Thoughts on Universal healthcare

[rebelcowboysnb]

Im in Medicare and Medicaid an cant complain. If I need to go to the doctor I go where I want an never see a bill. If I need meds its paid for. Same with the ER. If they covered dental I wouldn't have a complaint.

That plus my $600 disability check, I cant complain. You can live pretty good off $600 an no medical to worry about. Ya cant keep up with the Jones' but your not hurting.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

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Since i have done a self ban on political issues (blood just squirts from the corners of my eyes) I will only quote.

 

[Dar]

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YES.....I agree (imagine that...lol)...they need to be regulated on how much they can charge for the same test from the dr's office to the "center"...there is no reason why Dr. John Doe charges 400$ to do an exam and accept the insurance ...and Dr. Jane doe does not accept insurance and charges $200....thats crazy

our "BIG" cancer care centers dont charge a different amount then the local small town cancer centers do and its the same treatment that is given

a girl I work with just had a baby I think he was only 24 weeks along...he was airlifted to the best preemie unit in south western Ontario....which will offer the same level of care as the best one in Toronto..and there was never a question on will the insurance cover it

 

[HennysMom]

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I'm glad that you are faring well rebel - as so many in your situation are not. Grandmom gets 700.00 and its very hard for her, she owns her house, no car, basic telephone, TV but no cable, freezes in the winter and sweats to death in the summer, lives on managers specials for meats and food. Trust me, she isnt living large by any means....I guess it depends on where you live also as cost of living varies greatly.

 

[hinkjc]

That's the key question, how do you control costs when costs keep rising?

It's easy to say what a doctor should bill, but until you are paying their bills it isn't reasonable. With increased costs for malpractice insurance, pharmaceuticals, equipments and new technology, naturally our costs will go up too. In additiion, think about all of the people who go to the doctor and don't pay their bill (regardless of reason). Those costs are passed on to those who do pay. It's a viscious circle with no easy answers.

Do we need or really want the newest technology? That is one of the biggest factors in rising costs. Technology cost money..it's a proven fact. So how do we maintain the quality of health care people have grown to expect without new technology? I know, some will say "I don't need it". But when it comes down to saving your life or a loved ones life, you think differently.

I agree there needs to be something done, but I don't think the answer is in sight. At least not a solution that will fit all of societies needs.

 

[pips&peeps]

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The reason the MRI costs more at an MRI center is because they will do the test and the reading. If you do it at your Doctor's office the films have to be sent out and read by a Radiologist and you can be sure you will get another bill for that. So, it is not cheaper.

Five years experience working in a radiology office and another five working in billing for a HMO.

 

[Donnadzitall]

No offense intended towards anyone or a political view differing from my personal opinion or experience.

Universal health care is not always in the best interest of the patient,client and or doctor. Just last year we had a relative in Sweden where universal health care is government controlled. My aunt developed cancer, it was diagnosed but not treated. Why? Because she was 60 years old and it was deemed that she was "too" old to waste the money on and it could go to someone "younger" that would benefit and have a higher survival rate. My mother begged her to come over to here and was willing to get her a loan to do the surgical procedure. It was NOT a terminal cancer. She died 6 months later. I would not like someone deciding that my age would be a factor to decide if I was a worthy patient. We need to value life whether it be in a child, young adult, mature adult or a senior citizen.

I believe healthcare should be available to those who cannot afford it, but let's be real, some of those people will not even fill out the paperwork to get it! I know there are programs for healthcare through the state, the schools and other places. Also in the event of high emergency or surgical procedures there are programs that will help out...maybe not take all of it away but help. It is true that in some cases those that really need it get denied while others seem to just get everything they want or need (foodstamps, $$ assistance, etc) It isn't a perfect plan but I seriously do not think that universal healthcare is a great one.

I personally don't like my private information being universally available to the government either...and that is basically what will happen. Don't call me paranoid, just wary.

I will whole heartedly look at other peoples opinions as well to get a different view.

That's my opinion, a little uneducated? Maybe...I'm always gleaning for more information on anything that I NEED to know or want to know. Which is why I come here for CHICKEN info!

 

[HennysMom]

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yes but until they're paying mine, they should be willing to work with those that do pay theirs - that is reasonable in my opinion. Ever have to work out a payment plan with a drs office? Its sheer nighmare - I tell them what I can afford to pay and the snotty lady at the other end of the phone tells me what I AM going to pay. My response?

"put it in writing you are refusing my payment to what I can afford and I'll see you in court - we'll let the judge decide."

Click..

Worked many a time over the years... and I stopped seeing those drs that refused to work with me at what I could afford, not what they told me they wanted.


nothing worse than having a $1600.00 doctor bill that the doctor wants paid off in "4 equal monthly installments"

yeah... okay doc.. and I'll just go out back and shake that money tree for ya while I'm at it ! LOL

Thank the lord I planted one of those huh?

 

[HennysMom]

pips&peeps :

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The reason the MRI costs more at an MRI center is because they will do the test and the reading. If you do it at your Doctor's office the films have to be sent out and read by a Radiologist and you can be sure you will get another bill for that. So, it is not cheaper.

Five years experience working in a radiology office and another five working in billing for a HMO.

Nope not true - my drs office has an MRI Center - complete with CT machine, xrays and everything else. Even their own Radiologist - so it does not cost more to have the films read - they do it all right there. Not the case in this situation I'm afraid...​

 

[pips&peeps]

I know some will disagree with me, but I don't think individual people should be responsible for other's health care.

A good example why is the "octuplet mother". Who is paying all those bills? She obviously doesn't have the resources to and now it is a burden on the State which in turn becomes a burden on society.

I guess there will always be injustices either way it goes.