Pantagraph.com | Letters | Be careful of wishing for universal healthcare

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Re-Read YOUR Post Please wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:54 AM:

" Why such an egotistical and self-centered way of thinking? Prime example: "With universal healthcare, I would not have had a choice to a second opinion." What about the people who can not even get as much as a first opinion due to a lapse in healthcare coverage? As many others have stated, apparently, you need to do your own further research to understand that healthcare in the United States is an industry, rather than a guarenteed basic necessity. You just happened to have the PRIVILEGE to shop around for opinions and actually RECEIVE help when you may need it. ... A person may never fully understand another's experince until it happens to him or her personally... "

to no data wrote on Oct 15, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Wrong. Price is but one of many factors I use when determining which product or service I use. If I were to have to pay for health care myself, cost would still not be that high on my list. I'd still want the best care I could possibly get. I'd rather be bankrupt than dead or suffering because of lowest-bidder treatment. And on the lack of hard numbers, why would you expect a poster on the Pantagraph forums to have access to pricing and contract data on hospital medical equipment? Much of the time, these kinds of contracts are confidential. "

no data wrote on Oct 15, 2007 7:43 AM:

" like I said, no facts. just off the wall comments. By the way, if you had to pay for your own healthcare, I bet you too would seek out value....value, ever heard of the word? It is when people get too far away from the actual cost of providing healthcare that the breakdown occurs. If you knew that you , PERSONALLY, had to pay for a proceedure, you would do some searching for the best deal...like buying a car. No one wants to feel like they overspent...but have 5 x-rays instead of 10..well, who cares, I'm not paying for it. The great insurance we have had for years has caused us to abdicate our responsibility to Ins. co, PPO, HMO and now Govt "

to wishful thinking wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:21 PM:

" I'd rather have the most advanced treatment available, but if you want to be treated like they would have treated you in 1975...hey, its your life! "

to typical response wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:20 PM:

" What do you want? You can't buy an MRI machine at Wal-mart. So what are your options? Call a hospital or a GE sales rep and ask them for a price quote. "

jackie lira wrote on Oct 13, 2007 1:10 PM:

" we lived in England for 2 years, my husband had a heart attack and doctors said it was to dangerous for him to fly home so thank-god we had private insurance because if not he would of been put on a waiting list for a triple by-pass and our neighbor was still on a list and waiting for his because he is English after 8 months and his son is a surgeon. There are no cuts in line. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR PEOPLE! The hospital look like ours 25 years ago. "

wishful thinking wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:34 AM:

" I never said no governemt. I just said less and by the way, if I can use a 20 year old technology at less cost, but get the same effect, then why not. I just got braces for my teeth. I am in my 40's. First orthodtst wanted $6500 and had all the "latest" technology. I went with the one that still used wires, metal brackets, or in other words 20 year old technolgy. Guess what, I got the job done in the same amount of time ( 2 yrs) and for $3400. But it is the wanta, gotta hava new stuff mentality that drives the cost because you don't personally pay for it...the big bad insurance company does, right....no, all of the premium payers pay for it. what a blithering............ "

typical response wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:29 AM:

" so, as I said, no facts, just "call someone and they will tell you" how much a piece of equipment costs. So. hey, let's go ahead and pay 100% in taxes and let the government pay for everything we need: food, clothing, work trucks, hospitals, doctors, old age care, vacations, our homes, etc. Why not. We are all in this together right? We are all EQUAL right? That's what this country was founded on right?....Wrong..but until then, let's practice this phrase "Welcome commrade" "

to smarter than you wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Call up Bromenn and ask them how much their shiny new PACS imaging system costs. These pieces of equipment are very expensive to acquire and maintain... and its not like your work pickup truck that can be run for 20 years. New things come out all of the time. Ask yourself if you want the hospital to keep on using a piece of medical technology to save money, even if it is 20 years old and decidedly primitive and outdated. If you no government, no insurance, pay-out-of-pocket types get your way, this is what we'll have. "

smarter than you wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:03 AM:

" ok now, play nice. If you can prove a MRI machine costs $10 mil, let me see the reference. Quit blowing smoke. You all know that in the event of an emergency you will be treated. and heck, if you can't afford healthcare, guess what, you die just a little bit quicker. either way, we all die. Why do we all have to pay for you to play God and try to prolong your life becaue you over eat, smoke, get into accicents because you don't take responsibilty for your own actions, sit on your buttocks and don't exercise and take care of yourself. Hey, if you don't care, why should I? In fact, why have any laws on the books at all, let's all do what we dar well want to and let "the government" pick up the tab. Sounds good. do you all want to buy me a car so I can drive to my local rehab clinic? "

Only makes sense wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:55 PM:

" the majority of you all deal with emotions and not facts. If you want to know how someone can afford 4 kids and they make less than you? YOU and I are paying for those kids through our taxes. The Governments ( local/state/fed) do not run businesses. Their income is a portion of OUR income. I pay about 40% in taxes This country is one of Opportunity, NOT a land of guaranteed prosperity. how I came up with 40% tax rate...28% Fed, 7% State tax (don't live in IL) 7.65% for SSI and Medicare and then there is Property tax which equates to about 2% Then add sales tax on clothes, food,etc. The Federal GAS tax is 18.5 cents. There are taxes on my cell phone , land line phone, Cable TV , gas and electric,Water and Garbage . this is still THE greatest country in the world to live in because it is a democracy, I want less govt, less taxes. It is time we start demanding people take responsibility for their actions. Good night to all you poor people. "

to wondering wrote on Oct 12, 2007 3:39 PM:

