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388,000 Utahns lack health insurance
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Wise Health | 1:47 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
It's a good thing that Utahns are so healthy. Folling the Word of Wisdom
allows Utahns to avoid many of the diseases of the gentiles and live productive
and healthy lives.
Timj | 4:15 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Big problems.
How do other countries handle it?
How do other countries pay less per capita for health insurance and yet cover everyone, and do a good job of it?
It's time for us to see what they're doing and follow their lead.
How do other countries handle it?
How do other countries pay less per capita for health insurance and yet cover everyone, and do a good job of it?
It's time for us to see what they're doing and follow their lead.
oldman | 6:16 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Better hurry up and vote for another republican. The ones who take care of the
elite.
Comments continue below
We are USA, we can do it | 6:36 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Our nation can afford decent health care for all, but we need to spend our money
right, if we are going to do it, we can't continue to pay CEO's and
the like 50 million per year.
CEO's in other countries are able to do a better job for less pay (Toyota vs our auto companies) and we should follow their lead.
CEO's in other countries are able to do a better job for less pay (Toyota vs our auto companies) and we should follow their lead.
Seen both ways | 7:08 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I am from the Netherlands. The price of medical care and medication is
determined by the government. Insurance premiums are lower than here, but
income taxes are considerably higher. Presently co-payments are on the rise,
there are limitations on the kind of medications one can be prescribed, and
there are waiting lists for procedures. One big reason that the system still
works is the limit in litigation. If a doctor makes a mistakes, he can lose his
license and might have to compensate the patient for a couple of thousand Euros,
but the ridiculous litigation that is happening here, is not possible over
there. This keeps medical care lower.
My family has had its share of medical problems (kidney transplants, cancer). With good financial planning we were able to pay for it all. The US care is better, but I'd trade it all for the Dutch system, just so that everybody is covered. I have a friend who has stopped using her blood pressure, diabetes and anti-depressant medications, because she lost her health insurance when she was laid off. She can get it, but with her problems, it's $2400/month - impossible when you're unemployed.
My family has had its share of medical problems (kidney transplants, cancer). With good financial planning we were able to pay for it all. The US care is better, but I'd trade it all for the Dutch system, just so that everybody is covered. I have a friend who has stopped using her blood pressure, diabetes and anti-depressant medications, because she lost her health insurance when she was laid off. She can get it, but with her problems, it's $2400/month - impossible when you're unemployed.
Debbie | 7:30 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Other countries where universal coverage works took the bold step to study it
and put their great minds to the task of finding a system that works.
I am disgusted by both candidates, obviously controlled by the Insurance Lobby Mafia with the big guns. Neither wealthy out-of-touch-with-Americans candidate has the guts to come up with a working plan.
Obama makes it punitive, though his goals are good. Democrats by their very nature want too much government control. If you've ever dealt with medicaid or other such programs you know you don't want the government running it. But, other countries achieve this without the government messing it up.
I am conservative, usually Republican favoring less government but his "plan" is a joke and won't solve anything that causes the mess we are in. Face it - no plan at all. Another "rebate"???
Our only hope now is for Utah to take on the project and show the rest of the U.S. that it could be done. Let's hire Mitt Romney to come here and make it happen. IHC is already posed and could handle it - they already have like 75% of the market share of insured. They know how.
I am disgusted by both candidates, obviously controlled by the Insurance Lobby Mafia with the big guns. Neither wealthy out-of-touch-with-Americans candidate has the guts to come up with a working plan.
Obama makes it punitive, though his goals are good. Democrats by their very nature want too much government control. If you've ever dealt with medicaid or other such programs you know you don't want the government running it. But, other countries achieve this without the government messing it up.
I am conservative, usually Republican favoring less government but his "plan" is a joke and won't solve anything that causes the mess we are in. Face it - no plan at all. Another "rebate"???
Our only hope now is for Utah to take on the project and show the rest of the U.S. that it could be done. Let's hire Mitt Romney to come here and make it happen. IHC is already posed and could handle it - they already have like 75% of the market share of insured. They know how.
