All for It

I'm all for universal health care, but many older people I know seem to fear

it. They fear having to wait too long for treatment.

Does it have to be that way? I don't think so.

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 941 comments) on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 12:21:44 PM
 

We Already Have Long Lines

We already have long lines (ask those with HMO or catastrophic only coverage), and with 46 million uninsured and 50 million underinsured (and growing) there are a lot of people that aren't in line (they die).  Seems to me like the inconvenience of a wait time for a non-critical health issue is a small price to pay compared with the immoral and inhumane alternative of not creating a working system that treats everyone of us.

 That said, a lot of criticism has been made of the wait times in Canada.  Well, they are not the only country with Universal Health Care.  France, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands all of Universal health care systems, all vary, we can design one that works with minimal treatment waiting for non-critical issues.  It would be our system and our choice - we need caring doctors not profiteers running the system. 

The front running democratic candidates proposals strengthen the existing health profit system by creating "mandatory" insurance.  The system has some many problems, at so many different places in it, it needs an overhaul not life support to keep it going.

We need the political will for change - and to become educated on the extent of the problem.  There are some great books published, but not getting any mainstream press (surprise surprise) go to Amazon and google health care and you'll see.  Not much main stream media coverage - but a lot of good information for those scratching below the surface... 

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 467 comments) on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 3:52:32 PM
 

I Agree

I agree with what you say.

People have trouble thinking "outside the box".

They see a problem with one system and think that's the way all systems have to be.

     The other problem is that many people are still in their "comfort zone",

and haven't felt the need for UHC. When it hits home then they might care.
 

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 941 comments) on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 4:52:34 PM
 

Thanks for the comments!

I think you're right - those that have insurance that appears to be working for them (because they are employed) don't recognize how fragile the "employment based" system is for everyone.  Anyone that has paid COBRA costs between jobs knows the price.

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 467 comments) on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 6:32:48 PM