From the article: Pros & Cons of Government Healthcare
Should government-funded healthcare be offered as one of many options to all Americans? Should it be offered as the only healthcare option (i.e. single payer plan) to all Americans? Why or why not? Share Your Thoughts
Here's an idea
- I find it ironic that the same private sector is host to the M.F.s that make billions of dollars mass manufacturing cancer causing agent's (e-coli, etc.)...I vote that we vote to keep those persons opinions out of a discussion on universal healthcare.
- —Guest Corey Nichols
U(uncompromising) S(selfish) A(arrogant)
- I can That this "One Country Under God" is even entertained with a debate that pits profit for the private sectors against human lives. Would You lock up a hit-man for his "private sector profit"...Hell YES!
- —Guest Corey Nichols
Bankruptcy
- Offer only to those in need. Alter the private sector law re: health insurance to keep more in private sector
- —Guest George Samuels
Single Mom
- I have to admit that I know very little about healthcare reform, but after reading everyone's post, I feel a bit more educated. I am a single mom of a child who has BPD. Healthcare reform sounds as if it will cut the all mighty "Private Insurance" down to size. I work in the health care field and understand the time and struggle people go through with denied claims (non-covered services). Can any of you quote your policy. Simple is always better. I am insurured through a state funded plan. Not by choice, but because I have to. My son is ill and I cannot pay for it out of pocket and keep a roof over our heads. Not every American is a "low life who milks the system". Put yourself in someone elses shoes America.
- —Guest Jese
Social Responsibility Is Not Socialism
- Let me start by saying I have never been unemployed or lazy. My experience with healthcare in the UK has been superb. I have lived in the US and found the burden of an equal level of care a huge financial drain.To give you an idea of how it works: Total income tax in the UK is around the same as the US - 10% of this income tax goes to the UK equivalent of Social Security. That covers unemployment benefits, pension and healthcare. Do the math - i'ts a lot cheaper than paying private and it covers EVERYTHING! – Never worry what might happen if you or a loved one has an accident – never worry about how you would cope if you were diagnosed with a long term condition and if your insurance will run out – know that you will be looked after when you are old or sick or alone - now that’s freedom and a government that cares about people! Are we communists in the UK? there is a huge difference between socialism and social responsibility - Its like comparing Pol Pot to The Good Samaritan.
- —Guest Peter
Nhs is the way forward
- I'm from Britain and would just like to say that you wouldn't need to pay anything-that is why the NHS is so great. If you are ever in an emergency and need treatment fast, you get straight in and no fees or anything to worry about- the best doctors and couldn't ask for better treatment. This will revolutionise the health care system in the U.S and no one will have to worry about getting in debt or fees, although taxes will be greater for the working population. Couldn't think of a better proposal from Obama. You (U.S.A) have a very articulate president who knows what he is doing, so don't act all red neck, and accept that he is the best man to get you out of the mess for which Bush has to receive a lot of the blame.
- —Guest Guest Todd
What about the middle class?
- In this struggling economy, I see suggestions for the high and low income families, but what about me? i don't make enough to actually buy private coverage, but I make more then the "system" already in place. I need preventive care just as much as someone who makes a little or a lot. Why can't there be a health care insurance that you pay what you can afford? This country is screwed. I'm by no means middle class, but when "they" tell you that you make too much money to see a doctor, and the other ones tell you how you have to spend your money for chiropractic services but not for a dentist or an eye doctor - I say again - this country is screwed.
- —Guest mama in need
come on people
- For those of you against healthcare reform. I hope you don't end up unemployed and with some form of horrible illness because only then will you wish you had voted. What the hell: we pay taxes for a reason.
- —Guest bella
I'm poor
- I am 23 years old married and have a child. I have insurance with the restaurant I work for and I pay $146.00 a week for $20,000.00 worth of coverage. Somehow, we make too much money as servers to get any kind of goverment help,yet owe in taxes every year. What about us, the yonger Americans? We pay our taxes too. How will this plan directly affect me?
- —Guest kristy
Reading the responses
- I don't know much on the subject of this Health care reform. Today, I decided to do a little research, I stumbled across this site and read each of the responses posted here. It seems to me that the most formed and knowledgeable opinions are more for the health care reform than the short sentenced ones saying "Just don't vote for it." As far as I'm concerned they have my vote. This could be a great thing in the making for all of America.
- —Guest Sophia
How does it reduce costs?
- The Democratic plan redistributes the benefits and does not reduce costs. How about tort reform or national private insurance and making it tax deductible to pay your own way? The last thing we need is to increase taxes and the deficit. BTW: of the 50 million uninsured, half are unemployed, a terrible but temporary condition, 10 million are illegal and many are young and/or rich and don't want it.
- —Guest Puleazz
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of ......
- I know that health insurance for all Americans is truly the American way. The problem is that all of the negative smears and scare tactics members of Republican party, the rich, and insurance lobbyist are spreading. Part of what makes this country so great is that all people have equal opportunity and access to life, liberty and the pusuit of happiness! The opponents and many others need to take time to really do their research before they are quick to say NO. After all,it's costing us way more money the way current system is right now. Even when the uninsured go the the ER room for services, and cannot afford to pay, hospital billing sends bills to collections departments. Uninsured are then hassled by collection/billing departments to pay for medical bills they cannot afford. I know, as I've experienced this personally before. My credit was really messed up because of it! The reason why it's taking so long to pass Obama's bill is due to the self serving groups who are all about $$$.
- —Guest LADYV
Health care
- Please do not vote for the health care. We don't want it will be a bad thing for all Americans. Thank you. And btw, I like my cigarettes and fat food, it's my right as an American so get over it!
- —Guest Patty Murray
Let's Cut Through the Fear/Smear
- It's interesting how the radical right wing smearers are screaming "SOCIALISM!", and encouraging fear and panic among their fold. When you examine the health insurance reform plan, it simply prevents the insurance companies from sticking it to us by denying pre-existing conditions, capping health coverage, exempting the seriously ill, and dropping renewals. The scandalized "euthanasia for the elderly" is merely counseling for imperative choices that must be made: powers of attorney, family wishes, financial plans -- what anyone with a loved one in elder care would expect to know. The health plan does more to monitor insurance companies than inhibit doctors or patients. The comment about denying "foreigners" health care is intriguing to me. The writer will gladly let those who were illegally hired do the dirty work, but by God they better not get sick here! Smacks of slavery. The plan would also cover preventative care so that we don't become crippled by the slackers. Not scary!
- —bshuler
retired doctor
- All Americans must pay taxes, serve in the military and obey our laws. We earn and are entitled to single payer gov. health care.
- —Guest Arthur
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