Post a commentJoe Cantwell: you don't need a poll. Look at all of the foreigners, especially Canadians, who come to the US to get treatment. What will Canadians do if BHO succeeds in nationalizing healthcare?
Anthony F.: your last sentence doesn't make sense. Rep. Cao realizes that the overwhelming percentage of his Congressional District favors Obamacare. That's why he voted in favor of it. Where's the courage? And just what will his constituents when, if Obamacare passes, many doctors drop out of the proefession, and quality of care is diminished because of the other problems with the legislative monstrosity?
Merrill: Please. Many people objected to Obama's educatiion intrusion because the DOE was encouraging schools to alter their curriculum and adopt lesson plans to allow students to help the President or something like that. The Obama effort had the aspect of brainwashing involved in it. Did anything like that happen with Christie's visit?
Thoughtful, what about all the Americans who go to Canada for their prescription meds?
EOTH: In what country are the companies that manufacture those presecription meds based? Look, the medical care delivery system could use some improvement, but if you think that destroying the medical system in this country is the solution,please think again.
Nice straw dummy argument, "Thoughtful." I didn't notice EOTH saying that she/he wants to destroy the medical system. Many of us don't think that the healthcare initiative will destroy anything. You may think so, but those of us who differ with you do not have "destroying the system" as our goal; instead, it's to improve a system that has 45 million uninsured and all of us at the mercy of corporations wanting to make a buck by refusing payments for pre-existing conditions, for example.
Sam D, if you're Medicare eligible, you have EVERY REASON to be concerned about "..the healthcare initiative destroy(ing) anything." For one, the formula which governs hospital and doctor payments( once based on a "diagnoses-related group" structure) will return to the stoneage, resulting in more docs not accepting payment. The final healthcare bill will rely on severe cuts to Medicare. For those who think that it's the current system of payments to Medicare that's creating the problem, they are uninformed. Instead, it's volume of claims (more seniors living longer requiring more procedures) and corrupt billing by dishonest docs and hospitals. Instead of destroying Medicare- a successful system for millions of Americans- establish a more effective policy of policing the system. Better computer models and better auditing procedures of billing practices should be a primary goal and should be put in place. Ultimately, senior are going to be negatively impacted. Second, for those employed with rich plans (called "Cadillac"plans), employers and employees will witness large increases in premiums and utilization penalties. Third, those who work part-time or for small businesses that offer little or no insurance, get ready for lay-offs if their employers are required to insure their employees. Keep in mind that many of those who work part-time have spouses with gobal coverage and don't require insurance. Now, if you fall in the category of "uninsured," you may benefit if you meet all the still unknown provisions governing qualifying for "free" care!
Sam D. Your statement that "...the healthcare initiative will (not) destroy anything," is misguided and misleading. If you're Medicare eligible, get ready to pay more and receive less services. What has been the single, most successful global plan for seniors, will face massive changes due to reduced payments to hospital and docs. Keep in mind that Medicare still requires separate, private "gap" insurances to close the differences or gaps between what's approved and what is actually paid. What began as a "diagnoses-related group" structure of payments to docs and adequate prospective payments to hospitals will return to the stone age. More hospitals will close and more docs will dis-enroll from Medicare. Medicare will be the major contributor for financing a heathcare plan. Also in the line of fire are "Medicare Advantage" plans. But it doesn't end with seniors. For many workers, their "rich" enhanced plans that cover most or all tests and procedures (labelled "Cadillac plans"), will see additional premiums and, in some cases, penalties if their premiums exceed subjectively created limits. For those who are part-time or work for small businesses, "health insurance required" provisions will lead to layoffs and bankruptsy filings. Keep in mind that many part-time workers currently have insurances through spouses and stay in the work force for the money and flexibility of scheduling their own hours. Now, if you are unemployed and not one who, while employed, opted to take alternative options offered in "cafeteria" plans, you may benefit, assuming that you meet the still unknown qualifications.
Looks like my lengthy response to Sam D didn't get past the filter. The comments by "lefty" are why any radical change to the health care system needs to be dealt with very deliberately. Bills that are 2,000 pages long and go unread are inappropriate.
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