state and federal governments (and you and I indirectly through TAXES). Understand that if you are sick, need by-pass surgery, a prescription, or a new organ, you will NOT be covered. Rather, if a citizen requires anything beyond emergency or a yearly examination, they will be required to purchase additional insurance from private insurers; subsidized by employers and made reasonably affordable with government tax breaks for citizens and incentives for businesses.
Furthermore, I don't believe that healthcare is purely an economic or political issue, but a social issue. If you drive and treat your car like shit, why should the government (that's OUR money) be responsible for paying a mechanic to fix your car? I believe we need to take a proactive role in our health and stop expecting doctors to be our mechanics when we destroy our bodies. Obviously, those who become ill outside of their own control should not have to worry about healthcare. Therefore, I would propose that ALL citizens be REQUIRED to purchase an additional "special coverage" insurance (I mentioned earlier...) that would cover unpreventable diseases (i.e. cancer, Alzheimer’s, lupus, etc.). Although only a minority of people may develop these diseases, it's in our best interest as a society to provide the money for the research and treatment of these conditions; besides, you never know if you'll be next.
Finally, hospitals in urban areas, where patient to doctor ratios are shit because of higher volumes of emergency and low income patients, should be subsidized and given incentives by state governments. It's important to provide excellent care regardless of location or income.
In conclusion, I would argue that the "Don Healthcare System" would not only provide basic emergency and preventative medicine with the ability to purchase customized coverage to suit individual needs, but would also maintain a competitive healthcare insurance market. Furthermore, my approach makes "special coverage" of unpreventable diseases available to all U.S. citizens, while holding those citizens who engage in unhealthy lifestyles responsible for paying their own way. Hey, it's just an idea....
The questions for the living:
What are your ideas or thoughts on universal healthcare?
Do you believe in more of a socialist/democrat view of government run healthcare, or more of a capitalist/republican view of privately run healthcare?
Any criticism of my proposed plan when I become president? (of the "I love beer" club)
DO IT TO IT!
All right, click the "comments" link below to read the responses of others, as well as share your own responses. "NO" you don't have to be a member of Blogger to put in your $0.02; Just select "Other" for your identity, type in your name, and post your comments... that's it.... it's as easy as getting shit-canned from your job for blogging!
posted by Don the "Head Chimp" at
12:12 PM
1 Comments:
There is a reason why healthcare is so good in the United States. Doctors frequently (monthly) go to conventions and lectures and labs to learn new methods of treating major illness. They are highly paid to be quality. Before you argue: I am not saying all of them are. But I have an obligation to tell the naysayers that U of M saved my life. Four times. (I am in medical books, and because of their diagnosis of me, they know what to look for - other kids have been saved.) I am permitted, at this blogspot and in my life to brag about that. I have dealt with healthcare more than anyone who could post on here...everyone combined.
Now to the point.
HMOs were introduced in 1973 by Teddy Kennedy, a Democrat. Signed into law under Nixon, a Republican. (I wrote a 30 page paper on HMOs last year). There are different methods - Medicare (renal, blind, 65+); Medicaid (impoverished), etc. However, there are medications that cost. Despite the "universal health care" argument, we'd still have to pay for those. Mine are 4000.00 per MONTH.
This doesn't include the mentally ill that storm the ERs all over America on a daily basis. Many think they're having a heart attack or seizure (when it's actually a panic attack). Many are having bad drug reactions, legal and illegal. What do we do about them?
We need this system, Because we have the best physicians in the world. After all, rich Canadians come here. Famous people from other countries get their cancer treated here. In Canada, the wait for a ER is about 5-6 hours (at the least). I speak with one Canadian frequently about this on the computer. He's having his transplant done in Minneapolis.
"The healthcare rules, the system sucks".
However, everyone is entitled to live.
Do I want shoddy service because of universal healthcare? Fuck no. I am in no position to even think about that.
However, healthcare CAN rip you off. If you look at a bill closely - you'll be charged for everything, Q-Tips, urine containers, etc.
There is only one way to do this. Tax people. Hike up their federal and state tax to 50% in order to pay the hospitals, physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, medical assistants, social workers, financial associates, and even the cooks with your 50%.
One other way is: Prevention. Most people have kidney problems (one of the fastest growing medical conditions) because of Diabetes and Hypertension. This is almost always due to weight. Liver disease, weight related. heart disease, weight related. Prevent the people from becoming sick in the first place. Give every little girl that HPV prevention shot at 12, there won't be much cervical cancer left.
Begin: Tax fast food. Tax each person 25% on fast food. Fastest artery clogging in the world.
Either A) Quit selling smokes altogether or B) allow people to smoke wherever. I have never found a case of lung problems due to second-hand smoke. I've looked. I am willing to read some if provided. But that is a GREAT source of tax. People will do anything to keep their hands on that fix.
As for your proposed healthcare, I did read it. Poverty striken people (homeless) couldn't afford it, whether they're winos or not. So, it would still be the people with the money. People with more money are Chief of Staff's dream. They love them - they donate money to hospital, ergo, the proverbial "cash cow". However, homeless people still eat, usually fast food when they can. Hence, good tax. That's the first thing I would do. Pour the taxes into prevention and people who are physically ill due to genes (i.e., like me).
Although I do like the whole thing about me not worrying about my healthcare. That's nice.
(I am signing out as what they used to call me in the dialysis clinic...)
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