Senators:Healthcare costs too much because you go to the doctor too much

[JimandChristy 1,689]

Well at home in UK there were some long ER waits too - but at least you didn't have to pay $150 into the bargain.

But that's the thing, if you have a mild ailment, which the majority of the population will have at some point, then you only need the basic care and that basic care should be affordable for everyone. People who don't have insurance in the USA just to see a doctor for a minor ailment have to pay $100 minimum, throw in on top the cost of diagnosis and the medications...no wonder they won't go.

Yes in America they don't have 6month waiting lists for a major operation however I bet most people would wait 6months for the treatment rather than pay hundreds/thousands of dollars out of pocket and potentially become bankrupt.

I think that is where the health system in the USA lacks behind other nations in Health Care, BASIC healthcare just isn't accessible, well it is but you either got to have insurance OR you got to have a load of spare cash lying around.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Well at home in UK there were some long ER waits too - but at least you didn't have to pay $150 into the bargain.

But that's the thing, if you have a mild ailment, which the majority of the population will have at some point, then you only need the basic care and that basic care should be affordable for everyone. People who don't have insurance in the USA just to see a doctor for a minor ailment have to pay $100 minimum, throw in on top the cost of diagnosis and the medications...no wonder they won't go.

Yes in America they don't have 6month waiting lists for a major operation however I bet most people would wait 6months for the treatment rather than pay hundreds/thousands of dollars out of pocket and potentially become bankrupt.

I think that is where the health system in the USA lacks behind other nations in Health Care, BASIC healthcare just isn't accessible, well it is but you either got to have insurance OR you got to have a load of spare cash lying around.

If you go in for surgery you get reamed. A lymphoma biopsy in CA set me back a good $2000 - $3000 after insurance. Bills just kept coming - in weird amounts (which didn't always exactly match the submitted charges on the insurance website - also didn't help that the insurance website sometimes had the same charge listed 2 or 3 times with differing amounts, for no obvious reason) so I have no idea how you find out whether the charges are valid, or even what you're actually paying for.

When you're hospitalised or going through a recovery, you don't want to deal with added stress of having to deal with insurance garbage.

The insurance bastards almost killed my FIL a few years ago - told him one day that the regular cardiologist appointments were no longer necessary and that they weren't going to pay for them. He ended up on the verge of a heart attack before they'd reverse the decision.

[JimandChristy 1,689]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

Edited May 19, 2009 by JimandChristy

[sj5 4]

I had gum disease(sign) two years ago but naked eyes can't see it according to my dentist. Some part of my gum is bleeding when I floss. However, I felt bad for my insurance. They collected $7,300.00 to my insurance and a co-payment of $2700 +180 and other hundreds of dollar from me/us. I knew everything when my insurance sent me a copy of my bills. Imagine, charging me like this when my gum wasn't bad or ruin. I can't even see the difference except it's bleeding when I floss. After the treatment, my gum didn't bleed anymore. So, I think, it's worth.

I didn't have health problem except my gum but look at the price. It's way too high.

Edited May 19, 2009 by sj5

[Danno 1,228]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

I'm still not sure how you would suggest "taking away the need for insurance companies to make money (butt loads)?

Insurance IS A BUSINESS.

Is your car insurance or life insurance policy more compassionate?

How about your home owners insurance, do they replace your house when a flood comes and you have not been paying a premium for this service?

You may perhaps have a small point

Clarity in Policies might help the customer better understand the details of the policy.

Health-care is much more complicated than say auto insurance but a rating system or :simplified-agreement, might be a movement we can all agree on but;

In the end, you are not going to get coverage you are not paying for.

If you want your complete-care health insurance, be prepared to pay for it.

[JimandChristy 1,689]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

I'm still not sure how you would suggest "taking away the need for insurance companies to make money (butt loads)?

Insurance IS A BUSINESS.

Is your car insurance or life insurance policy more compassionate?

How about your home owners insurance, do they replace your house when a flood comes and you have not been paying a premium for this service?

You may perhaps have a small point

Clarity in Policies might help the customer better understand the details of the policy.

Health-care is much more complicated than say auto insurance but a rating system or :simplified-agreement, might be a movement we can all agree on but;

In the end, you are not going to get coverage you are not paying for.

If you want your complete-care health insurance, be prepared to pay for it.

It is but isn't it wrong to see the Health Care Industry being run as a business? In my eyes it is totally immoral when you create an industry that puts money, greed and wealth before the health and welfare of its citizens. Everyone in my eyes should be entitled to basic healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. NHS in Britain was established just after the Second World War and it is in my opinion one of the greatest things our country ever did, why is it a democracy, westernised nation like the USA couldn't follow the same route? Who was responsible for the creation of the HMO's and Insurance Companies that now exists in the system?

[Danno 1,228]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

I'm still not sure how you would suggest "taking away the need for insurance companies to make money (butt loads)?

Insurance IS A BUSINESS.

Is your car insurance or life insurance policy more compassionate?

How about your home owners insurance, do they replace your house when a flood comes and you have not been paying a premium for this service?

You may perhaps have a small point

Clarity in Policies might help the customer better understand the details of the policy.

Health-care is much more complicated than say auto insurance but a rating system or :simplified-agreement, might be a movement we can all agree on but;

In the end, you are not going to get coverage you are not paying for.

If you want your complete-care health insurance, be prepared to pay for it.

It is but isn't it wrong to see the Health Care Industry being run as a business? In my eyes it is totally immoral when you create an industry that puts money, greed and wealth before the health and welfare of its citizens. Everyone in my eyes should be entitled to basic healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. NHS in Britain was established just after the Second World War and it is in my opinion one of the greatest things our country ever did, why is it a democracy, westernised nation like the USA couldn't follow the same route? Who was responsible for the creation of the HMO's and Insurance Companies that now exists in the system?

The simple truth is, we have found the Govt does only a few things good .. and healthcare is not one.

Should we model our New System after the VA Hospital programs?

What other successful program shall we look at to give up a glimpse of how much better it might be run by Govt.

Education?

Maybe Poverty?

Even the programs which might seem to work such as the FDA , the cost is out of this world and climbing every year.

Our best successes which have brought a better life to the masses have come from Private enterprise.

Not Govt Monopolies.

As for Greedy Businesses, Milton says it best so long ago.

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[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I don't buy it. Other countries are able to run public healthcare systems that work (albeit with their own set of problems).

The idea that we shouldn't trust government is a GOP cliche and an excuse for not demanding a better class of politician in the first place.

[JimandChristy 1,689]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

I'm still not sure how you would suggest "taking away the need for insurance companies to make money (butt loads)?

Insurance IS A BUSINESS.

Is your car insurance or life insurance policy more compassionate?

How about your home owners insurance, do they replace your house when a flood comes and you have not been paying a premium for this service?

You may perhaps have a small point

Clarity in Policies might help the customer better understand the details of the policy.

Health-care is much more complicated than say auto insurance but a rating system or :simplified-agreement, might be a movement we can all agree on but;

In the end, you are not going to get coverage you are not paying for.

If you want your complete-care health insurance, be prepared to pay for it.

It is but isn't it wrong to see the Health Care Industry being run as a business? In my eyes it is totally immoral when you create an industry that puts money, greed and wealth before the health and welfare of its citizens. Everyone in my eyes should be entitled to basic healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. NHS in Britain was established just after the Second World War and it is in my opinion one of the greatest things our country ever did, why is it a democracy, westernised nation like the USA couldn't follow the same route? Who was responsible for the creation of the HMO's and Insurance Companies that now exists in the system?

The simple truth is, we have found the Govt does only a few things good .. and healthcare is not one.

Should we model our New System after the VA Hospital programs?

What other successful program shall we look at to give up a glimpse of how much better it might be run by Govt.

Education?

Maybe Poverty?

Even the programs which might seem to work such as the FDA , the cost is out of this world and climbing every year.

Our best successes which have brought a better life to the masses have come from Private enterprise.

Not Govt Monopolies.

As for Greedy Businesses, Milton says it best so long ago.

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Why is there so much distrust from some Americans towards their own government to run services? I assume you have no problem with the government delivering your mail, running your local fire department etc etc so why not with Health Care? Private Enterprises don't have the needs or interests of its citizens, look at the health care industry, look at the utility companies in some parts of the USA it is a Monopoly. They can charge their customers whatever they want, in the state of Alabama alone there was only one gas company. (Alagasco I think it was called)

[JimandChristy 1,689]

I think Tony Benn sums up Health Care/Democracy/Freedom very nicely in this interview...

Edited May 19, 2009 by JimandChristy

[Donna A 4]

in my case my ex-doctor was running everything up. i went for a leg problem and ended up with a blood test showing i had a slight thryoid problem so he put me on pills for a month and i went back for what i thought was a checkup on the thyroid and he didnt do anything but listen to my chest and push on my stomach and send me on my way with another one month prescription for the thryoid and another appointment. i thought well maybe he will check my thryoid the next apt....nope did the same thing as the last apt. nothing to do with my thyroid. then he wanted me to come back in another month. after 3 times of this i didnt go back again and didnt refill the medication again either. my husband told me i didnt need that medication and to go off of it. he couldnt figure out why that doctor even put me on it in the first place as the levels were so close to normal it wasnt needed.

[AlHayatZween 2]

health care costs too much for the following reasons:

* People, uninsured or underinsured, don't go to the doc to fix a small problem while small, they wait until it's bigger & more expensive to fix.

* People often misuse the emergency rooms

* Doctors' liability insurance is super expensive b/c a lot of people are sue-happy

* Doctors oftentimes order up a large sum of tests, procedures, etc... even if the patient doesn't necessarily need all that stuff

* Medical offices have to employ a whole bunch of (frequently ill-tempered) support staff just to take care of the administration of insurance policies & billing codes

[Danno 1,228]

I'd go along with all of that, health care costs too much because it is a profit driven industry in the USA. Take away the need for insurance companies to make a load of money for their shareholders, costs will be driven down.

How does one do that?

By ripping off their customers? Denying their customers care? By using pre-existing conditions clauses? By ensuring they can squeeze every last cent by methodically going over every insurance policy to see if they can catch out their customers to give them an excuse to refuse an operation? Health Insurance companies are only driven/exist for one thing and its not to ensure you get the health care you need.

Danno, after just typing all of that I think I've misinterpreted your comment

I think Health Insurance should be an "option" for the person to choose but it should not be the primary/only access towards getting health care.

I'm still not sure how you would suggest "taking away the need for insurance companies to make money (butt loads)?

Insurance IS A BUSINESS.

Is your car insurance or life insurance policy more compassionate?

How about your home owners insurance, do they replace your house when a flood comes and you have not been paying a premium for this service?

You may perhaps have a small point

Clarity in Policies might help the customer better understand the details of the policy.

Health-care is much more complicated than say auto insurance but a rating system or :simplified-agreement, might be a movement we can all agree on but;

In the end, you are not going to get coverage you are not paying for.

If you want your complete-care health insurance, be prepared to pay for it.

It is but isn't it wrong to see the Health Care Industry being run as a business? In my eyes it is totally immoral when you create an industry that puts money, greed and wealth before the health and welfare of its citizens. Everyone in my eyes should be entitled to basic healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. NHS in Britain was established just after the Second World War and it is in my opinion one of the greatest things our country ever did, why is it a democracy, westernised nation like the USA couldn't follow the same route? Who was responsible for the creation of the HMO's and Insurance Companies that now exists in the system?

The simple truth is, we have found the Govt does only a few things good .. and healthcare is not one.

Should we model our New System after the VA Hospital programs?

What other successful program shall we look at to give up a glimpse of how much better it might be run by Govt.

Education?

Maybe Poverty?

Even the programs which might seem to work such as the FDA , the cost is out of this world and climbing every year.

Our best successes which have brought a better life to the masses have come from Private enterprise.

Not Govt Monopolies.

As for Greedy Businesses, Milton says it best so long ago.

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type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>">

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type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350">

Why is there so much distrust from some Americans towards their own government to run services? I assume you have no problem with the government delivering your mail, running your local fire department etc etc so why not with Health Care? Private Enterprises don't have the needs or interests of its citizens, look at the health care industry, look at the utility companies in some parts of the USA it is a Monopoly. They can charge their customers whatever they want, in the state of Alabama alone there was only one gas company. (Alagasco I think it was called)

We generally mistrust Govt in lots of ways.... not just to run things.

There is a truism which many hold dear "Small Government is a tolerable evil, bigger Govt is worse".

You perhaps come from a country where you are "thankful" to have a say, our whole DNA is different, it's one reason you guys think we are Crazy for the Gun laws we have.

I will make this claim and stand by it, even if The Govt could make healthcare run as smooth as a sewing Machine and even if they did not bankrupt the country doing it..... still I would resist it with every conviction.

Give the Govt the roll of Heathcare provider and there is not a Right or thing they can not justify in the name of Healthcare. They can tax, eliminate, control, every food, every activity, every lifestyle.

Anything that has to do with safety, health (including mental, sexual, reproductive).

We have watched Govt-creep and it is an absolute.

And the more in debt it goes, the more "creative" ways they will come up with to raise funds.