Anonymous | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
So? I don't want health insurance. Health insurance is one of the biggest
scams on the planet, they suck a thousand dollars or so from your pay check
every month, then try to get everyone to run to the doctor for every little
scratch and ache. It is way, way cheaper to just pay for what you really
need.
The only reason health insurance is so dreadfully expensive is because the healthy are paying for those with bad lifestyles, drug abuse, STD, obesity, etc.
No thanks...and don't even think about forcing me to get health insurance.
The only reason health insurance is so dreadfully expensive is because the healthy are paying for those with bad lifestyles, drug abuse, STD, obesity, etc.
No thanks...and don't even think about forcing me to get health insurance.
Dave | 7:47 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
The article seems to make the assumption that there are 388'000 people in
Utah that desperatly want insurance. Not true. Many are simply excersising
their freedom of choice.
The Profit | 7:50 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Some will come on here and cry "health care is not a right!!!" but I
say that health care IS a right, if we as a country decide it is.
Universal health care will make it better for everyone, even those who dont want it. We have the advantage of looking at what works from the rest of the world and using the best parts.
Universal health care will make it better for everyone, even those who dont want it. We have the advantage of looking at what works from the rest of the world and using the best parts.
Money quote | 7:52 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
"The US care is better, but I'd trade it all for the Dutch system,
just so that everybody is covered."
That says it all.
Socialized medicine sounds great until you realize that it "works" by lowering the general quality of care in order to provide coverage to everyone.
Kinda like jobs in the old Soviet Union: Everybody was guaranteed employment, but no one earned anything.
There is no free lunch, people. You get what you pay for and if you want cheap health care then that's what you'll get.
I just wonder where all the world's elites will go for heart transplants once the US adopts the health-care standards of their native countries.
That says it all.
Socialized medicine sounds great until you realize that it "works" by lowering the general quality of care in order to provide coverage to everyone.
Kinda like jobs in the old Soviet Union: Everybody was guaranteed employment, but no one earned anything.
There is no free lunch, people. You get what you pay for and if you want cheap health care then that's what you'll get.
I just wonder where all the world's elites will go for heart transplants once the US adopts the health-care standards of their native countries.
Tired of abuse | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Why does anyone need health insurance anymore? I pay $600 out of pocket (to
match my employers $600.00) each month. Who am I really insuring? The masses
that refuse to take responsibility for themselves and instead run to the
emergency room for anything that goes wrong. When they get there--they claim
the inability to pay which just jacks my premiums and copays up each year. To
all of those of you that are stealing from my pocket - it's time to
contribute. I'm tired of paying for your selfishness.
Bush directing money to banks | 8:07 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Paulson and Bush are buying up banks today. Who needs socialist heath care.
when we can buy mortgage companies, insurance companies and banks.
Wow people... | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
You should know how UK,France or Canada works with healthcare...I know you dont
like to talk about it or also you say "that's socialism" when you
already have free library benefits, mail service from the goverment, and many
other services that we already can call "socialism"
BUT healthcare cannot be socialized because doesnt work for HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES, they make a lot of money with us!!! and thats why they give some "gifts" to politicians to keep the profile low about getting more money from the people.
People in US are dying, getting worsed and THEY dont care!!! and WE dont do anything, because we like to pay and get the worsed 8 hrs service ever!!!
I hope one day we can get universal healthcare.
BUT healthcare cannot be socialized because doesnt work for HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES, they make a lot of money with us!!! and thats why they give some "gifts" to politicians to keep the profile low about getting more money from the people.
People in US are dying, getting worsed and THEY dont care!!! and WE dont do anything, because we like to pay and get the worsed 8 hrs service ever!!!
I hope one day we can get universal healthcare.
JW Morrison | 8:14 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Most countries who have mandated health coverage do not have large standing
armies, except China, so they don't have the expense that we do of self
protection.
