Text 35711, 92 rader
Skriven 2009-09-07 13:29:26 av Robert Bashe (2:2448/44)
  Kommentar till text 35707 av Bob Ackley (1:300/3)
Ärende: Universal health insurance
==================================
Bob Ackley wrote to Robert Bashe on Sunday September 06 2009 at 05:22:

RB>> The idea of a hospital or doctor simply refusing to honor health
RB>> insurance is preposterous

BA> Actually it isn't.

In a system geared to serve patients instead of the financial interests of
hospitals and doctors it is.

BA> In this country we have (or had, anyway) something called freedom.

The freedom to suffer, the freedom to die, the freedom to be denied health
care...

Not to mention the freedom to financially gouge those in need of care. I saw
enough of that when I took care of my folks in the States. Money, first, please
- then maybe we'll have time to care for your medical needs ;-/ Made me
absolutely sick - and at times damned mad.

BA> The freedom to participate or not participate in a contract is
BA> included in that.

Which is a mistake, when you're referring to health care. That's just not the
same as buying a bushel of onions or serving people in a restaurant. Sick or
injured people _need_ health care, it's not a matter of it "just being nice to
have".

BA> That is why many providers are quietly dropping out of the US Medicare
BA> system (not accepting new Medicare patients). Medicare doesn't pay the
BA> bills and never has...

In that case, the solution is to reform Medicare, not to deny service to those
who have no other option. The weakest are getting hit here, not those who can
defend themselves.

BA> With fewer providers available, particularly in rural areas, the
BA> problem of finding a doctor that will accept you as a patient (if
BA> you're over age 64) is getting worse.

Another argument for universal health care. It's amazing to me that people can
simply ignore that.

BA> In this country it is (or was) illegal to treat a Medicare eligible
BA> person outside of the Medicare system - (including providing treatment
BA> for *free*), even when that person is filthy rich and is perfectly
BA> capable of paying for the treatment up front in cash.

Another argument for reform of Medicare (if true - it sounds preposterous).

RB>> The story does, however, point out the shortcomings of the system
RB>> (such that it is) very nicely and gives the lie to people who rant so
RB>> emotionally against universal health insurance (which would be worth
RB>> the name and would be - must be - accepted by all medical
RB>> practicioners).

BA> So practitioners find another line of work.

Like repairing cars. That would be better for people who concentrate on money
instead of the patient. But naturally wouldn't make them millions in a few
years - life's rough.

On the other hand, real doctors who believe in their Hippocratic oath will
continue to devote their efforts to the sick and injured - and presumably be
glad to get rid of the moneygrubbers who have sullied their reputation.

BA> What do you do when you can't *find* a physician?

Strange that we have no problems like that in Germany (nor are there any
problems finding a doctor to treat older patients), nor do they in the other
countries where universal health care prevails. I don't really think the
question is relevant, since the problem doesn't exist elsewhere in the
"developed" world.

BA> If it's free - which is the goal of those who want "universal health
BA> insurance"...

Absolute bullshit, Bob. Cheap propaganda spread by people who don't know what
universal health care is and have never lived in such a system. We in Germany
pay, and pay dearly for our system - but it _works_, in contrast to what you
and others relate about the American system.

BA> The hogwash about health care being a 'most basic human right'
BA> necessary for life is exactly that, hogwash.

Apparently you've never suffered from a lack of medical care, Bob. Lucky you,
may things stay that way for a long time.

Cheers, Bob

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