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Part 1: Pushed to the brink — Utahns one diagnosis from disaster
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Anonymous | 11:44 p.m. Oct. 17, 2009
You've gotten me thinking, Echoes.
BellaMia | 1:03 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Cancer care is expensive because it is state of the art and cutting edge, which
means greater survivability. Fifty years ago people didn't go bankrupt or
become homeless when they got cancer - they just died. As an LDS church member
he will never be homeless, as in living out of his car, or in a homeless
shelter.
House insurance covers major catastrophies, car insurance covers accidents, but states mandate that health insurance cover dozens of minor procedures that drives up the cost for everyone else. Health insurance should be for catastrophic illnesses, high deductible, and we should each have private health savings accounts so we can spend our health dollars in the most efficient way possible.
House insurance covers major catastrophies, car insurance covers accidents, but states mandate that health insurance cover dozens of minor procedures that drives up the cost for everyone else. Health insurance should be for catastrophic illnesses, high deductible, and we should each have private health savings accounts so we can spend our health dollars in the most efficient way possible.
Comments continue below
Asking right questions. | 3:22 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
This article and its questions are the ones that congress and Obama should be
addressing about health care in the US.
As long as a person is insured and premiums collected by insurance companies there should be no capped limits on procedures or medical care in policies. Then if there is a dispute on claims it should be done after claims are paid, not before.
The most important change should be that doctors, hospitals or any health care facility should not be allowed to send in claims without a patient review and approval. Kill the authorization to bill without patient reviews.
Health care costs and corruption in the US is on all sides of the issue, over billing and insurance denial. Insurance does not guarantee good health, not even under Obama's plan which is still not finalized at to what it will do for americans.
There are no checks and balances in health care among insurance, providers, and patients(insured). The people are forced to sign blank checks to doctors and hospitals to charge whatever they see fit. People using health care should have the most influence in controlling costs by reviewing and approving bills.
As long as a person is insured and premiums collected by insurance companies there should be no capped limits on procedures or medical care in policies. Then if there is a dispute on claims it should be done after claims are paid, not before.
The most important change should be that doctors, hospitals or any health care facility should not be allowed to send in claims without a patient review and approval. Kill the authorization to bill without patient reviews.
Health care costs and corruption in the US is on all sides of the issue, over billing and insurance denial. Insurance does not guarantee good health, not even under Obama's plan which is still not finalized at to what it will do for americans.
There are no checks and balances in health care among insurance, providers, and patients(insured). The people are forced to sign blank checks to doctors and hospitals to charge whatever they see fit. People using health care should have the most influence in controlling costs by reviewing and approving bills.
S2 | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I have lived in Europe for 9 years, and Japan for 5 years. I don't see
either in my experience in their clinics, or hospitals, or while walking the
streets, any glories in their system or satisfaction in their processes.
I believe there are reforms that can be instituted in Congress, and in state legislatures, that can bring about cost controls, and elimination of ridiculous bureaucratic rulings that run costs up.
However, the plan being rammed through Congress is no where near likely to work to these ends, and is instead a chimera, a facade, and a foot in the door for much worse gov't intervention and monkeying around, with more losers to be made than winners, and no real effective change in the insurance industry (which will still allow choice, liberty, and personal responsibility and fairness) or pharmaceutical industry' practices.
I look forward to further explorations, Carrie, and recognize the extreme depth and breadth of this complicated network of issues and the necessity of these discussions. I hope, in the end, that the discussion is furthered, and the Obamacare we are currently being forced to consider is decried for its haste, lack of effect, and ultimate foolishness.
I believe there are reforms that can be instituted in Congress, and in state legislatures, that can bring about cost controls, and elimination of ridiculous bureaucratic rulings that run costs up.
However, the plan being rammed through Congress is no where near likely to work to these ends, and is instead a chimera, a facade, and a foot in the door for much worse gov't intervention and monkeying around, with more losers to be made than winners, and no real effective change in the insurance industry (which will still allow choice, liberty, and personal responsibility and fairness) or pharmaceutical industry' practices.
I look forward to further explorations, Carrie, and recognize the extreme depth and breadth of this complicated network of issues and the necessity of these discussions. I hope, in the end, that the discussion is furthered, and the Obamacare we are currently being forced to consider is decried for its haste, lack of effect, and ultimate foolishness.
To Carrie Moore: | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Details would be helpful. What type of cancer did he have? This is part of
your job as a reporter.