So you have a choice. Get rid of the military and be able to pay for universal health coverage or have some security. The choice is yours. As it is, all of the European countries are pretty much under the control of Russia because of their energy needs.
The only way to have both, the military and universal health is to cut back on all budget items until we have the deficit gone, and then use pay as you go. That won't work though because we have no restraint in this country.
So you have a choice. Get rid of the military and be able to pay for universal health coverage or have some security. The choice is yours. As it is, all of the European countries are pretty much under the control of Russia because of their energy needs.
The only way to have both, the military and universal health is to cut back on all budget items until we have the deficit gone, and then use pay as you go. That won't work though because we have no restraint in this country.
anon. | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
and they will say that they can afford it. Why can't they afford it,
because of the toys in their garage, credit card dept. Wake up people, take some
accountability on yourselves.
Re: 7:08 & 7:52 | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Both of you have good points. I agree the quality of care would decrease, if we
just went with socialized medicine. However, the litigation is absolutely
ridiculous. We don't have to move to socializm to solve the problem, but we
do need to tackle the issues that are causing the problem. Our judicial system
is this country is as broken as our legislative and executive branches. We have
a Do Nothing Congress,partly because the courts have to make the final decision
on everything anyway. Our court system needs changing, and I don't hear
anyone calling for that Change.
Wrex | 8:42 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Roads are socialism.
Traffic Lights are socialism.
Sewer systems are socialism.
Water treatment plants are socialism.
Electric grids are socialism.
The bank bailout is socialism (for the rich).
Traffic Lights are socialism.
Sewer systems are socialism.
Water treatment plants are socialism.
Electric grids are socialism.
The bank bailout is socialism (for the rich).
Blame HMOs and Executives | 8:49 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Since the introduction of "managed care" in the 1980s health care
costs as a percentage of GDP has skyrocketed. Doctors are making less money
than they did twenty years ago. We need health insurance reform. The same
excesses that you see with Wall Street executives occur with insurance
executives and hospital administrators. Doctors are not starving, they still do
fine. We need to restore the old doctor - patient relationship and cut out the
insurance middle man. A friend had a recent ruptured appendectomy with a total
bill of $70,000, of that money a total of $3,000 dollars went to the doctors
(surgeon, anesthesiologist,radiologist, pathologist,ER) the rest to the
hospital. In the case of an entity like IHC with insurance and hospital
ownership the overwhelming majority of the bill goes back to their own pockets.
Brenda | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Our family has been without health coverage for 3 1/2 years. When your premiums
are more than your mortgage there is a problem. We are a healthy family and are
proactive when it comes to our health. My husband and I are over 50 and we
still have 3 children under 18 living at home.
I have several health issues that I see a doctor for but it is cheaper for me to pay the cost of a visit than the monthly premium that we had reached. I would never advocate having a government run health care system but in the late 70's and 80's you could afford to go to the doctor or have a baby for that matter. The problem I see is that the self-insured seem to be subsidizing those who are on insurance. We are charged more for the services that we receive than the ones with insurance. Even with the 10% the doctors are willing to discount for up front payment.
I have several health issues that I see a doctor for but it is cheaper for me to pay the cost of a visit than the monthly premium that we had reached. I would never advocate having a government run health care system but in the late 70's and 80's you could afford to go to the doctor or have a baby for that matter. The problem I see is that the self-insured seem to be subsidizing those who are on insurance. We are charged more for the services that we receive than the ones with insurance. Even with the 10% the doctors are willing to discount for up front payment.
rebate | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
The rebate offered by McCain will assist those who are not covered by employers
insurance. This includes thousands of students who only work part time and are
required to purchase their own. However, it does not address the problem. If
you have a preexisting injury, no matter how much that rebate is, you cannot get
coverage. The system is broken, and McCain's plan is an embarrassment to
all Republicans. The rich can pay and it is not an issue, and throw a number at
the uneducated poor that sounds good but will not actually help them. Very
Christian of him.
