Here is something that could soon possibly be affecting all of our lives. I know that I have had discussions with Scott about the reach of the government and how far it should intrude into the lives of the American people as far as Biblical principles. Let's hear what you think!
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Drat! It overwhelms the right column!
ReplyDeleteThis stuff is so frustrating...There is so much reform that could be done but I definitely don't know much about what it would look like. What I do know is this: Before Randy and I had health insurance lined up we had a $200 OB consult with a midwife. Upon being informed that insurance wouldn't cover it, the doctor's office told us we could just pay $100. So why would the insurance have had to pay twice that?!?! There have to be ways for people to afford the health care they need without government help. Nonprofit help, fine. Government not so much.
ReplyDeleteI agree Andrea, it's extremely frustrating! Working in the hospital, I see so many people who can't afford to be there and it's causing them stress (which does not improve their health), and people who have to leave early because their insurance won't pay the bill anymore, and it's sad! Makes me want to say 'yes' to universal healthcare. But, then I realize that would cause even more problems for people (in the ER) who have already been waiting 5 hours to be seen. I really do wish that there was some way we all could have health insurance without paying out the butt, or without government being involved. How? If we do end up with universal health care, I can't imagine what it's going to be like working in a healthcare setting; not easy, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion on all topics related to this is: People should be paid 100% for what they work (no income tax). People should be taxed based on what they consume (sales tax, property tax, etc). In essence, let people control the most amount of money possible and give them the CHOICE for what to do with it. I don't think that the current state of our healthcare system is great, for reasons similar to what Andrea cited. A healthcare provider will charge an insurance company $200, but charges you $100... So everyone who is in the "pool" for that health insurance just got gouged $100. But spread over thousands of people that isn't too much (by itself)... But nickle and diming adds up fast.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that bothers me about insurance and/or govt subsidized healthcare is that generally people do not see a large impact to their healthcare. For people with healthcare and a low co-pay, they can go in and see the doctor for every bump and bruise and only pay $10, while their insurance company (and those that are in the "pool") get gouged hundreds of dollars for the visit.
I think what I am saying is that people need to maintain responsibility for their healthcare. In the situation where there are lower taxes (which means more money in pocket to decide what to do with) hopefully people will have more money to spend on their healthcare when the need arises. For cases where the healthcare need exceeds a persons finances, that is probably where non-profits and (non govt) agencies can step in to provide assistance.
Another thought--My work provides good healthcare. We pay a fixed amount every month and a great deal of our care is paid for with a low ($10ish copay)... Meds, doctor visits, etc. I wish I had more options. Another one that I could think of is let us have a higher deductible in trade for a lower monthly cost. So we would be paying for what we actually use. Or even--don't cover regular doctor's visits, we would pay for those out of pocket and "special treatment" would be covered under a less expensive plan (think of the insurance that you have for your car. You don't buy insurance for every oil change. You buy insurance for taking care of major catastrophes (theft, accidents, etc). Health insurance could probably do well by mimicing this model.
In summary:
* Lower taxes
* Voluntary healthcare
* Let us choose coverage like we can choose auto insurance (comprehensiveness)
* Encourage people to be responsible for their own health by NOT having comprehensive coverage
* Let private sector take care of those in need
Amen, Josh. That's all. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's some good advice, Josh! You da man!
ReplyDelete