Anonymous | 8:09 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Tragic situations like that of Jeff Hein and his family tug at the heartstrings
of each compassionate and caring person. We all wish for lives of perfect
health, loving companions and rewarding careers and we are all responsible to
foster these goals for everyone. When such enormously expensive tragedies strike
anyone, we seek in our hearts an answer.
Unfortunately, we face a regressive situation: The better the health care, the more people reach the age when the most expensive ailments occur. The end point is that there will come a time when such a large fraction of our society needs expensive medical treatment that there simply will not be enough money to go around.
We must continue to pursue greater efficiency from Insurance companies and Medical Providers. The last thing we should do is to turn this problem over to government and its well-known inefficiencies and inequities, which would only lead to an earlier breakdown than would occur through well-managed private enterprise.
Perhaps the final answer is to have faith in a hereafter and ultimate justice from a loving Heavenly Father who will see to it that all is finally made just and equitable.
Unfortunately, we face a regressive situation: The better the health care, the more people reach the age when the most expensive ailments occur. The end point is that there will come a time when such a large fraction of our society needs expensive medical treatment that there simply will not be enough money to go around.
We must continue to pursue greater efficiency from Insurance companies and Medical Providers. The last thing we should do is to turn this problem over to government and its well-known inefficiencies and inequities, which would only lead to an earlier breakdown than would occur through well-managed private enterprise.
Perhaps the final answer is to have faith in a hereafter and ultimate justice from a loving Heavenly Father who will see to it that all is finally made just and equitable.
Mary B | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Echoes, I couldn't agree with you more!
Reactionary | 8:59 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Suppose we had insurance coverage for car repairs. My suspicion is, it
wouldn't be long till we couldn't afford to replace a muffler without
it. To my way of thinking, we continue to head in the wrong direction. Progress
is when we can meet the demands of life on our own and not need the
"village" to get by. I wonder what hospitals,doctors, medical
schools, etc. would charge if no one had insurance coverage. My guess- what the
market could bare.... just like plumbers, electricians and auto mechanics. I
know two young couples who were expecting and hadn't any insurance. They
got on assistance because they didn't dare go through child birth without
it. I can't blame them.... BUT is this really progress? Folks have been
having babies since the beginning and now in the 21st century we don't dare
without insurance. Sorry, it doesn't sound like progress to me.
Wouldn't it be nice if we all dropped our insurance and let health care
charge like any other service provider. Who knows- we might see more innovations
in treatments.It'll never happen but I can dream can't I?
Debbie | 9:05 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
This is all too true and it applies to everyone. Even those covered by group
policies are only one crisis away - job loss or illness - from disaster.
Somehow, health reform must include coverage for all, without preexisting
clauses or refusals based on illness history. What point is there to save
someone with modern miracles and technology, if the next time it strikes,
they're out?
Dave Zorro | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
"Republicans say government has never managed to provide services more
efficiently and at a lower cost than private enterprise can."
Government has always provided risk management services at a lower cost than private enterprise. Defense, police, flood insurance, fire fighting. Even services for the public in general are usually provided more efficiently and more equally than private enterprise: roads, education. Government has never produced profits as efficiently as private insurance companies because the government is not seeking profits, but the insurance companies are.
Government has always provided risk management services at a lower cost than private enterprise. Defense, police, flood insurance, fire fighting. Even services for the public in general are usually provided more efficiently and more equally than private enterprise: roads, education. Government has never produced profits as efficiently as private insurance companies because the government is not seeking profits, but the insurance companies are.
to:Bellamia | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
As to Ms. Moore's overdramatization of this man's situation, I agree
that he is unlikely to end up homeless.
As to insurance, and savings, these are good ideas that take time and preparation. For those who cannot or have chosen not to prepare, there is a great deal the rest of us can do for them. This is why Utah has such a great medical system. It's a group effort to serve those in need.
As to insurance, and savings, these are good ideas that take time and preparation. For those who cannot or have chosen not to prepare, there is a great deal the rest of us can do for them. This is why Utah has such a great medical system. It's a group effort to serve those in need.
Tax less Serve more | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
The more we can do on our own, the better. When someone is unable to meet all of
their necessities, it is an opportunity for the rest of us to practice the
principles of charity and love of neighbor taught by Jesus Christ. We need that
opportunity to help as much, or more, than they need our help.
If we just tax ourselves, and pay it grudgingly, (who pays taxes cheerfully?) and then pass it on to those in need through mediocre govt healthcare, we forget Charity and put our focus on ourselves.