Wow people to everyone | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Dave 7:47...Healthcare shuold be an American Right not "choice"
Money Quote 7:52 ...you talk about quality of care, please do your homework, I have family in Canada and Europe and is not like most americans think and politicians said. that is not truth!!!
JW Morrison 8:14...so what about our friends in war like UK or France...c'mon you are so blind spending money in war and killing others than take care of your own people...you should learn that after 2nd world war UK was alsmost destroy, after the war with a big debt they work hard to have universal helthcare because they really care about their people, UK inplemented a total helthcare plan in 1948.
I think we can learn about this from the big ones, and taking care of our people is more important than killing others overseas or paying back to oil and bank companies...blind people!!!
Money Quote 7:52 ...you talk about quality of care, please do your homework, I have family in Canada and Europe and is not like most americans think and politicians said. that is not truth!!!
JW Morrison 8:14...so what about our friends in war like UK or France...c'mon you are so blind spending money in war and killing others than take care of your own people...you should learn that after 2nd world war UK was alsmost destroy, after the war with a big debt they work hard to have universal helthcare because they really care about their people, UK inplemented a total helthcare plan in 1948.
I think we can learn about this from the big ones, and taking care of our people is more important than killing others overseas or paying back to oil and bank companies...blind people!!!
Anonymous | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I don't know where the state gathers their information, but I'd bet
that number is way higher.
Trapped by your thinking | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Most of you are trapped by your thinking. You hear the word
"socialized" and you tune out. If you are realistic you would know
that the CURRENT health care system is neither "free market" (it is an
oligopolistic market) and is ALREADY largely socialized (medicare/medicaid).
The other countries in the world have chosen to provide a level of health care
for their citizens via government intervention, we are using a different
approach. The health measures of the US vis-a-vi the other industrialized
nations are significantly worse. It is a fact. So, if you don't want to
think outside the box, if you want the current system to continue, do nothing.
I predict life expectancy will drop to about 63 in 10 years due to the loss of
coverage for 10s of millions of Americans, as the cost of employer provided
plans will simply become unaffordable and will cover less and less. It will be
the 1930s all over again...life expectancy in the low 60s, preventable and
treatable diseases will re-emerge, life extending medications (high blood
pressure, etc.) will not be available anymore. But go ahead and keep voting for
republicans, you love them.
Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Insuranc access in this country is horrible!
Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I can't afford health insurance but I can afford a house, new truck,
satalite TV, vacations, etc...
Heh | 9:36 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
If we would deregulate the health industry, and unleach competition, you
wouldn't need no stinkin' insurance. You could pay for it out of your
pocket.
CougarKeith | 10:01 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Sure, let's SOCIALIZE health care! Where are your heads? Probably with
Barack Husein Obama who answered in the debate the other night that
"Healthcare is a RIGHT!" Wow, is he out of touch or what? Sorry to
tell you but health care is a "RESPONSIBILITY" for you as heads of
households to provide for your family. Getting the health care you and your
families need is important, but it isn't a "RIGHT". Those who
think it is are mis-informed and out of touch with reality. Think about it, if
it's a right, then the government should provide it right? Who funds the
government, we do through TAXES! What is that going to do to taxes? Aren't
they high enough already? If Health Care is a Right, then shouldn't a
college education be too? So lets pay for that for everyone, and if those are
rights supported by the government, why shouldn't a HOUSE of your own be a
right, so let's raise taxes and fund that too! How about Cars and clothes,
and food? All Rights? Lets just work to fund the government and let them take
care of all of us. THAT MY FRIENDS IS COMMUNISM!!! or New-Democrats!
HarleyHog | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Well this is an appropriate article for me. I am a 53 year old male forced to
starting my new business because of recent changes in the economy. My wife and
son have had no health issues and son The insurance company will insure them for
$290.00 per month. I however had a liver disorder 10 years ago. I also had
elevated cholesterol which has been treated to currently below normal levels.
