tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061872101082544823.post3412011436205690049..comments2021-03-02T20:48:57.085-06:00Comments on Jennifer's Musings: What is the Answer in the Health Care Debate?Jennifer Holsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10844516562518004501noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061872101082544823.post-497710340514306072012-03-28T22:28:01.979-05:002012-03-28T22:28:01.979-05:00Thank you for a rational voice. Unfortunately lik...Thank you for a rational voice. Unfortunately like most political issues the silent majority is foolishly sitting idle 'hoping' that logic and intelligence will prevail in an environment that abhors both. As with many laws there is much to like and items that make you scratch your head wondering "why is that in there." But greed & a lust for power prevail in framing the argument. Especially if they scream, yell, sign enough petitions, etc. to make you believe they are the majority or at least if shouting loud enough it makes them "right." Kind of an Ugly American mentality when we think if we speak english slowly enough a non-english speaking person will somehow magically understand :)<br /><br />One argument I question is the impact of the uninsured on premiums. This is something the insurance carriers want you to believe. The insurance companies aren't paying for the uninsured and have no real basis to factor that cost into your premium. They negotiate payments with most healthcare systems prior to us having "coverage" - in the rare case that your 'covered' care isn't pre-negotiated the plan's case review process is actively negotiating the overall cost prior to your discharge. <br /><br />The provider, as long as they participate in a government program(Medicare/Medicaid), are already handcuffed by CMS' Usual & Customary fee schedule by region which in turn are leverage by the insurance companies as well. So it isn't you/me that are paying more directly, it is truly the uninsured if they can pay and/or the provider if they can't collect. <br /><br />That's only scratching the surface on one point and one-sided many will say - just a start.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061872101082544823.post-47668434906078010742012-03-28T21:46:54.844-05:002012-03-28T21:46:54.844-05:00Short answer: Medicare for Everyone. Single-payer ...Short answer: Medicare for Everyone. Single-payer universal coverage.caheidelbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03261598066395322681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061872101082544823.post-23323473360649254332012-03-28T16:41:20.816-05:002012-03-28T16:41:20.816-05:00Your points are well taken. I have been appalled...Your points are well taken. I have been appalled by my (Virginia) Legislature's attempt to pass a bill requiring an intrusive ultrasonic procedure and "counselling" prior to abortion. What passed was a water downed version of a more intrusive procedure. Never the less, it is an affront to all women and has not been popular. It will not be forgotten at election time. This was driven by a desire for social engineering, which the Republicans rail against when it is attempted by the other side. Sorry to get off the subject with that gem; I remain exercised by the matter. <br /><br />Now the debate about health care. Our system is in dire need of a revamp and most Republicans want it revamped. I would like to see the "pundits and the MSNBCs, the CNNs and Foxs" stay out of it. We need desperately to find thoughtful elected officials with access to physicians, hospitals and insurers. Unfortunately, there are very few of our elected officials up to the job of critical thinking. <br /><br />I have been vehemently opposed to this law from the beginning. It must be a strong strand of Southern skepticism. I cannot conceive of how any constitutional scholar can come to the conclusion that this mandate is constitutional. We'll know in a few months. If it isn't overturned, my faith in the court will be greatly diminished. <br /><br /><br /><br />Jen, you are absolutely right, how can we continue to pay for everyone that doesn't carry health insurance. Not to mention the thousands who are enjoying the benefit without citizenship. I don't have the answer, we must find one. <br /><br />I recall when my son no longer qualified to be carried on my insurance. I had the "you're an adult, get your own insurance" talk. He did, this has been several years ago; but, the cost then was $60.00 a month. I thought that pretty reasonable for the time. <br />BTW the monopolies are perpetuated by government.<br /><br />newly minted IndependentCheryl Mercerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15587869695076503012noreply@blogger.com