If someone is sick, we can find out what they need, talk to hospitals and doctors, and get help from those who can by reminding them of what really matters. Doing this will make more of all involved than just paying taxes ever will.
If we just tax ourselves, and pay it grudgingly, (who pays taxes cheerfully?) and then pass it on to those in need through mediocre govt healthcare, we forget Charity and put our focus on ourselves.
If someone is sick, we can find out what they need, talk to hospitals and doctors, and get help from those who can by reminding them of what really matters. Doing this will make more of all involved than just paying taxes ever will.
@BellaMia | 10:16 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
You say "..we should each have private health savings accounts so we can
spend our health dollars in the most efficient way possible."
We SHOULD? Oh, how kind.
Tell that to your grocery store clerk, your restaurant cook, your hotel maid, the guy who changes the oil in your car....and about ANYONE ELSE who does direct service for you.
How much do you think they can save in that account?
It's their fault they got sick, couldn't go to work, couldn't pay the bill. They just didn't "work hard", did they?
I think "we should" pay people more. The guy who changes my car's oil turned out to be much better at his job than our investment advisors.
We SHOULD? Oh, how kind.
Tell that to your grocery store clerk, your restaurant cook, your hotel maid, the guy who changes the oil in your car....and about ANYONE ELSE who does direct service for you.
How much do you think they can save in that account?
It's their fault they got sick, couldn't go to work, couldn't pay the bill. They just didn't "work hard", did they?
I think "we should" pay people more. The guy who changes my car's oil turned out to be much better at his job than our investment advisors.
S2 | 10:22 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Apparently, you didn't need major health care in Japan?
Example: our neighbor.
Ten years ago in Utah, had heart surgery with a stent insertion. His insurance paid $27,000+.
A year ago in Japan, he had an emergency in Japan and within six hours, they had inserted a stent in another artery. Cost? $10,000. He put it on his credit card.
NOW: his health insurance (the same government "golden" type you people always complain about Congress having) IS STILL REFUSING TO PAY THE BILL. Ten years ago, they paid $27K without a quibble, but are refusing to repay him 80% of the more recent bill. You'd think they'd be thrilled he had the procedure done in Japan, where it would cost them 1/3 of what the US bill had been. But no.
When it happens to you.....
Example: our neighbor.
Ten years ago in Utah, had heart surgery with a stent insertion. His insurance paid $27,000+.
A year ago in Japan, he had an emergency in Japan and within six hours, they had inserted a stent in another artery. Cost? $10,000. He put it on his credit card.
NOW: his health insurance (the same government "golden" type you people always complain about Congress having) IS STILL REFUSING TO PAY THE BILL. Ten years ago, they paid $27K without a quibble, but are refusing to repay him 80% of the more recent bill. You'd think they'd be thrilled he had the procedure done in Japan, where it would cost them 1/3 of what the US bill had been. But no.
When it happens to you.....
to S2 | 10:34 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Okay--you lived in Europe and Japan, I lived in Canada for the first 25 years of
my life (and I also lived in Japan for a year). While it is true that my parents
(and later myself) paid higher taxes, I received better (gasp, yes, better) care
then I do down here in the U.S. with my company's health insurance and its
associated doctors.
Also, while I was a student at university, I did not have to worry about getting sick (and I did get sick) because I didn't have insurance, whereas when I came down here for graduate school, I worried endlessly because I could either eat and pay tuition or pay for health insurance, not both.
So yes, from one person's experience, socialized medicine does work and it does work well.
Also, while I was a student at university, I did not have to worry about getting sick (and I did get sick) because I didn't have insurance, whereas when I came down here for graduate school, I worried endlessly because I could either eat and pay tuition or pay for health insurance, not both.
So yes, from one person's experience, socialized medicine does work and it does work well.
Echoes | 10:35 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
You say "We need to have the Medicare and Medicaid programs cleaned up and
use those as the national health plan."
You DO realize you've just defined a "single-payer" government-run health care system.
You DO realize you've just defined a "single-payer" government-run health care system.
Anonymous at 8:02 | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Sounds to me like we should all join a religion. That will make it all better.
We should just do that with everything, not just health care. HOWEVER, that
doesn't help people today, does it?
Heidi Phillips | 1:19 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Dear Bella Mia,
I wish you would have been the one to write the health care bill. Great ideas!
I wish you would have been the one to write the health care bill. Great ideas!