Never had a sick day in my life and I feel great Guess what? Is my premium
$500/mo? Is it $800 per month? No I am rejected. They won't insure me. I am
sure I will eventually find someone, but really can a guy really afford to start
a new business (self reliant) and pay $1500 a month(personal
responsibility) insurance premium and have a reasonable chance at success. Really, I'm trying to do the right thing but it's obvious that I will soon join the ranks of the uninsured. I only hope for my family's sake that every asset we have worked so hard for in the last 30 years won't be lost to a catastrophic(sic?)medical bill.
responsibility) insurance premium and have a reasonable chance at success. Really, I'm trying to do the right thing but it's obvious that I will soon join the ranks of the uninsured. I only hope for my family's sake that every asset we have worked so hard for in the last 30 years won't be lost to a catastrophic(sic?)medical bill.
Maureen | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Having lived in England and here in the US i don't understand why a few
extra tax dollars put aside only for health care would matter to the average
American, for the peace of mind knowing that all that i have worked hard all my
life will not be taken from me in one fell swoop.I paid health insurance for
over 35 years as a self employed business person and when the group got too
small they cut us off and i could no longer get health insurance.All i am able
to get is the state run health insurance for the seriously ill costing half of
my monthly intake.I am not sick, have only been in the hospital for two babies
and take medication for two minor things.I am in my late 50's and hope i
don't get sick(that is enough to make you ill).Well it seems as if anything
that goes wrong with me then i will go back to England where they are not as
hard hearted.At least there i won't lose my home and everything i have
worked hard for and become dependent on the state for the rest of my life.
CougarKeith Continued... | 10:10 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
So if we fall into this TRAP we are being pushed towards, that everything in
this country is a right, then it will be GIVEN TO US. That leads to being
irresponsible! Think about it, we all get free healthcare, a free home, car,
clothes, food, shoes and everything else such as hair cuts and the like. Oh, we
might as well make being a Millionaire a right too! So now with the government
giving us everything we need we have no responsibility anymore. With that is a
lot of bad stuff, very few will care about their job, because most of your cash
goes to taxes, You can't play favorites, so over time all new homes will be
identical except for size of family allotment. You will all have only 3 choices
of cars, the clothes will all be the same, because there is no reason for
competing for you to Buy clothes, after-all, their free at your local
"USA-Clothes Giveaway shop". Health care? Your 65-year old mother who
gets cancer won't get her health care because someone younger needs it too,
and the budget doesn't allow for all cancer victims to receive health-care,
so she dies without help-think-about-it!!!
Utah fortunate then | 10:17 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Even when some in our society are unable, or in some cases unwilling, to provide
health coverage for their families - we have a caring private sector willing to
support their basic needs: such as Intermountain Health Care, etc.
Moto X | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
My mother lives in Canada--she is in her early 70's but still active
walking 1-2 miles daily. She had an accident while helping remodel a basement
and broke her ribs, shoulder, and wrist (arm broke in 3 locations) requiring
surgeries. Initially they did not want to operate and sent her home!!
Eventually she returned due to severe pain--the doctor then said this should have been operated on to begin with. They inserted rods and screws in her arm/shoulder/wrist. Then of course her arm needed physical therapy. Under their "free" healthcare system she was entitled to 2-3 Physical Therapy visits!!! With such little treatment of course her arm immediately lost range of motion and nearly was useless. She could not even feed herself with that hand/arm. She had to pay OUT OF POCKET for all the therapy to regain use of her arm.
Got to love that "free" healthcare!!! My parents have payed LITERALLY hundreds of thousands in taxes!
Good stuff eh?
People just do not want to acknowledge the fact that in the end you pay more via taxes (someone pays) than if you just bought it yourself to begin with. Government-run anything costs double and yields less.
