You may also submit your recipes. Send them here for now.
Also the HEALTH page is updated. Dean Hall's latest column has been posted this morning.
I have not had time to post any new links on the health reform issue.
It seems like that is what everyone is talking about.
What bothers me, is that it sounds like more politics as usual. People on both sides appear more interested in promoting their side - and basic philosophies - than in actually addressing the health care issue.
Most people have also not read the bill. Ok, its long, but ... the formatting makes it seem longer than it really is. It is 1,027 pages, but in a normal format it would be about 300 or so. Still, isn't it an important enough issue to actually read?
As expected republicans and conservatives are up in arms about it. Most have not read it. But, where is their plan? Where is their alternative? Why do they insist on defending huge insurance companies and huge drug companies, while people in need are suffering?
I do have a reputation of being somewhat conservative. There are issues where I part ways with the right, and this is one of them.
Here is a true story about our current system.
I know a woman who has swelling in her joints, like shoulders or whatever. She takes basic pain medication which is over the counter and cheap. It also causes ulcers when taken over a long period of time.
Celebrex is a more expensive prescription drug, does not cause ulcers and is very effective against inflamed joints, but the insurance companies will not cover it. They wont because it was designed for people with ulcers, so it is not covered for anything else.
BUT, the insurance company will cover her ulcer when she gets it, and will then cover the celebrex.
Now, tell me again, how this is different than socialized medicine? Or how is this different than the stories being told about other countries that have socialized medicine?
Point taken....... our health care system sucks and we are at the mercy of those big insurance companies now. I know a person that has always carried insurance on him self and his family for years and years, during that time a tumor was diagnosed. Diagnosed, not treated...insurance was reluctant to pay for treatment till they could see if it was going to grow, then the lay off, my friend is unemployed and the chances of him being insured again is pretty slim. That is called pre exsisting condition....Still say we don't need an alternative health care plan? This system works for some people, but not for all. Just so you know this friend has never taken charity, worked hard his whole life, he is not a welfare case..... What kind of a chance does he have?
ReplyDeleteStill say we don't need an alternative health care plan? This system works for some people, but not for all.
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I don't disagree that there needs to be a change in the system. I do disagree that it has to be run by the Government! It is because of so many Social programs and so much Government money from your taxes that we can't have a competitive system with real and afordable alternatives.
The insurance companies only want to insure the low risk (young and healthy) clients. They are the most profitable. Guess who the employers want to employ? They want to pass all others onto the Government! The Government wants you to exhaust all your resources before they give you assistance or make sure you don't have any!
So why isn't their any other options?
Because due to the tax code the insurance is set up to be provided by the employers! Did you get that! The TAX CODE!
Why can't there be a maket driven altenative that allows for you to by insurance from a variety of sources and pay according to you needs!
They already know there is a shortage of Doctors and it probably will get worse under Government Drvien healthcare!
As for JJ's comment about drugs - if the drug companies can buy the Government to reduce or disallow alternatives such as generics as competitors then what makes you think that will change under a Government Plan?
Don't kid yourself the Government is in the same bed with the Insurance companies and the drug manufacturers! BIG BIG BIG MONEY RULES!
We need some champions from the private sector to provide competitive alternatives that change the way government and the industry run.
But, with all that Government money and the amount of social mandates already in the system who is going to try?
Mean while many die from lack of choices. Sad sad sad.
ReplyDeleteInsurance companies, drug companies, and the AMA are some of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington. As long as the status quo is maintained, these entities will continue to rake in millions and billions in profits while the "working poor" remain poor and uninsured. Insurance companies drive up premiums for individuals as well as employers trying to help their employees with health insurance. It's not a lack of choices, it is a lack of affordable choices. Until the government limits the premium increases (yearly) and regulates how much can be charged for a procedure, medical supplies, prescriptions, etc. there will be no progress. It needs to be fixed, but I am skeptical that any senator, representative, or president possess the knowledge needed to correct such a corrupt system.
ReplyDeletepossess the knowledge needed to correct such a corrupt system.
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Well, I think its more relfective of a society that is headed in the direction of two tiers -
those who have and those who don't - rather than a mutil-level class. The middle class is being split right down the middle!
The Government is being used to draw the line
- but its citizens are far too willing!