" Well, if you're opposed to this program, it sounds like you're opposed to something that could possibly help you. "

wondering wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:43 PM:

" My husband and I are middle class, average type job, 40 hr week workers at decent companies and pay into our insurance every paycheck. I am pregnant and are starting to worry how we will pay for this delivery one we started doing the math. We already have a 3 year old and we live modestly because we have to. So, what I want to know, is how do single mothers, working jobs lower than mine on the totum pole, pay for the birth of their 4th, 5th or even 6th child? I don't know what the answer is, but, I am getting fed up with being an honest, hardworking person and getting slammed picking up the tab for those lazier than me or watching those who make tons more than me, get tax breaks. Do I just not know how to work the system enough? "

to Only makes sense wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:39 AM:

" Your 98 year old Grandma has Medicare and 100 years ago, "medicine" consisted of circumcision, lobotomies, and blood letting. Who would pay for that? Times have changed. Medicine is no longer quackery; its science and techology... all of which cost money to develop and maintain. When the MRI machine you lay in costs $10 million plus $500,000 in yearly maintainance, you're going to pay for it! "

Only makes sense wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:59 AM:

" Wake up people. Insurance companies pool money to pay expenses. Just like the Govt does. The problem is cost. Too many people wanting everything given to them or they will sue. My Dr. "retired" 30 years ago because of his malpractice insurance premium of $4000/yr!...remember that was 30 years ago. When people came to this country less than 100 years ago from Europe...guess what? they paid for their own care. My G'ma is 98, never paid for health insurance. She saved her money and paid her own way. Let's all be responsible for our own actions "

to WeeDram wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:27 AM:

" Then you should speak to my doctor who moved HERE from Canada and have a discussion about WHY he moved here. I guess the grass is greener.. or maybe the snow is whiter.. haha "

Tort reform. wrote on Oct 10, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Take the lawyers out of the health care and insurance system. The free market will correct most of the problems. "

Kurt wrote on Oct 10, 2007 12:38 PM:

" This sounds like an astroturf letter - its so full of false statements its probably not from a real person & probably is copied and pasted into lots of little papers across the US. Every other industrialized nation has some form of 'universal health care'. If you really did talk to people from Spain, Japan, Denmark about this they might have complaints about their implementation, but they prefer their system to ours. "

Go to the Doctor for Free Card wrote on Oct 10, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Why in the world would anyone even think of giving everyone a "go to the doctor for free" card? I personally don't want my tax dollars paying for someone's dope for their glucoma or whatever, let alone some crack-head's rehab. People need to understand that Universal Healthcare has NOTHING to do with providing sick people healthcare, and EVERYTHING to do with making the insurance companies richer. Insurance is the problem, not the answer. I understand we need something, but giving everyone a "go to do the doctore free card" is just a plain and simple bad idea. Why should I, who has committed myself to getting an education, being a good citizen, etc, etc, have to pay for those that have chosen the "easy way"? Not saying there aren't a lot of folks out there that deserve it and just can't afford it, but the GTTDFF card will certianly open the doors for a lot of lazy bastards to spend my $. "

to Universal Health Care...yeah right!!! wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:25 AM:

" So I guess you're lucky to have employer based insurance... private insurance wouldn't touch your wife's condition with a 100 foot pole. Or is she on SS with Medicare and you're just not telling. "

WeeDram wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:21 AM:

" As a dual citizen (Canadian & American) who has lived under both systems, I have to laugh at all the self-appointed experts who believe that Canadian healthcare is inferior, is tyranny, etc., including out-and-out untrue information presented as "facts". Does ANY universal healthcare program have warts? Of course. No system is perfect, whether private, public or blended. That said, I would never, ever, EVER elect for the "system" (it really isn't a system ... it's just chaos with the benefit going to for-profit corporate entities) in the US. Medicare as implemented in Canada is by far superior to health care in the U.S. My own primary care physician and cardiologist both wish they could move to Canada to practice under Canadian Medicare. "

Universal Health Care...yeah right!!! wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:00 AM:

" My wife has Cystic Fibrosis and has had since she was a young child. She does very well with it and is furtunate to have not been hospitalized since she was a teenager. She frequents a message board for CF patients and there are people on there from all over the world. Patients from other countries tell their stories about how their "Universal Healthcare" physicians are so backed up and busy that the patients are not able to get into their doctor on a regular basis for their needed check ups and follow ups. There are also very long waits for hospital stays and those who need a lung transplants are dying waiting to either get a donor or it takes too long to be admitted into a hospital. Those that are admitted to the hospital often contact further infections on top of their current illnes due to problems with cleanliness of the hospitals. How will all of this be paid for? Taxes and big ones. I personally like to have a little money left on my check. "

Wow, there's some idiocy here wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:46 PM:

" To to give me the choice wrote: "Why should vaccinations, physicals, etc be expected to be free???" Because vaccinating OTHER people helps prevent YOU from getting sick (heard of the "germ theory of disease"?), it's perfectly obvious that it's in your interest to pay for EVERYONE's vaccination, and also for everyone to get physicals, to spot people with TB and other communicable diseases. How do we do this?... wait, I remember... it's called "taxes" and "government". Your argument is even stupider than the arguments of the other rightwingers: you might as well argue that you shouldn't have to pay taxes in order to imprison violent criminals ! (After all, why shouldn't you have to pay the cops in order to imprison someone who tries to kill you? It's a service, right?.... Why should this be a free service?) "