Eventually she returned due to severe pain--the doctor then said this should have been operated on to begin with. They inserted rods and screws in her arm/shoulder/wrist. Then of course her arm needed physical therapy. Under their "free" healthcare system she was entitled to 2-3 Physical Therapy visits!!! With such little treatment of course her arm immediately lost range of motion and nearly was useless. She could not even feed herself with that hand/arm. She had to pay OUT OF POCKET for all the therapy to regain use of her arm.
Got to love that "free" healthcare!!! My parents have payed LITERALLY hundreds of thousands in taxes!
Good stuff eh?
People just do not want to acknowledge the fact that in the end you pay more via taxes (someone pays) than if you just bought it yourself to begin with. Government-run anything costs double and yields less.
Find some truth | 10:35 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
There is not a single medical statistic or study that supports the idea that
Americans get more for their money when it comes to health care. We do not have
the best system, nor do we offer the highest quality of care. There are dozens
(like most of the industrialized world) of countries where high quality,
government sponsored health care is the norm. Most Americans keep buying the
spin that universal health care will cost them in quality because most Americans
have never been out of the country. I had my appendix taken out in a so-called
"socialist, commie loving" medical system. The only difference I saw
was the price. Our insurance companies are publicly traded, for profit entities
that care nothing about those they insure, only those with whom they invest.
Darrell | 10:36 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
So what you are saying is that 2,162,063 people in Utah have insurance? That is
over 84%. Pretty good, I would say.
re:oldman | 10:41 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
"better hurry up and vote for another republican. The one who takes care of
the elite"
You probably do not want to talk about he fact it was Obama who received the 2nd highest contributions of ANY POLITICIAN from the corrupt liberal democrat executives that ran Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac!! These are one in the same as the former members of Clinton and now current Obamas campaign organizations.
I guess George Soros and all the Hollywood wackos that funnel 10's of millions into Obamas campaign don't meet your definition of "elite"? They are the elite of the elite and without all their back door money/contributions Obama would be in trouble.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Obama and his socialized medicine means one thing--everyones taxes will be going way up to pay the bill.
Don't worry though, just give all your money to the Obama government and you can "trust" them because they are smarter than you and they know how to spend your money better than you do.
You probably do not want to talk about he fact it was Obama who received the 2nd highest contributions of ANY POLITICIAN from the corrupt liberal democrat executives that ran Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac!! These are one in the same as the former members of Clinton and now current Obamas campaign organizations.
I guess George Soros and all the Hollywood wackos that funnel 10's of millions into Obamas campaign don't meet your definition of "elite"? They are the elite of the elite and without all their back door money/contributions Obama would be in trouble.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Obama and his socialized medicine means one thing--everyones taxes will be going way up to pay the bill.
Don't worry though, just give all your money to the Obama government and you can "trust" them because they are smarter than you and they know how to spend your money better than you do.
Oh Please | 10:46 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Clark and his whole party are in the tank for the insurance industry. You can
wait for "reform" until the cows come home, but the cows will be home
first.
Tammy | 10:49 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I do not have health insurance by choice. I worked in medical insurance billing
fof many years, and through that realized what a racket the insurance companies
were. THEY ARE NOT THE SOLUTION TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS, THEY ARE THE
CAUSE.
I keep myself healthy naturally. Don't think it cannot be done. I refuse to go to a hospital emergency room for anything I cannot pay cash on the barrelhead for.
European socialized medicine has successfully made it illegal for citizens to take supplements or heal themselves naturally. That is giving government too much control. You can get a prison term for not vaccinating.
Holistic preventive medicine with no middleman, and patients taking responsibility for their own health should be our American Goal.
There are people in this country who think they know best for everyone else. They want forced socialized medicine. They want control over your life.
I keep myself healthy naturally. Don't think it cannot be done. I refuse to go to a hospital emergency room for anything I cannot pay cash on the barrelhead for.
European socialized medicine has successfully made it illegal for citizens to take supplements or heal themselves naturally. That is giving government too much control. You can get a prison term for not vaccinating.
Holistic preventive medicine with no middleman, and patients taking responsibility for their own health should be our American Goal.
