Thursday, November 10, 2011

Facebook Archive - The 2008 Presidential Election - Comments on Health Care

Lizzy - I would love you to elaborate on healthcare. What about our aging seniors who are in trouble because they mortgaged their homes just to pay for their medical bills? What about people like me who can't afford to go to the chiropractor because my health insurance provider doesn't believe the chiro reduces my scoliosis symptoms? I technically have health insurance, but it seems like I just bought a plastic card and still have to pay full price for everything else. I know the British universal health care system is a mess since you have only one clinic to choose from depending on where you live, but Roger, what are your thoughts on this matter? Americans aren't getting any healthier so this is a huge dilemma to face.

Roger -  On health care. I'm not seeing bipartisanship on Obama's or McCain's stance on this issue. Both sides have reasonable small solutions to this specific problem.

I will admit, that the current federal assistance on health care is a sham. I do believe the that forces of economics play a big part on the burden of health care costs as well as the the longer one's life expectancy is, the more expensive one's health care is in general.The idea of universal health care system in America would be a nightmare with how the current American bureaucracy works. It's not a viable option for America, nor should it be. Having access to quality, reasonable health care is a right. One should be able to afford it out of their own pocket with good health insurance.

Which comes to health insurance, since 'free markets' have not leveled a benefiting cover to its whom it insurers, its due for an overhaul. In your case Lizzy, health insurers should be able to offer you a general health care insurance plan, while offering something like an additional deal, plan, or negotiated deal for your personal, unique health problems like your scoliosis.


Government invention to a certain degree is definitely warranted, negotiated on a regular basis by 'true' experts in the health industry, health insurance, and the government (with maybe a limited civilian panel to provide good feedback) But part of the reason health care is so expensive is that inflation has increased significantly over the last 50 years, which has increased costs, as you know. Another reason is the fear of lawsuits. With America's being sue-happy, its no wonder that doctors, hospitals, and insurers are wary on the public.

In line with my views of economics, seniors are suffering from a very volatile economic system that was set up in FDR's era. The existence of a semi-welfare state is straining our economy along with our current war woes. They shouldn't be mortgaging their houses to pay their health bills. Part of it is that some lack 'true' fiscal responsibility to save up enough money for retirement, while some is due to a tangled web of governmental regulations and rules (includes federal, state and local laws and regulations). Then some is blame on what I say about 1930's like economics wrecking havoc on planning on retiring right.

I have to be realistic that in a capitalist market, that we won't be able to cover everyone. Again as I say about limited government intervention in the form of hammering out a good general health insurance plan to the general public, and I'll add that it only provides the foundation of health insurance while it offers variations to people due to age, gender, and special needs.  While my opinion is only a pinnacle to help the massive problem of health care, the root cause still lays within the structure of failed economics of the last 80 years.  Obama and McCain are dancing around this issue, theirs are small fixes that avoid the cause of the problem: economics.

Lastly, I say that while America's health care system isn't perfect, thank God that we have such an advanced one as we have. It isn't the mess of Britain nor of the third-world nations level. Considered us, blessed for what we do have while hoping to continue improving.

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