Someone with a Clue. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:28 PM:

" Look around wrote: " Since when did the government solve any problem, create any type of efficiencies, or lower any costs? " Compare the overhead (costs wasted on paperwork etc., not actually spent on patients or doctors) of Medicare (25%). Then try to say that again with a straight face. "

my 2 cents wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:41 PM:

" I have a friend who works at the triage desk in our local hospitals' ER. Ever notice who the majority of the people are who use the ER? Wake up and surprize, surprize - its the people who have figured out how to get health care without paying for it and receiving treatment for things you and I would tough out or take an aspirin for. These people take advantage of a system that was designed for emergency's, not snotty noses. Don't tell me about all the people who can't afford or don't have health care and that it needs to be universal. Those of us who pay our bills will continue to pay for those who can't/won't. We're already paying for universal health, just like we're already paying for universal grocery shopping, etc. Tell me how someone can afford beer, cigarettes, lottery tickets, cadillacs, cell phones, too many kids,ad infinitum but can't afford food, car insurance and any number of other priorities the rest of us have to pay for? I'm just as compassionate as the next guy for someone who needs help, but if your looking for sympathy - sorry. Why not try a little responsibility? "

Social medicine wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:35 PM:

" Is NOT the answer!! Our government cannot get anything right, especially such a complex issue. I saw a very intelligent program on, I believe, 20/20 a couple of weeks ago. The most sane solution discussed was to have everyone go off insurance, have doctors compete, then provide help to those who cannot afford the care. Everyone would be more responsible, and maybe those to lazy to take care of themselves (yes, myself included here! I am overweight) would be forced to give their health more thought and planning. They made such a good point on that show- if insurance covers everything, why consider how much it costs? If you have to budget for it, you'll get what you need but not all the expensive extras. Then, a safety net must be provided for those who NEED help. Sounds simple but as usual political garbage will probably win over sensibility. "

Victims of propaganda wrote on Oct 7, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Sounds like a lot of people here have been tricked into believing lies. The current system cannot last. Too many people don't have coverage. "

to holy cow folks... wrote on Oct 6, 2007 10:35 AM:

" No complaints about the DMV or the IRS. A few weeks ago, we had to renew our car registrations and renew an expired license. We were in and out in 15 minutes and that was with hauling two toddlers. I file my my returns with the IRS and my refund is deposited in under 2 weeks. What's to complain about? Hate taxes? Complain to your Representative. The IRS, like the military, simply follows the laws passed by Congress and the President. "

to Cause Hillary says so? wrote on Oct 6, 2007 10:21 AM:

" So only rich folks should have kids? If so, who would fight your wars? The Bush Daughters? Mitt Romney's sons? Bill Gate's kid? LOL "

to illinois universal healthcare wrote on Oct 6, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Sounds like my experience with United Health Care. My wife had a Level 2 ultrasound with a radiologist in Peoria and UHC stated that the covered the practice. Wrong. They covered 2 of the 3 doctors in the practice and guess which one she saw? The one who wasn't covered. I fought with them for six months and they won. Bad management happens in the public or private sector... I've worked in both. "

Mom wrote on Oct 6, 2007 1:15 AM:

" Ed, I hope you can get your shoulder fixed by the specialist in Chicago. He fixed both of my son's shoulders, and he is excellent! "

illinois universal healthcare wrote on Oct 5, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Hello: I am a small business owner who is currently on the illinois universal familycare insurance. I got on it because it is cheap and i THOUGHT it would work good. WAS I EVER WRONG. they just recently changed it, and Now I CANNOT go to my family doctor that I have gone to for the last 15 years. what a JOKE! this is the kind of stuff that WILL happen under a universal healthcare system. and it will only get worse. I hope that all of you SOCIALIST LIBERALS can get a clue! we don't need socialism, we need to get the costs down. get rid of all this petty lawsuits and then the costs will be less. "

holy cow folks... wrote on Oct 4, 2007 5:50 PM:

" ...do you really want the same type of folks that mismanage the DMV and IRS mismanaging your healthcare decisions? When government interferes in our day-to-day lives, the higher prices rise and the less efficient things become. Most of you know what it's like getting a drivers license renewed at the DMV, imagine what it will be like attempting to schedule a surgery. Big government is bad. "

Could vetenarians practice medicine on humans? wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:42 PM:

" When democrats are out there stumping for universal healthcare keep in mind they aren't telling you that if it ever does happen in this country your dog would get a hip replacement faster than you would! "

I don't want the government in charge of my health! wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:39 PM:

" When we are told that 47 million people in our country do not have health insurance a few points are left out. Over half of those people choose not to have it! Millions are illegal aliens! I have personally known several people who could afford health insurance, but have very few doctor or prescription bills each year so they feel it would be a waste of money. Unfortunately if they were to be hospitalized for a few days or weeks they would wish they had health insurance. That's why it's called insurance. "

Cause Hillary says so? wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:32 PM:

" Why do people who make NOTHING have children? That seems like a pretty simple question to me. Kids get sick quite often while they are exposed to all the germs in schools and day cares. Why should the government pay for your families healthcare... well, actually since it would be tax dollars that pay for it, why should I pay for your healthcare? "

Watch them tax the air we breath! wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:22 PM:

" The thing is, the average bear thinks that universal healthcare is going to be FREE! Isn't that Hillarious(Clinton)? I was told at a very young age that the average person is actually quite dumb~~~that was correct! God help us if the democrats get control again. "

In the Know wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:42 PM:

" To those of you who believe government or universal health care will be the ruin of our country: when you turn 65, don't sign up for Medicare. Just go without health insurance. No problem! "

Still Waiting wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:55 PM:

" I'm still waiting for the rest of you guys to pay for my auto insurance and homeowners insurance. Speak up. "

To Disconnect wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:43 PM:

" I worked in a local doctors' office and they often turned away patients who couldn't pay. "

mebeforeyou wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:28 PM:

" it will be the larger corporations than will give us national healthcare in America and I cannot wait. The corporate lobbyists are out barking the pitch now.What corporation wouldn't want the fed. government paying for there employees health care? Why do you thinK so many automobile plants are in canada? Someone has to look out for HUMANITY and it will never be the Republican party."G.O.P." GREED OVER PATRIOTISM.... "

To to give me the choice wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:07 PM:

" I am absolutely NOT one who uses the ER. I am one who has private insurance for which I pay (which only makes sense), full doctor choice, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I also recognize "insurance" is a word that does not mean dollar one. Why should vaccinations, physicals, etc be expected to be free??? I have insurance so that if I have a 6 figure expense, I don't have to declare bankruptcy. "

To:To Real Greed wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:54 PM:

" I pay for my own Blue Cross through my employer. And I pay too much. I now have more than a grand deductible, which used to be zero. Prescription co-pays are also high. You that are opposed to universal coverage probably get your healthcare from the taxpayers (City, county, state, job?) Unfortunately some idiots believe everyone's illness is their own fault. You cannot buy coverage with a pre-existing condition on your own. How about let us give Hillary's Plan a chance. Oh, I forgot, State Farm sells health insurance too. Also, a large portion of your auto and homeowner's insurance premiums are for healthcare. Universal coverage would lower these. "

to TO real Greed. wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:31 PM:

" Why are conservatives always ME ME ME! Stop being so self-centered. Why do you assume that a person who advocates for Universal Healthcare is poor or uneemployed? I have excellent insurance through my employer. Is it wrong of me to care about the less fortunate? "

TO real Greed. wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:07 PM:

" How about changing your proiorities and paying for your own healthcare. I do. Stop expecting the rest of us to pay for your or anyone elses healthcare. "

Greed Again wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:01 PM:

" A lot of the right wing nuts repeat stuff they hear from Rush. They cannot believe Rush, Hannity, Savage, or O'Reilly would lie about something like healthcare. If you want to know why a network never interviews folks in Canada about their health care system, just look at all the health care dollars spent on advertising. Drug companies, insurance companies, hospitals, etc., are all sacred cows. Those advertising dollars are buying media silence on better healthcare under a Canadian type system. You will never see a news network interview a person on the street in Canada, asking for their opinion of ours vs. theirs. Now I have already straightened out one nut that claimed Jonas Saulk was working in his garage. I hope others can see that we have a terrible system. I am still waiting for ‘Sicko’. BTW, I saw Fahrenheit 9/11, another Moore film, while Republicans were picketing The Normal Theatre. The film was on the mark. "

medicalzebra wrote on Oct 2, 2007 2:10 PM:

" I think you need to find better doctors. "

To yada yada wrote on Oct 2, 2007 2:05 PM:

" My brother in law is single he is disabled and makes 671 a month. After rent and utilities (he does not have a car) he is left with 81.00 to cover food and clothes and anything else he may need for the month. Medicaid will provide him insurance but he has to pay 537 a month before it will kick in. Kinda hard to do on 81 dollars a month. So, yes he may have insurance but he cant use it because he cant afford to pay the 537. "

Insurance wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Wake up people. Nationwide health insurance is another entitlement program, period. It will be mismananaged and, without taxing the bejusus out of you, will run out of money. We need to think of insurance the way it was intended: To help handle catastrophic illness. Otherwise, routine care should be handled by the individual through individual savings. Employers can contribute, employees can contribute, tax credits and/or deductions can be given etc. for these specialized accounts. Paying for healthcare IS screwed-up, but government administered insurance is NOT the answer. "

jacksmith wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:46 PM:

" Health care in America is an unmitigated disgrace. Among the worst in the world. The Doctors, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and politicians that don't support Universal Health Care For All. Should be called MURDER INCORPORATED. They continue to rape, and murders the American people. Through health care. Even the little children, and babies. They have no shame! If you want to stick with that fine! I hope they continue to poison you with pharmaceuticals, and slice you up like a COW! for meat. Hopefully they are going down. Before some greed driven quack poisons more of you with more pharmaceuticals. Or cuts you end to end for PROFIT. :-( Health care is a no-brainer. HR 676 is the way to go. see sickocure.org. And get on your politician's NOW!. Tell them to get that bill passed. NOW! Fight for the kids. And your-self. Do something for the soldiers fighting for America around the world. Make sure they know that their family, and loved ones will never have to worry about health care again. Or have to worry about being driven into bankruptcy with medical bills. Just because they get sick. HR 676. Do it! "

To: common sense wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:33 PM:

" It's wonderful that you have so much faith in our gov't. Don't get me wrong, I love our gov't, too, but cost-effectiveness is not one of our strong points. Take food stamps, for instance, doesn't it cost as much to fund the program as the actual food cost? Besides, our Congress will NEVER be able to agree on a solution, just look at our illegal immigrant debacle. "

another to YadaYada wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:05 PM:

" I am in that same boat right now. If my husband's father (also employer) wasn't paying for our heath insurance for my family, we could not afford to purchase it on our own (if I even qualified for it, I don't because of past medical history) and we make too much to get medicaid. But I remember investigating this a few years back and I think if combined you make over somewhere between $30 - $35K or so, you cannot get Medicaid/Public aid for healthcare. Though, we could purchase coverage for our Kids through the state through Allkids. "

common sense wrote on Oct 2, 2007 12:13 PM:

" I just love the negativity being spouted about how we can't do this and how we can't do that. We are the country that put a man on the moon for crying out loud. We should be able to provide a workable universal health care system. And before someone chimes in about the Canadian system or some other country's system why does ours have to be identical to those? We can use the good things from those other systems and fix the bad things. The biggest problem I see is this notion we seem to have that you can't do something unless there is a buck to be made off of it. Why can't we do something just because it's the right thing to do? "

great assumptions- wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:54 AM:

" don says "With universal healthcare, I would not have had a choice to a second opinion." what, other than some anecdotal evidence from a few disgruntled canadians, is the basis for this blanket statement? it never fails to amaze me how willing people are to bash a system that DOES NOT EXIST. how can you possibly argue against a system that does not exist and has no "rules and regulations"? "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:49 AM:

" No, "to YadaYada", I wasn't aware that a person could make too much money for public assistance, yet not have enough income to purchase health care insurance; what is the floor/ceiling income level for not qualifying for public medical assistance? "

To: our elected seem to wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:20 AM:

" Elected officials make a ridiculously small amount of money for the work they do, offset by better than average benefits, such as healthcare and pensions. I think some of the popular plans include adding the uninsured to the government health care plan, but it is very expensive. I agree with you, but it's not as easy as you think. "

I think wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:15 AM:

" You're confusing universal healthcare and government-run healthcare. All serious universal healthcare proposals use our existing health insurance framework, just requiring everyone to participate and providing subsidies for the low income. "

Lived there wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:09 AM:

" I lived in Canada for a while. A government run Healthcare system is not the answer here.... Heck, the Prime Minister even came to the US for surgery recently. The goverment puts quotas on how many surgeries of a certain type can be performed each year and if your not on the list, you get to to wait. They also have some hefty taxes up there to pay for everything. 7% GST and 8% PST... so if you like paying a 15% tax - be my guest. Oh, and every Doctors office/hospital parking lot I was ever at charged $2 (a toonie) for parking. "

Tom wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:04 AM:

" I'm glad Mr. Hilgendorf has had good experiences with his health care. But I don't know where he gets the impression that national health systems in Canada or elsewhere don't allow for second opinions. That's just not true. It's also not true according to the polls that most Canadians would prefer the American system. That's not to say their system is flawless, but it sure seems better than ours overall. In this country, the dictatorship in health care choices comes from insurance companies. Why is that preferable? One of the consequences of our private insurance-based system is that about 18,000 people a year die because of lack of insurance. That's not Michael Moore talking, that's the National Institute of Medicine. "

to YadaYada wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:46 AM:

" So you think it is great when a person's only source of medical care is the ER? You do realize that a person can make too much money for public aid yet not make enough to buy insurance, right? "

to Just give me the choice wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:46 AM:

" So are you one of those people who goes to the ER, doesn't pay, and sticks us with the bill? You sure sound like it! "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:37 AM:

" Can anyone name me just one person residing in America who does not have some sort of medical coverage, even if they can not afford to pay for it? Everyone whom I have ever known has some sort of medical coverage. That means we have universal health coverage right now. For example, everyone 65 and over is required to be covered by Medicare.....that's the age group most in need of medical care. Most everyone else, and their spouses and children are covered by private and/or employer-provided health plans, unless employees opt out of medical coverage because they don't want to waste their money on health insurance; the remainder of America's residents, legal and illegal, has medical coverage, if not health insurance, at one public health facility or another. And, in an emergency, anyone can go to any hospital and receive emergency medical care before they are referred to a public health facility; if it is not an emergency, then a public health facility will provide medical care, free if necessary. "

Just give me the choice wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Those of you who advocate universal are welcome to it. But let me opt out. I won't pay the taxes, and I won't take the benefits. Then we all win. Failure to do so will prove universal health care is nothing more than yet another redistribution of income entitlement program. "

Alphonse wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:10 AM:

" The bottom line is this: for the richest nation in the world to have so many people who live without health insurance is disgraceful. For so many people to have health insurance provided by a for-profit corporation whose main interest is money and not health is also disgraceful. My health coverage will probably get a little less convenient with universal health care, in the extent that if I need to get a non-emergency surgical procedure, I might have to wait longer than I would now. But if that mild inconvenience is what I have to pay so that some poor kid can get early treatment for leukemia and have a chance at life, that's fine with me. I'd have to be one selfish person to think otherwise. "

Complex Issue wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:54 AM:

" Unfortunately health care and its financing is a more complex issue that both the free market and government run proponents admit. Threats of lawsuits (insurance premiums and CYA procedures) plus state health insurance mandates and the distortions of various third party payers (government, insurers and self insurers) negate the free market forces in the current environment. Government run health care (both domestic and foreign) has proven to be wasteful (fraud), incompetent, intrusive (whatever is PC at the moment like smoking, transfats, seatbelts, paying for transgender operations, etc), and expensive (higher taxes plus higher copays). The problem is the product (health care) covers the range from electives like breast enlargements and abortions for birth control reasons, through routine care for flu and sprains, to life threatening conditions like cancer and heart bypass operations. Not all conditions or problems deserve the same consideration on the resources of others to fund their care and some, in the case of accidents and negligence, may be the responsibility of another party. This issue requires a calm and complete discussion before we leap. "