There are people in this country who think they know best for everyone else. They want forced socialized medicine. They want control over your life.
Re: Money Quote | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Your reasoning about countries with universal coverage having lower quality of
care doesn't hold water. Look at any indicator of health and the US ranks
at the bottom of industrialized nations. We pay many times more per capita than
other countries and our health is worse.
Not rocket science | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Government can not manage their own affairs ie. see current economy, so I am not
anxious for them to get involved in administering healthcare.
Has anyone evaluated the current financial state of Medicare and Medicaid? THE GOVERNENT IS ALREADY A PROVEN FAILURE AT DESIGNING/FUNDING/OPERATING ANY TYPE OF HEALTH PROGRAM. All these programs largely leave users unsatisfied and have double the expenses of private. YET PEOPLE WANT MORE OF THIS???
Government should only do one thing and that is legislate coverage by companies THEN GOVERNMENT SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY!! Once coverage is legislated anyone could get it. Eliminate employer coverage which is an unnecessary layer that inflates cost. Let the consumer go directly to companies that sell health care/plans. If they did not offer affordable coverage then they would simply go out of business and somebody else would step up with an option that was affordable.
There is a reason millions of people go to Costco/warehouse clubs. It is because these companies squeeze their suppliers for lost cost quality items. They try to elimintate layers and gain economies of scale. Same concept would work in healthcare. Government and employers are simply in the way right now.
Has anyone evaluated the current financial state of Medicare and Medicaid? THE GOVERNENT IS ALREADY A PROVEN FAILURE AT DESIGNING/FUNDING/OPERATING ANY TYPE OF HEALTH PROGRAM. All these programs largely leave users unsatisfied and have double the expenses of private. YET PEOPLE WANT MORE OF THIS???
Government should only do one thing and that is legislate coverage by companies THEN GOVERNMENT SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY!! Once coverage is legislated anyone could get it. Eliminate employer coverage which is an unnecessary layer that inflates cost. Let the consumer go directly to companies that sell health care/plans. If they did not offer affordable coverage then they would simply go out of business and somebody else would step up with an option that was affordable.
There is a reason millions of people go to Costco/warehouse clubs. It is because these companies squeeze their suppliers for lost cost quality items. They try to elimintate layers and gain economies of scale. Same concept would work in healthcare. Government and employers are simply in the way right now.
Get It right | 11:02 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I'm not sure why the Presidential candidates didn't address the root
causes of high health care. Much of it may be due to excesses and greed, but 2
of the biggest problems are malpractice insurance and the free health
care/emergency services at hospitals (a lot has to do witht he illegal
immigrants and of course those that can't afford it). Something needs to be
done with the legal fees charged by lawyers and the added costs to alpractice
insurance. But it's probably unlikely since so many lawyers are in
govenment protecting their interests - Just ask Sent. Edwards.
To Wise Health | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Are you serious? I know many people in Utah who are Mormons and follow the word
of wisdom and still have lots of health problems. Some health Problems are
genetic and following the word of wisdom does not help them. I also have lots
of friends who don't follow it all all and are healty as a horse. Its all
in your genetic makeup and what you are going to breakdown with. Exercise and a
good diet are what helps keep people healthy. I will agree that smoking is the
worst thing anybady can do to their bodies.
re: wrex 8:42 | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
...don't forget:
Public school is socialism
Police departments are socialism
Fire departments are socialism
The Internal Revenue is socialism
The Military is socialism
This is the wacky right-wing trying to divide-and-conquer again.
Public school is socialism
Police departments are socialism
Fire departments are socialism
The Internal Revenue is socialism
The Military is socialism
This is the wacky right-wing trying to divide-and-conquer again.
Anonymous | 11:37 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I hope you free marketeers lose your homes because you get sick and cant pay,
perhaps then you will see the benefit of universal coverage.