Anonymous | 1:23 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
We can't afford to spend millions and millions on a single person. We just
can't. It is sad and I would be angry if I or my family could be helped
with that care. Compromises must be made. I don't know the answer but we
can't give everyone with a hurt ankle an MRI. Maybe reform is possible.
If your coworker needed a million dollar surgery would you sell your house and
car and live in an apartment and ride the bus to help them pay for it? Taxes
are too high already. The money just isn't there.
Socialism is evil (1 of 2) | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I am well studied on this. Socialism and Communism have a decent merit which
they share with the united order. This is that we all put in and take out. This
has a social goodness to it. The details which define each system change,
however.
Freedom and individual liberty are most important to uphold.
Within communism, people are not free to choose. People claim that this is only how it has been implemented but even the ideal communist system does not allow for individual independent freedom.
Socialism sounds better and seems for many to be a bridge, however it still forgets that even in a system that seems perfect, people are not. If people are greedy and choose to abuse the system (which they will) I will be the one to suffer for another's actions.
Capitalism is every man for himself and it works for that reason. It has it's downs but the point is that you choose whether you are one of those or not. You work for what you get. People HAVE A CHOICE whether they go to Walmart rather than the Utah owned business. People HAVE A CHOICE to demand better options. Agency exists.
Freedom and individual liberty are most important to uphold.
Within communism, people are not free to choose. People claim that this is only how it has been implemented but even the ideal communist system does not allow for individual independent freedom.
Socialism sounds better and seems for many to be a bridge, however it still forgets that even in a system that seems perfect, people are not. If people are greedy and choose to abuse the system (which they will) I will be the one to suffer for another's actions.
Capitalism is every man for himself and it works for that reason. It has it's downs but the point is that you choose whether you are one of those or not. You work for what you get. People HAVE A CHOICE whether they go to Walmart rather than the Utah owned business. People HAVE A CHOICE to demand better options. Agency exists.
Socialism is evil (2 of 2) | 3:05 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I work full time, I go to school full time, and I write music, real music (no
loops, I am talking about notation and with traditional instruments, not modern
"music"). I am not trying to attack modern viewpoints on what is music
but saying that I have time to do it.
I have straight A's and I understand that I worked for this. While not being boastful, I certainly have my weaknesses and they are mine to deal with. I am only saying that I have health care and I work hard for what I have in life. I also have the same freedoms this artist does and I still express myself wonderfully.
People have the choice and this choice will always exist. We authorize our government, if it failed, it is because we let it fail.
I believe that IHC (a non profit) has the highest paid CEO in Utah. Why is this? Why does exxon mobile raise prices with record profits. Arby's brought back the 5 for 5 finally (and offered more, eventually) yet McD's doesn't do this. Some companies learned the lesson. People CAN demand.
Fight socialism, google video Ezra Taft Benson!
I have straight A's and I understand that I worked for this. While not being boastful, I certainly have my weaknesses and they are mine to deal with. I am only saying that I have health care and I work hard for what I have in life. I also have the same freedoms this artist does and I still express myself wonderfully.
People have the choice and this choice will always exist. We authorize our government, if it failed, it is because we let it fail.
I believe that IHC (a non profit) has the highest paid CEO in Utah. Why is this? Why does exxon mobile raise prices with record profits. Arby's brought back the 5 for 5 finally (and offered more, eventually) yet McD's doesn't do this. Some companies learned the lesson. People CAN demand.
Fight socialism, google video Ezra Taft Benson!
Orem Mom | 3:39 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
There are many sides to this story. The article mentioned that patients
don't really see the cost of their visits to the doctor and hospital
because it is covered by insurance. As a patient you can ask the hospital how
much something will cost, but even that rate isn't truly what will be paid
because you don't know what the "negotiated rate" with the
insurance is. Even if you call the insurance beforehand, they won't tell
you until they have processed the claim. Our system is TRULY broken when the
consumer can't make good decisions about whether to have a medical
procedure because they have no idea about the costs involved. Actual insurance
costs should be MUCH easier to obtain!
K swiss | 3:41 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
People talk about single payer like its a bad word.
I want single payer.
People talk about health care like it's a luxury car. Not everybody should get one, and those that do get one "worked harder."
I call BS. There are other socioeconomic factors beside work ethic that go into what you can and can't afford.
I have great healthcare right now, but plans that my family make are based around whether we can keep coverage. We can afford the premiums, but we couldn't afford the same quality of care on the open market.
My definition of middle class is financial security. You don't have to be rich, but you aren't a crisis away from being homeless. If you want to expand the middle class, make healthcare universal and affordable.
