Government run health care

[pomtzu]

However, with this thread speaking specifically about those on benefits and welfare and the likes, would this sort of health care not be hugely beneficial for people in those situations?

There already is health care available to these people. The point is the people who are on assistance to start with. The OP was making reference to them being on Welfare to start with, and how people abuse the system and some make that their way of life, instead of getting out and doing for themselves.

Maybe you have to be American to get the total picture???...........

[Miss Z]

I don't think I was totally clear in what I meant, sorry. What I was trying to get across is that with a system like our NHS, perhaps there would be less 'abuse of the system', as there would be no need to make claims for a new child , or whatever else. It would be less of a strain on the taxpayer (as I also read in this article that the doctor can pass on bills of those on Medicare/Medicaid to the taxpayer, whether this is correct or not, I don't know, please correct me if this is not the case).

I also read that about 47 million Americans fear becoming ill as they know they cannot pay the doctor's fees. To me, at least, that's quite frightening.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, I consider you one of the most up to date, educated, members of this board. I am listening to everything you've said. My mother has Medicare and another insurance. If she didn't have the other insurance, she would be paying out the yazoo for everything. There are many Americans that are unable to work that aren't able to secure other private healthcare because of the cost. Medicare isn't covering all their expenses so who is? They are. I see some of these older people in the pharmacies paying $300-$500 for their monthly rx's because they're not listed on the $4 list. Believe me, no one is taking care of these people but their less than adequate SS checks.

This thread takes me back to the Appalachian thread we had many months ago. It's the same thing, different topic.

Marigold: I think you made some blanket statements in the beginning of your post that weren't entirely true. However, I do see that the welfare system is possibly overrun with people misusing the system. I believe the arguments that have arisen here are because you are, once again(Re: Appalachian thread), listing apples and oranges.

[pomtzu]

Thanks Terry, but I only speak from experience. I know that some people figure seniors "have it made" with Medicare, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes - it does provide some coverage which of course is better than nothing, but we also pay for it each month after paying for it all our working lives too! That amounts to pretty high premiums if you look at it that way.
I consider myself fortunate that I am able to afford a supplemental policy and I don't know how I could possibly pay my medical bills without it. Even a relatively minor illness or procedure could end up costing thousands out of pocket before all was said or done. Quite a sobering thought, but look at the millions of folks that don't have additional insurance because they can't afford it.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I just corrected my post to read a little better. I originally said she would be in trouble without Medicare. I meant the other insurance. I am the person that takes her to the doctor, deals with her medical issues, makes all her phone calls, etc. Her supplemental is paying for the bulk of her expenses. Even with both, she still has two rx's that she pays almost $100 monthly to get filled. Those are the non generic ones.

My mother is fortunate that she worked until she was almost 80. This is how she keeps her little supplemental policy. She was able to take it with her when she retired. Even working until she was 80, she still gets little or no help from the government.

Zara: What you heard about all the Americans unable to afford care is absolutely right. We have no hope. Our government only helps those under certain circumstances. Many of us are praying we don't have a catastrophic illness for more reasons than one.

[pomtzu]

I just corrected my post to read a little better. I originally said she would be in trouble without Medicare. I meant the other insurance. I am the person that takes her to the doctor, deals with her medical issues, makes all her phone calls, etc. Her supplemental is paying for the bulk of her expenses. Even with both, she still has two rx's that she pays almost $100 monthly to get filled. Those are the non generic ones.

My mother is fortunate that she worked until she was almost 80. This is how she keeps her little supplemental policy. She was able to take it with her when she retired. Even working until she was 80, she still gets little or no help from the government.

Zara: What you heard about all the Americans unable to afford care is absolutely right. We have no hope. Our government only helps those under certain circumstances. Many of us are praying we don't have a catastrophic illness for more reasons than one.

I knew what you meant............

And BIG kudos to your Mom! That's one long stint in the work force.

[Miss Z]

Zara: What you heard about all the Americans unable to afford care is absolutely right. We have no hope. Our government only helps those under certain circumstances. Many of us are praying we don't have a catastrophic illness for more reasons than one.

You see, to me that just seems so sad. Private doctors are so expensive here too, and if the NHS were not here, so many British people would be the same. What struck me most about the article is that committees refuse to give the idea a second thought because it is different, and therefore 'bad', even though it seems it could benefit so many people who have a right to be cared for, should they become ill.