Anonymous | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 9, 2008
If you believe, as many of you say you do, that you are "Christians"
then does it make any sense at all to say to poor people: "Health care is
not a right, just go over in the corner and DIE!!". Well, I suggest we all
take a close look at the New Testament and the teachings of Christ. He was not
so cold hearted. He advocated for the poor, the weak, the widows, the humble
fishermen. Instead, our Churches, businesses, schools, government, etc. are all
run by rich men. And guess what? We have a country, government, churches,
schoools, health care system that benefits the uber rich as it grinds in the
faces of the poor. Yup, let's keep on voting for the Republicans,
especially here in "Zion".
Concerned | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I think it is fair to say that our health care system is a very large,
complicated monster. In fact, it is a massive monster. Do we really want to
turn this monster over to our government who cant do anything effient? It will
destroy us. We need partnerships with providers, insurance companies and
government to come up with the best solutions.
Prugna | 12:30 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
To Wise Health:
Yes, Utahns do practice better habits overall and that can be attributed to following the Word of Wisdom,(and perhaps drinking Coke instead of coffee?) While we're on the subject of health, the pollution we breath during red-alert air days may not be exactly like smoking per say but the damage done to the lungs, especially in children and the shortening of life spans is irrefutable. I'd like to see Republican leaders, most of whom are church members, walk the walk on cleaning up the sources of the horrible particulate matter problem we have here in Salt Lake and Utah counties instead of protecting the industries which have been major contributors to this problem, (and their campaign funds).
Yes, Utahns do practice better habits overall and that can be attributed to following the Word of Wisdom,(and perhaps drinking Coke instead of coffee?) While we're on the subject of health, the pollution we breath during red-alert air days may not be exactly like smoking per say but the damage done to the lungs, especially in children and the shortening of life spans is irrefutable. I'd like to see Republican leaders, most of whom are church members, walk the walk on cleaning up the sources of the horrible particulate matter problem we have here in Salt Lake and Utah counties instead of protecting the industries which have been major contributors to this problem, (and their campaign funds).
CougarKeith | 12:45 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
For those with pre-existing conditions (Such as myself), it is hard to get
insurance in many cases. The Government could help them with affordable premiums
to give them the same health care as senators and congressmen! That can and
should be something to work on, and it should fit in the Tax Rebate for
health-care which should be imposed! Nationalizing health care IS DANGEROUS,
especially for the elderly and disabled! There will be limits to treating people
if you go "Nationalized Health-Care". Your Grandparents, parents and
eventually you could be a target of "Un-treated patients" because your
county or state only can treat X-amount of cancer victims in a given year, these
people will be pushed aside because they are deemed "Lesser Cases" on
the importance of care list. This will result in selective treatment, and many
will be treated like dogs, left to die because they are retired, or have a less
important job than another. Then corruption (Worse than what it is now) will
creep in! Also government will have to fund research for meds and cures because
companies and Universities aren't able to get corporate grants from profits
to research new meds and cures= WE LOSE!!!
wrz | 12:51 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Tired of abuse @ 8:05 a.m.: "Who am I really insuring?"
You're ensuring that your doctor has a cabin in the mountains and a house boat on Lake Powell. Plus a BIG house on the bench.
In order for universal health care to work doctors' wages must somehow be kept under control. They won't like it.
You're ensuring that your doctor has a cabin in the mountains and a house boat on Lake Powell. Plus a BIG house on the bench.
In order for universal health care to work doctors' wages must somehow be kept under control. They won't like it.
PJ | 12:56 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
The Profit | 7:50 a.m.: "... but I say that health care IS a right, if we
as a country decide it is."
The government decided that owning a home was a right and see now what that got us.
The government decided that owning a home was a right and see now what that got us.
Annonymous... | 1:08 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
Darrell that is right, why are we crying, just do something for those who
can't collect Medicare yet make under a certain amount a year. That way
they can get insurance too, then the problem will be on those who don't get
insurance because they keep spending money on frugal things like expensive
housing and cars they can't really afford. Good POINT DARRELL!!!!
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