Healthcare shouldn't be a scarce commodity, driven by market forces and profits. In an advanced industrial country, it should be a privilege beared by all and shared by all.
In my mind, that is far more Christlike than having fellow community members help out. That works in Bountiful, but not in downtown Chicago. Or Detroit. Or even downtown Salt Lake.
I want single payer.
People talk about health care like it's a luxury car. Not everybody should get one, and those that do get one "worked harder."
I call BS. There are other socioeconomic factors beside work ethic that go into what you can and can't afford.
I have great healthcare right now, but plans that my family make are based around whether we can keep coverage. We can afford the premiums, but we couldn't afford the same quality of care on the open market.
My definition of middle class is financial security. You don't have to be rich, but you aren't a crisis away from being homeless. If you want to expand the middle class, make healthcare universal and affordable.
Healthcare shouldn't be a scarce commodity, driven by market forces and profits. In an advanced industrial country, it should be a privilege beared by all and shared by all.
In my mind, that is far more Christlike than having fellow community members help out. That works in Bountiful, but not in downtown Chicago. Or Detroit. Or even downtown Salt Lake.
@Echoes 10:35 am | 3:58 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
This is not news on the "single payer" plan. Why are you so against
it? People should have the option of using private insurance or use the
Government insurance. The problem is - what all do you want covered or expect to
be covered? If you want the whole thing covered, be prepared to pay for it
dearly.
For those that can't afford the private insurance, how about this? If a person is in rather good health, then maybe having the government insurance is the way to go that covers the minimum effort. If there is more insurance required, then that should be a tiered effect - just like a private insurance - but there needs to be some sort of additional payment.
Just as in some insurance cases, maybe having an option to "pre-pay" into a medical fund - shots, prescriptions, well-child check-ups - and that can be used to help balance the medical budget.
There is no "one" right answer or way to do this. Ideas have to be generated from all areas.
For those that can't afford the private insurance, how about this? If a person is in rather good health, then maybe having the government insurance is the way to go that covers the minimum effort. If there is more insurance required, then that should be a tiered effect - just like a private insurance - but there needs to be some sort of additional payment.
Just as in some insurance cases, maybe having an option to "pre-pay" into a medical fund - shots, prescriptions, well-child check-ups - and that can be used to help balance the medical budget.
There is no "one" right answer or way to do this. Ideas have to be generated from all areas.
Brian | 6:27 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
People is England with the same type of cancer that I had wait an average of
ten months for their surgery which leads, of course, to a much higher mortality
rate.
As a small business owner I would love to be able to buy a high deductible policy, say $25,000. As it is now we our paying $14,000 per year for basic health coverage for two people and the insurance company is gifted at avoiding paying for anything.
As a small business owner I would love to be able to buy a high deductible policy, say $25,000. As it is now we our paying $14,000 per year for basic health coverage for two people and the insurance company is gifted at avoiding paying for anything.
Anonymous | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I use VA health care. It's better run that any health insurance I paid for
from insurance companies. When I hear those attacking the public option I know
they're liars.
Doctors and providers deserve great pay. What value is added paying 20% overhead that adds no value to health care? You pay people for figuring out ways not to pay when you have cancer. It's insane.
Doctors and providers deserve great pay. What value is added paying 20% overhead that adds no value to health care? You pay people for figuring out ways not to pay when you have cancer. It's insane.
Anti Echoes | 7:47 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
Echoes sounds like a socialist. Personally, I like freedom, not evil.
chuck | 8:03 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I don't care what is socialist or "American" I'm a
conservative. I think hospitals and doctors need a fair profit of margin. Now
with all the accounting loop holes that are granted they are not being honest
about billing practices. I have been ill for a long time and can get my home
medical supplies off the internet for 1/10 of what the hospitals charge. Why is
that ? Maybe they have a captured audience. We do need some changes in the
system. It's not our system, it's their system. We are the consumers
or end users. We need options that make sense. Turn it over to the consumer
and it will get better.
Red and White all over!!! | 8:29 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
I grew up in Canada then spent the next 20 yrs in the States. I am a cancer
survivor and because of the bills that insurance didn't cover we are now
officially BROKE! Yup! Foreclosure and everything! Guess where I am now?
Back in Canada where I don't have to worry about being homeless and can get
wonderful care. I couldn't go back to the States even if I wanted to
because I am now uninsurable. I might as well be an outcast of society.
