Quote:
Originally Posted by Harlan Huckleby
Quote:
Originally Posted by MJZiggy
So what you're saying is that not every government sponsored health care system sucks? I thought there were a few over in Europe that were pretty good.
I'd suggest a hybrid system where people or employers can purchase insurance plans to provide services beyond what the government will cover. And ya, health care generally works well for people in Europe, they look at us and think we are insane.
Employer-provided health care is just a horrible system. The unintended consequence is that it makes it extremely difficult for people to be entreprenarial, start small businesses.
There needs to be some reform. It's true it does hold back entrepreneurs and startup small businesses.
Without going into great detail, a family member of mine has MS. Like it or not, I am shackled to my present employer due to the health insurance. I can't afford to be without it, but if I went on my own or with a much smaller company the premiums (if I could get coverage at all for being self employed) would be astronomical.
There should be these available options:
1.) Buying pools of multiple companies (even if in different states) should be enabled to allow more choices.
2.) Allow for importation of drugs from Canada.
3.) Allow for interstate commerce for health insurance. If I can buy the same insurance cheaper in another state, then I should be allowed to.
4.) Present all citizens with 2 options
a.) Have a government health care option that you could buy into (or provided for you if you prove you can't afford it)
b.) If option a's coverage doesn't suit you, buy your own on the open market.
5.) Outlaw subsidies/kickbacks to doctors and pharmacies who subscribe certain medication. It's corrupt, leads in some cases to over medication, plus drives up insurance costs because of the over prescribing.
Though I don't like the government running the health care system (e.g., look at how vets were treated at Walter Reed), so little has been done by both sides that we WILL end up with some form of universal system. It's not if, but when.
</rant> :soap: