How does one fix the problem of 45 million Americans not having health insurance?

It's about baby steps. The problem is, the current proposals are "the end justifies the means" when we cannot afford the means. We are already drastically increasing our current debt and with other nations calling for a world currency, we have to be frugal.

We need a more logical approach. We must fix what's wrong first and maximize the people covered under the current system. By fixing the current problems, we will reduce costs across the board for everyone. by throwing money at a broken system, all we are doing is wasting valuable resources that could be going toward care or reducing the deficit (ha!).


Oh, and another thing to add: if anyone can tell me how we are going to raise an additional $100B a year through taxes alone and not negatively impact anything, I'm all ears.

So, with all the talk of the government putting it's grubby hands into the medical system, I have a few concerns. Actually, I have a lot of them, but let me just go into depth on a few I have heard very little of. Normally, the argument is based on "it failed in [insert country here]!" or "we are the greatest nation in the world! If [insert country here] has it, so should we!" without looking at the real logic and data behind the problem.

First off, look at our history with the government being involved in healthcare, aka, Medicare. It is bankrupt. 100% flat broke. The "money" that is in there is actually just essentially IOUs which technically, is just a green light for the government to print money to cover those costs, since the budget does not provide for the direct payback of intergovernmental holdings such as this (at least from its income pool). But that is another topic. The point is, we set aside money into a program to assist many with medical care. Instead of using it for its intended purpose, we borrowed from the trust into oblivion. What makes you think that all the money that is pulled from the people to fund this will actually make it 100% into the system? We have zero track record of any such action in any field.

The second concern that I have, in my mind, directly contradicts those that tell me my current healthcare will not change. While my plan may not, my care very much has to. You see, scarcity comes into play in all things, and doctors fall into the all things category. While I fully understand and am aware that the uninsured will make use of an ER when it is absolutely necessary, they do not frequent preventative care. Currently, I call my doctor, I can get in within a week for a normal appointment and within a day for an "emergency" like an illness. My physician is also not taking on any more patients because she is so full.

Economics 101: an increase in demand without a proportional increase in supply will result in higher prices. If the price is forced constant, then you develop a shortage. Guess what happens when there is a care shortage? waiting and rationing. There is no way around it. My doctor works six days a week as it is, I doubt she will come in Sundays too in order to pick up the slack.

So my solution? Fix what is wrong before we start throwing money at it. I'm 100% against government intervention on the providing side. However, we do need major reforms in the areas of tort and fraud. If you can control the sky-rocketing malpractice and liability insurance costs as well as the money lost to fraud, the costs will come down for everyone. If everyone's costs come down, the cost of insurance comes down and it is more available to the people.

Right now, we are doing the same thing we have been doing for the last year: throwing money (or trying to) at a broken system. If we just treat the symptoms, you'll never kill the virus.

Until Obama brought up the subject I wasn't hearing many complaints about the health care system.Everyone has health care.Anyone can go to the hospital and get treated for various reasons you just get a bill later.It is also state and federal law that the hospitals have to give you treatment for life threatening potintal problems.I have yet to hear a story of someone who died because the hospital wouldn't treat them regardless if they had insurance or not.

Hospitals also have "charity programs" where private donors donate money to the hospital to help people who can not afford to pay their hospital bills.You typically have to make under a certain amount every year to be qualified for the charity programs.There is also hundreds of programs through the government,local cities,churches and non profits,that will help people get medical care at little or no cost.

One of the problems with government run health care is you are at the mercy of the doctors who are all tied into the same computer.Since the government are paying for it they may not feel you need to get operations for non life threating situations.Examples...bone spurs in feet,breast reduction,ulcers,eye and ear problems,and many others that you could normally get surgery for if you wanted them since you were paying for it.

HOW WOULD YOU FIX THE PROBLEM? Since you a have a opinion about it?