Bravo wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:10 AM:

" to 'our elected seem to' - the govt must complicate things to satisfy all special interests "

to Not Enough wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:08 AM:

" Homeowners and auto insurance isn't spiraling out of control in cost. Health insurance is. You don't need to own a home or drive a car. Everyone gets sick from time to time and we all grow old. But you know what, why do we need police and firemen? The government shouldn't be doing that. I mean, you have a gun and a garden hose, right?? "

to jacksmith wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:06 AM:

" As a spoiled rich kid of a doctor who takes primarily Medicare, I can safely say that he loves Medicare. His billing staff prefers Medicare for ease of claims. They say that BlueCross will reject a claim if you forget to dot an i. "

to Ed wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:05 AM:

" Shhh... don't confuse the Republicans. They were taught that government provided health insurance is the devil. "

T wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:51 AM:

" See perfect example of a Republican that says no to UHC but gives no alternative. Lets just stick with the same ole broken system "

Not Enough wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:37 AM:

" Why stop with health insurance? The government ought to provide homeowners insurance an auto insurance. After all, in this advanced country we live in, we need cars to travel in, and homes to live in. It's a right for all Americans! "

Ed wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:54 AM:

" As someone on Medicare I have something to say here. I have severe shoulder pain X-rays showed nothing. My doctor ordered an MRI guess what paid for no questions asked. I need major surgery to fix the problem broke my humerus bone in the socket. Only one doctor in the state can fix it. He is the team doctor of the Bulls and White Soxs guess what he does take Medicare Medicaid and is a Professor of Medicine at Rush. Do notgive me this crap that we will lose choices under a UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. Europe and Canada send cases to the best doctors all over the world if that is what it needs. "

jacksmith wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:29 AM:

" What you point out is precisely the reason we need universal health care. And need to take the profit motive out of health care. In the US you have to watch out for doctors trying to sell you on the most profitable treatments for the doctor. And their stock portfolio. And their drug company kick backs. You the patient are just their B**CH. A cash COW! A peace of meat! Especially if you have so-called good insurance. That they and their colleagues can milk dry. People in government programs like Medicare have some protection from civil service oversight. That is why doctors hate Medicare so much. They can't get away with as much abuse of patients. As they can with private insurance. This crap does not happen in Canada. Because their doctors do what is accepted as best, and safest for the patient. Not what is most profitable for the doctor. "

Lived in North Dakota wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:04 AM:

" and talked to Canadians all of the time as they visited the US and we visited Canada. Never once did any of them complain about the Canadian system. Sure heard them talk about our uninsured though and how sad it is that the USA does not provide healthcare to our citizens. "

Our elected seem to wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:40 AM:

" have a great health care plan they are happy with, so why can't we have the same plan they have? It's that simple. No need to take years to figure it out, no need to hire tens of people to write a plan up, no need to spend tons of money for research. Just give us what they have. I am sure we will all be more than happy with the same plan. Why don't we deserve the same plan, after all we are already paying for theirs, just add us to it. "

Dear Don wrote on Oct 1, 2007 11:45 PM:

" Funny, I talk to Canadians all the time, and when we discuss health care, and how we critique their system, they routinely tell me we are full of ...! "

RE:to: Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:04 PM:

" Office personal do that all the time. It isn't the Dr turning them away it is a receptionist ore office manager. At hospitals it is a different story. In MOST hospitals you cannot be denied care because of inability to pay. Private hospitals can and will turn anyone away if they can't pay. Tx. has some of these hospitals. "

health scare wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:58 PM:

" This country once (not so long ago) had by far the best and most reasonable health care system ever exsisting.,,leave it to the "globalists" to destroy a once great system only to have you begging for what "they" intended for you all along. "

Greed again wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:56 PM:

" Jonas Saulk was the head of The Virus Research Lab at The University of Pittsburg. Hardly a garage. The first to receive the polio vaccine were himself, his wife, and their three sons. Jonas Saulk was a true American Hero. He donated his patent, worth billions, to mankind. The Sabin Live Oral Vaccine is mostly used today, and occasionally someone contracts polio from coming into contact with the feces of the vaccine recipient, usually an infant. There are those that claim Saulk’s Vaccine is safer for this reason. The Federal Government organized polio inoculations in the 1950s. The government also had mobile X-Rays to screen for TB, and had sanatoriums to treat TB. In the 50s, dentists came to schools to check the teeth of kids. County Nurses gave hearing and eye tests in school in the 50s. Of course that was before The Birchers got in. Don’t tell me government can’t do anything. Of course the government cannot do anything now, because Republicans have elected incompetent crooks. "

to: Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:34 PM:

" Yes, I have seen someone turned away from a medical facility because she couldn't pay. The young lady came to a walk-in clinic and asked to see the doctor. I was standing right there filling out a form. They asked her for insurance; she said she had none. They told her she needed $50 in cash or credit card. She said she didn't have it and they told her the doctor would not see her. She turned around and left. "

to : look around wrote on Oct 1, 2007 5:07 PM:

" No, lets not have any government oversight whatsoever in the health care field. More of the same. It is such a great system. We Americans can be so proud of what we currently have. Wouldn't change a thing. Yeah right ! Notice how the letter writer mentions his " vacations " . Bet they are junkets overseas where he is meeting up with similiary " well healed " world travelers. Sure his compatriots don't like pitching in for the " common good " ! So for those of you can't afford to leave Mc Lean county take note as to who is against national health care ! "

Petersfield, Manitoba wrote on Oct 1, 2007 5:04 PM:

" 6 years after my mother-in-law died, we got a letter from the hospital saying that she was scheduled for surgery to remove the plaque blockage in her carotid artery. But, it was too little, too late. Wait imes for most surgeries are months to years long, when you factor in all of the doctor visits and appointments for xrays and MRIs and blood tests which they don't perform on the same day as your doctor's visit. Many of my friends travel down to the USA for dental work and for minor surgery. I am considering a trip to St. Paul's where a doctor from here ha his practise. "

Healthcare at a price wrote on Oct 1, 2007 4:33 PM:

" You get what you pay for. Government run healthcare with no choice of physicians or hospital providers and run by taxes which you have to pay without choice of their rates is giving up choice in healthcare. My sister died, at 42 years of age, in a hospital in Canada under the Canadian healthcare system. A system which selected the hospital and physician (family care physician) when she needed a cardiologist and a top rated hospital such as the University of Utah hospital in the USA. She received adequate care but not the expertise necessary to save her life. The Canadians I talked to praised their system of care thinking it was FREE. Nothing is free, you get what you pay for. "

Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 4:23 PM:

" whats wrong with letting supply and demand do its job, if everyone thinks companies are evil and greed filled how come we mostly all work for one. Realize this folks people only work if there is an incentive to work. This isnt star trek and no one is a true egalitarian. Doctors spend 100s of thousands of dollars in higher education costs foregoing income to be what they are. they have to charge a price that makes that worth its while. those prices get even more exacerbated by regulatory authorities that ineffeciently affect the supply and demand of medical services. next time u think doctors cost too much ask yourself if u would go to work for free. "

Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 4:12 PM:

" Has anyone been refused treatment at a hospital because they couldnt pay. Please write in your stories if you have. "

to Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:51 PM:

" I think the answer to that question is: I will not complain if the tax increase is less than what my employer and me pay for insurance. Remember, Universal Health Insurance replaces that $300-$800+ insurance premium, so you might end up paying less. "

disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:41 PM:

" who said i was a republican, i deplore the reagan and bush overenlargement of government and lets not forget the roosevelt era, but that was during a time when government DID work for the people. btw polio was cured by a man working out of his garage not the government. these days the roads work so well that bridges collapse and levees break from storms. police corruption is so bad that cops hire hitmen to kill other cops. our education system is so bad that only 30% of the kids in this country are proficient in reading and math. these issues are not party specific they are system failures brought about by long term need of change and overhaul that this country has been lacking "

BB wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:41 PM:

" this is just another step in the creation of Big Brother. people complain about the government wiretapping terrorists, but want the government to know your medical issues. medical privacy goes out the door when you get government involved. Big Brother is on the way unless Americans stop the expanding government. "

Real Greed wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:11 PM:

" I wish you guys would quit spouting cute Limbaugh quotes, like "Government can't do anything." I remember when the government eliminated polio. They also wiped out TB. Ike was the president. Modern Republicans are so perverted with profit motives, they can’t say anything else. This cute saying about ‘Big Government” was latched onto by Reagan, when he ran for governor and president. But it was a lie from the git-go. The government didn’t shrink under Reagan, Bush41, or Bush43. They managed to increase our national debt by enormous amounts, by borrowing money to cut the Rich’s taxes, and fight unnecessary wars. The free market in healthcare is like ENRON. Lie, cheat, bribe, do whatever you can to increase the bottom line. Meanwhile, look around. Government runs our cities and states. The highways are taken care of. Police departments function well. When I was a kid, the health department came to the schools and gave us our shots for polio and smallpox. That was government before Reagan. And it worked. To say the government couldn’t run a healthcare system is stupid. If they can’t do the job, vote them out, and get someone that can. "

Disconnect wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:53 PM:

" why do people think that if the government takes something over its not going to cost them anything. how much more in taxes are you folks ready to spend? "

to Consider this… wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:47 PM:

" Just what we need... Dr. Nick Riviera will do any surgery for $129.95! "

Consider this… wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:04 PM:

" medical professionals base their fees on what the state will pay, not on a competitive rate. Often if you pay cash, upfront, you get no discount,with your Dr. but if you have insurance you get a negotiated rate. Why can’t an individual do so? Some Drs. provide some services at a significantly lower rate if you have no insurance or if you have extremely large deductibles, but you have to ask. So in essence those with insurance will pay more for those items to subsidies those who can’t. Fair cost structures would make it affordable for all. Also why must we be mandated insurance? Don’t we have a right to chose what is best for us? We do have access to health CARE. Politicians like to confuse health care and health insurance. They are not the same. Eliminate state funding, ie subsidies, and insurance mandating, and costs will become more competitive/affordable. People also need to get back to major medical policies. You are falsely believing health care costs you nothing with low deductibles and co pays. It costs all insurance and care participants by driving up costs. "

European wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:47 AM:

" "Foreign Insurance" only covers medical emergencies. "

HMO is gov controlled wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:20 AM:

" under Universal health care, your doctors will be told how to treat their patients by one boss, the government, if the powers that be dont like a certain treatment, your docs cant prescribe it, under a free market system the docs will be able to choose your recovery not a politician and there if a doc doesnt like the boss they work for they can find a different one. jesus folks hasnt history shown us that the free market system works better then state controlled nations repeatedly take a history lesson folks "

to look arounds response wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:15 AM:

" The reason healthcare is so expensive is due to a multitude of poorly regulated industries. Adding more government intrusion is not going to improve the problem it will just make it worse. When will you folks wake up and realize that state and federal government cant do anything right. To list a few of their accomplishments, secure borders, proper education, disaster relief, foreign policy, trade relations and many many more. This isnt a republican or democrat problem this is a broken government issue and its something we ALL need to address! "

to No government wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:59 AM:

" Ok, so you'll have to explain exactly how I have it better now. I have an HMO and have to choose from a list of doctors. I can't just pick any doctor. They have to be on a list. If Universal Health Insurance comes along and most doctors take it, kind of like how Medicare works, how will my choices suddenly be lessened? "

Please wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Actually, under the Clinton Healthcare proposal I would keep my current healthcare. Will it affect the cost? Maybe, but not at the moment. About equipment and medicine are we going to all of sudden get rid of the many x ray machines we already have? So, don't use the Canadian lack of MRI's as an excuse. Our current MRI machine aren't going to all of a sudden be thrown in the trash. Why should anyone that DOESN'T have a healthcare policy whine about anything? They should be happy that someone cares for them. Quit trying to use your scare tactics to voice your displeasure. The truth is you probably haven't been out of central il. "

to Look around wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Yeah, its funny how Republicans refuse to fund the VA then complain that it doesn't work. "

to European wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:02 AM:

" Does this "Foreign Insurance" cover non-emergencies? Could you use your "Foreign Insurance" to pay for Medical Care that could safely be provided in one's home country? "

Look around wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:59 AM:

" Since when did the government solve any problem, create any type of efficiencies, or lower any costs? All they do is create a larger bureaucracy, more entitlements and more dependence on big government. The politicians love it but we are the victims not recipients. The postal system is troubling, as is the VA, let's not even begin to talk about the IRS, or how about Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, three incredible, pathetic, entitlements that reek of socialism and government dependence. "

European wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:28 AM:

" Europeans who come to the US have what is called "Foreign Insurance." You apply for it before you travel to the States or other foreign countries. This covers you in case of an illness or needed medical care overseas. "

No government wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:50 AM:

" Amen brother. Stories like your only begin to tell what will happen if the US adopts the foolish idea of universal healthcare. Sure, they sell it as free, but it is not free, it will cost each and every American the freedom of choice and restrict access to the best healthcare in the world. "

Question 4 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:04 AM:

" Do you feel lucky and fortunate to have health insurance? "

Question 3 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:03 AM:

" If American health care, AS A WHOLE, is so great, why do we have such a large percentage of uninsured? Why are more than half of bankruptcies the result of large medical bills? Why is our infant mortality rate worse than all of Socialist Europe and on par with my 3rd world nations? Why is our life expectancy comparable to Cuba? "

Question 2 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:00 AM:

" I too have heard stories about people coming from Canada, Europe, and all of these other places for operations. Have you looked at your EOB forms from your surgery? Did you note the preinsurance prices for your procedures, supplies, doctor visits, etc? Please do that. Secondly, please consider whether those prices are affordable for a typical middle class family. Third, consider that these people in these stories. are on vacation, here, from a foreign country. While it is true that Europe's vacation and labor policies make the U.S.'s look like slavery, the vacationers still have to pay for their vacation. Finally, total up the costs of American medical care plus the cost of vacationing in America during and after the surgery. What conclusion should you draw? That RICH FOREIGNERS want no part of their state run system. People with lots of money always get to do exactly what they want. How could your average Middle Class Canadian or European afford to come over here, stay for 2-6 weeks, and pay out of pocket for medical care? (I thought the Republican talking point on that issue was that Europeans were dirt poor due to high taxes. Which is it??) "

Question 1 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:51 AM:

" Why would Universal Health Insurance necessarily prevent you from seeking a second opinion? Conversely, why do you believe that private insurance always offers the option of a second opinion? I have a severely limited choice of doctors through my HMO - in fact, most of the doctors that my family used to see under my previous employer's PPO are not covered, and vice versa. So, if I don't like one doctor's opinion, I'm free to seek a second opinion - at my complete expense. "

Greed wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:41 AM:

" You are a victim of The Healthcare Cabal propaganda. If you know Canadians that prefer our healthcare system, invite them to write a letter to the editor. Canadians I know are proud of their system, as are Brits, Germans, Australians, etc. Funny how Canadians are brought up, but never produced. When you are treated here, you a dollar sign. Your care is based on profit. Doctors that don’t bring money into a hospital are shut out. With healthcare as a business, your treatment is secondary to profit. When your coverage is linked to your job, if you lose it, you are without coverage. Hospitals charge as much as possible to insurance companies. They know all the tricks. Insurance passes the costs along to employers, and us, plus their 30%+ profit. Statistics show countries with universal coverage are healthier than we are. Here, if you lose your job, you are just a step away from bankruptcy from healthcare costs. The prior Republican Congress made it difficult to erase medical debt with personal bankruptcy. Is ‘Sicko’ true? "

How do you know wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:25 AM:

" you could not get a second opinion under a U.S. universal health care system? The particulars are not even drawn up yet. "

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