http://www.google.com/ig?brand=TSHB&bmod=TSHB#max11 She makes some very valid points. A few quotes: "Nearly 46 million people in America are without health insurance. But by some estimates, as many as one-third of them are what you might call "voluntarily uninsured." These are people who could afford coverage but don't buy it." __________________________________________________________________ "Robinson estimates that health insurance would cost her about $500 a month. That's a lot of money for a policy that might not even cover the kind of preventive care she values. As she drives down the interstate, Robinson explains that she's a big believer in alternative medicine. She regularly visits not only a chiropractor, but also a naturopath, an acupuncturist and a massage therapist. "I'd rather use the $6,000 a year that I would pay in health insurance premiums and put it toward actual care — pay the doctor directly," she says." ___________________________________________________________________ "A Calculated Risk Robinson likes the power of deciding where and when to spend her medical dollars. Just like when she climbs mountains and goes snowboarding, she says, not being insured is taking a calculated risk. "I'm sure that there's people out there that are going to say that's crazy and irresponsible," Robinson says. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Maybe we're just brainwashed into believing that we are supposed to have insurance to be fiscally responsible." It's not as though Robinson's philosophy about health insurance hasn't been tested. Nearly a decade ago she fell while Rollerblading and badly broke her wrist. She had to have two surgeries. The whole ordeal cost her $14,000 out of pocket. You might think an experience like that would have shaken Robinson's belief that she can go through life without the blanket of protection that insurance affords. In fact, she says it had just the opposite effect. "If I have one of those kinds of incidents once in 10 years, I can pay the bill because I haven't paid worthless insurance premiums, I haven't paid out $6,000 a year for the false security that somebody's going to take care of me if something happens," Robinson explains."
"Nearly 46 million people in America are without health insurance. But by some estimates, as many as one-third of them are what you might call "voluntarily uninsured." These are people who could afford coverage but don't buy it." An oft-repeated fabrication. People as stupid as her are one-in-a-million.
She's stupid for saving thousands of dollars a year by just buying the medical care she wants? My insurance costs >10k per year, and is part of my compensation package. If for some reason that was removed, there is no way (other than mandatorily) I'm paying 6 to >10k per year for insurance that makes me pay copay, tells me which doctors to see, etc. Disaster coverage seems enough for me.
One of the reasons I liked this article is that I'm a big proponent of health care reform- not forced socialism for the sake of forced socialism. There are some people who take care of themselves and find they can live money ahead if they simply take care of themselves as opposed to buying personal health care insurance. Or being forced to both buy for one's self and for others via the feds forcing it down our throats. This is s story about accountability and freedom to be an individual- not a subject of the crown.
It's not about wants, because nobody wants to be sick or dying. It's stupid, because it's unrealistic in the long run. Very Wealthy, very healthy, very lucky. Unless she's at least 1 of those 3 things all her life, then just like nearly everyone else with her/your sentiments, she'll one day end up on welfare having lost everything to medical bills, which we'll pay for.
Wait, what? Are you saying that we need to subsidize everyone's health care at whatever price, because unless they're "very wealthy, very healthy or very lucky" they'll end up with us paying their healthcare (and welfare) anyway?
If she has a serious injury she will go broke and everyone else will be stuck with the bill. Yeah... in my 20's health insurance was a rip... I'd have rather had that money in my pocket. I went like 15 years without ever seeing a Dr. But like car insurance, me having the coverage insured others wouldn't have to pay for a bill had something tragic happened. I am not sure where I stand on the health care reform. I like the idea of it... but I think it is being rushed.
I have another perspective. I am facing surgery and lengthy care because for years I had no health insurance, worked for very low pay, and routine preventive care was not to be had. So I neglected and neglected a "minor" problem that is now major. I have had an HMO deny care, not once, repeatedly, and retaliate when I fought them. I would really like to see more than an anecdote; how many people could really "afford" insurance (what kind? $10K deductable and no coverage for preventive care?) but don't buy it? I have a sneaking suspicion not a whole lot.
I am the opposite crandc... I am lucky enough to have worked in jobs with good healthcare... and recently through a proactive test, caught something very early that could have ended me. Thank God I already purchased good life insurance. BTW: Hope all goes well with your surgery
Actually, it's somewhat true. I know (I'm sure we all know) people that got in medical debt beyond their means because of a lack of insurance. Sure, the hospital in question worked out a "payment plan" over 20 years. Someone has to foot those bills over 20 years. Or the people that end up being rushed into the ER, die there and don't leave an estate to cover the bill. Someone is eating that bill. And no one is saying "at whatever price", that's just being dramatic for the sake of drama.
Health insurance is a choice. Do you have to give up other things? Sure. However, if you're truly so destitute you can't afford it, then there is government aid. In fact, the government does calculations to figure out who can and cannot afford health care. There are free clinics all over the country that are more than happy to treat people or look at them if they have a pressing concern. I see nothing wrong with having a long-term debt to a hospital. If I can get whatever is wrong with me fixed and then pay it back over the next 10-20 years, that's one hell of a deal. I couldn't do that with my car or my house. I say "thank you" to those institutions that are willing to treat first and ask for payment later.
Like clothes, or education for your kids, making your rent payment, fixing your 88 escort so you can get to work. You are soooooooooooo out of touch, and obviously don't have a clue what "choice" means in this debate. It's not whether you live in luxury or moderate comfort. It's whether you live or die, and either choice you make is a loser. Nonsense. If you have a minimum wage job, you exceed the poverty level by a huge margin. You are correct that the goivernment does calculations and they've determined the present alternatives (welfare, wishful thinking) are not enough make a drop in the bucket. That's why they are trying to do domething about it. Free clinics provide nothing coming even close to comprehensive healthcare.
Buy cheaper clothes. Live in a cheaper place. Take the bus or bike to work. It's not whether you live in luxury or moderate comfort.[/quote] How am I more out of touch than you? You live in a nice house and have a digital camera and internet access. I've been poor before. I managed by making sacrifices, and I'm talking real sacrifices. And never--NEVER--have I expected someone to pay my way. Is your life so sad that living is a losing proposition for you? I'm so sorry. If you have a minimum wage job, you make $290/week or $15,080/year. You may not be able to live well, but you can live. You can afford catastrophic insurance. My sister-in-law is a realtor and she pays $51/mo for catastrophic health insurance. You also have the ability to get a second job. No one said you should only work 40 hours a week. You can work more. As for free clinics, they provide decent care. If something more drastic needs to be done, they pass you along. Not only that, they find you financial assistance if you need it. I have no problem helping those who truly cannot help themselves. However, I think far too many believe they are owed rather than trying to earn for themselves.
I took a year off in 2000 to write a book, and I CHOSE not to carry health insurance the whole time. I guess I was one of those 47 million, or 30 million, who were languishing in "misery" because of it. Keep that in mind next time you hear someone quoting the number of people who don't have a health plan.
OK, so here's a question- do you think people should be forced by the US government to purchase insurance?