Uninsurable! What a term!?!?!? Why is my life worth any less than the
healthier person next door?
michaelm | 9:23 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
What we need and what Congress is doing are far apart. They know what we need
for good healthcare but that has nothing to do with healthcare reform laws being
considered. It does have everything to do with greed, power and a desire of
politicians to control more of our lives.
If they really wanted healthcare for all they would allow interstate insurance sales, require no fault, no prior condition prevent being insured, they need real Tort reform but the trial lawyers give much to democrats so that will never happen. They should require everyone to buy insurance but not tax people just because they can afford a better plan. They should put in cost controls and require more broad competition. The more government gets out of it the cheaper it gets. Lastly they should require providers and pharmaceutical companies to charge no more in the US than they do outside of it. We should not pay the cost of the rest of the world's health care drugs.
These are easy to implement but does not create what politicians want, power over you to ensure you vote for the hand that provides for you.
If they really wanted healthcare for all they would allow interstate insurance sales, require no fault, no prior condition prevent being insured, they need real Tort reform but the trial lawyers give much to democrats so that will never happen. They should require everyone to buy insurance but not tax people just because they can afford a better plan. They should put in cost controls and require more broad competition. The more government gets out of it the cheaper it gets. Lastly they should require providers and pharmaceutical companies to charge no more in the US than they do outside of it. We should not pay the cost of the rest of the world's health care drugs.
These are easy to implement but does not create what politicians want, power over you to ensure you vote for the hand that provides for you.
Anonymous | 9:37 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009
We have good insurance. We pay the rest ourselves. About $25,000/year out of
pocket. We are out of money, out of credit, our relatives are tapped to their
limit. We would be happy to pay all on our own, but our health problems have
stolen our income potential. We would be better off, and the nation would be
better off if...
...we put more focus and investment on finding cures. Medical research is expensive, but it is miniscule compared to the financial and human cost of disease. Many of our family's health issues show promise of cure. Find a cure, save us many thousands, and the country hundreds of billions a year. It's good business.
...we made preventive care easy and cheap. This would save billions more.
...we streamlined diagnosis and treatment. If a doctor finds something of concern, tests should be performed immediately, results returned while you wait, and if tests show a problem treatment should begin immediately. Waiting, not knowing, is torture. And the stress and deterioration caused by delay only adds costs.
If we make smart changes to our system, our family, and our nation might be saved from bankruptcy.
...we put more focus and investment on finding cures. Medical research is expensive, but it is miniscule compared to the financial and human cost of disease. Many of our family's health issues show promise of cure. Find a cure, save us many thousands, and the country hundreds of billions a year. It's good business.
...we made preventive care easy and cheap. This would save billions more.
...we streamlined diagnosis and treatment. If a doctor finds something of concern, tests should be performed immediately, results returned while you wait, and if tests show a problem treatment should begin immediately. Waiting, not knowing, is torture. And the stress and deterioration caused by delay only adds costs.
If we make smart changes to our system, our family, and our nation might be saved from bankruptcy.
Wake Up People! | 11:55 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009
Go to You Tube and watch Healthcare Reform 101 - Bloodmoney, Part 2f. It's
not the doctors and hospitals making all the money - it's the health
insurance CEOs paying themselves MILLIONS while denying coverage for seriously
ill people.
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- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall165
- Cougars going back to Vegas148
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil143
- George lost in rivalry hatefest119
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax110
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony99
- Revive full food tax?94
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Joyce Gannon offers the following advice...
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What is really needed is a non-biased, politically-neutral consideration of...
were the best in 1a 2a 3a 4a and 5a say it millard we have not wrestled them...
is this letter for real?
There's a basketball team in Utah called the Flash? I've now gone from being...
Great for Hot Rod! If only he was still with the Jazz, radio would be much...
As soon as the state figures out how to divert these grants to the general...
Charters were strictly a Republican invention that the left wanted nothing to...
U say that Utah must be high on our list? Ur the one commenting on a byu...
energy efficiency is evil. it hurts coal jobs in this state!
Thank you Deseret News for a wrestling article! Finally! Now if we can get...
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Of course the insurance companies are in it for profit. We know that. The best way to make a profit is not paying out on claims but to make it hard for those that already have insurance to jump through hoops for payments.
We need to have the Medicare and Medicaid programs cleaned up and use those as the national health plan. The illegal billing from medical personnel and payouts for those two government sponsored aids are what is putting a blight on the whole thing. That's why there is no faith in the government to be in charge of this whole thing.