[Daisy and Delilah]

You see, to me that just seems so sad. Private doctors are so expensive here too, and if the NHS were not here, so many British people would be the same. What struck me most about the article is that committees refuse to give the idea a second thought because it is different, and therefore 'bad', even though it seems it could benefit so many people who have a right to be cared for, should they become ill.

It is very sad. I think we probably have no idea how bad it really is in this country.

I think many people are picking apart our president and the healthcare reform issue. I know that all people won't agree with everything he wants to do.
Some Americans are in such dire straits with lack of healthcare, almost any relief is better than what they already have, or don't have.

I want to give him a chance to see what he comes up with and not listen to all I hear every day from his critics. I truly hope we can see some help coming soon.

[Lady's Human]

If the plan being discussed in the hallowed halls of Congress was merely meant to assist people who need help, I doubt many would have any issues with it.

The monstrosity being considered, however, is not assistance to those who need it. It is a complete takeover of health care by the government.

[pomtzu]

It is very sad. I think we probably have no idea how bad it really is in this country.

I think many people are picking apart our president and the healthcare reform issue. I know that all people won't agree with everything he wants to do.
Some Americans are in such dire straits with lack of healthcare, almost any relief is better than what they already have, or don't have.

I want to give him a chance to see what he comes up with and not listen to all I hear every day from his critics. I truly hope we can see some help coming soon.

Terry - I'm with you 100% with everything you said here.

Don't get me wrong - I love this country and would never want to live anywhere else - but we need some serious changes to come about. For too long, too many issues have been swept under the rug, and now they need to be not only addressed, but resolved. I really don't expect to see any major, sweeping changes in what's left of my lifetime, but for the sake of my kids, grandkids, and beyond, I certainly hope that they can look to a more promising future.

Politics is not my forte and I don't claim to even have a clue how this will come to be, or even what most of the issues are (other than healthcare of course), but I do know that the problems are many. There are just too many good people in this land of plenty, who are forced to make do with next to nothing. It just shouldn't be that way in the most powerful and prosperous country on Earth.

[Miss Z]

The monstrosity being considered, however, is not assistance to those who need it. It is a complete takeover of health care by the government.

Could you tell me why this would be a monstrosity?

[Lady's Human]

No, quite honestly, because at 1300 pages and climbing, most of the representatives can't even explain what's in the bill.

To paraphrase one of the legislators who will vote on the proposals if and when they ever come out of committee, it would take too much time to read, so why bother?

[pomtzu]

No, quite honestly, because at 1300 pages and climbing, most of the representatives can't even explain what's in the bill.

To paraphrase one of the legislators who will vote on the proposals if and when they ever come out of committee, it would take too much time to read, so why bother?

Pretty darn sad state of affairs - don't ya' think??

They finally pull out one of the issues that has been swept under the rug with the hopes of some kind of resolution finally being addressed, and the powers that be that might be able to get the ball rolling, all stick their heads in the sand...........

[Daisy and Delilah]

Terry - I'm with you 100% with everything you said here.

Don't get me wrong - I love this country and would never want to live anywhere else - but we need some serious changes to come about. For too long, too many issues have been swept under the rug, and now they need to be not only addressed, but resolved. I really don't expect to see any major, sweeping changes in what's left of my lifetime, but for the sake of my kids, grandkids, and beyond, I certainly hope that they can look to a more promising future.

Politics is not my forte and I don't claim to even have a clue how this will come to be, or even what most of the issues are (other than healthcare of course), but I do know that the problems are many. There are just too many good people in this land of plenty, who are forced to make do with next to nothing. It just shouldn't be that way in the most powerful and prosperous country on Earth.

Well said, Ellie. I agree.

I think it's a monstrosity because it has been swept under the rug for so long. What a shame. It's not an easy undertaking.
I'm with Ellie. I don't have a clue how to fix it but I wish we could get it fixed asap.
I still have to keep some faith that something good might happen eventually but I don't think I'll ever see a good solution in my lifetime. It's become way to big to change all that's been created over all these years.

[lizbud]

The monstrosity being considered, however, is not assistance to those who need it. It is a complete takeover of health care by the government.

The change proposed is not a takeover, it's a makeover. Big difference.

I have heard about the changes that brought about Social Security and
Medicare were resisted by many people initially. The world did not stop
turning & we progressed as a society.