All this from a man who dosnt want to pay for his own insurance because its to expensive!!!!! If the programs you mentioned could keep up with the demand we wouldnt be talking about it!!!! If you were paying for it you might realize that private insurance is limiting more and more on what they cover and what they pay!!!! Man you need to come out of your little shell and see whats happening in the real world!!!!!!

It's about baby steps. The problem is, the current proposals are "the end justifies the means" when we cannot afford the means. We are already drastically increasing our current debt and with other nations calling for a world currency, we have to be frugal.

We need a more logical approach. We must fix what's wrong first and maximize the people covered under the current system. By fixing the current problems, we will reduce costs across the board for everyone. by throwing money at a broken system, all we are doing is wasting valuable resources that could be going toward care or reducing the deficit (ha!).


Oh, and another thing to add: if anyone can tell me how we are going to raise an additional $100B a year through taxes alone and not negatively impact anything, I'm all ears.

I don't pay for my insurance because there is nothing wrong with me and I live a healthy life.In my entire life I have seen a doctor for medical problems two times.I get annual exams by a doctor which costs me around 200 dollars.That is a lot cheaper than paying $125.00 a month for years of insurance.I did have to get a operation once and I was not insured and they just sent me the bill for the operation which was around $3000.00 dollars which I charged to my credit card and paid off later.Nobody paid a dime to get me treated and I never asked for help.Just because I don't have health insurance that don't mean I can't get it anytime I want.I can sign up for it tomorrow and it will be activated the next day.

Not all people are lazy,in bad health,and need to see a doctor every month.Some people like myself save money,keep in shape,and watch how we live our lives and save thousands of dollars ever year to better our situations instead of getting deeper into debt.

Obama is talking about health insurance reform. He wants to prevent the insurance companies from dropping one's coverage if one gets too sick or lose your job or change jobs. He wants them to provide more preventative care too.

Until Obama brought up the subject I wasn't hearing many complaints about the health care system.Everyone has health care.Anyone can go to the hospital and get treated for various reasons you just get a bill later.It is also state and federal law that the hospitals have to give you treatment for life threatening potintal problems.I have yet to hear a story of someone who died because the hospital wouldn't treat them regardless if they had insurance or not.

Hospitals also have "charity programs" where private donors donate money to the hospital to help people who can not afford to pay their hospital bills.You typically have to make under a certain amount every year to be qualified for the charity programs.There is also hundreds of programs through the government,local cities,churches and non profits,that will help people get medical care at little or no cost.

One of the problems with government run health care is you are at the mercy of the doctors who are all tied into the same computer.Since the government are paying for it they may not feel you need to get operations for non life threating situations.Examples...bone spurs in feet,breast reduction,ulcers,eye and ear problems,and many others that you could normally get surgery for if you wanted them since you were paying for it.

But he's doing it all-or-nothing. Little reforms along the way need to be made as opposed to putting the whole thing through in one big package. Big things that are rushed result in painful omissions and mistakes. not to mention the massive oversight required and the inefficiency. We do need reform - nobody will argue that, but we need to do it slowly and not this rich pay for everyone else's coverage crap.

I don't pay for my insurance because there is nothing wrong with me and I live a healthy life.In my entire life I have seen a doctor for medical problems two times.I get annual exams by a doctor which costs me around 200 dollars.That is a lot cheaper than paying $125.00 a month for years of insurance.I did have to get a operation once and I was not insured and they just sent me the bill for the operation which was around $3000.00 dollars which I charged to my credit card and paid off later.Nobody paid a dime to get me treated and I never asked for help.Just because I don't have health insurance that don't mean I can't get it anytime I want.I can sign up for it tomorrow and it will be activated the next day.

Not all people are lazy,in bad health,and need to see a doctor every month.Some people like myself save money,keep in shape,and watch how we live our lives and save thousands of dollars ever year to better our situations instead of getting deeper into debt.

How does one fix the problem of 45 million Americans not having health insurance?