What are the goals?
The first and foremost in my mind is that our health care system should be fair and as such universal. Fair to those in need, those who work and those who make millions. A person with means is always going to have an advantage. That doesn’t mean they should dictate to those without.
The 1st question asked when we visit a doctor’s office, should be “How can we help you today?” Not may we see your insurance card?
May I see your insurance card?
Insurance companies get between us and our doctors. They approve and disapprove costs. My late wife had cancer which had spread through out her body. She was complaining about pain when she chewed her food. Her doctor asked for a full body scan so he could recommend treatment. The insurance company approved everything but the head.
In this case the Doctor agreed to pay the cost of the head scan. Every bone in her body had signs of cancer.
She had read and received her care using holistic means. I’m not recommending this path. It was just right for her. I commend her for her efforts.
Profit Motive and Health Care.
But at this point what did the insurance companies denial of coverage accomplish. Fortunately for us it was not more out of pocket. It saved the insurance company some money. Make no mistake insurance companies are in health care to make money.
Insurance companies create programs to help us stay healthy. But when we get sick and become a cost, insurance companies and employers, motivated by profit will drop us if they can find a way.
The costs of catastrophic and life ending illness do more to limit growth of wealth for the middle and lower income groups then any other factor. This is not fair.
If we get to a point of being unable to live on our own, life savings often go to retirement homes as payment for an unknown length of time. This is not fair.
I don’t want an insurance company between me and my doctor. My rates should not go up if I get sick and I should not lose my coverage.
To be fair health care coverage must be universal.
Let’s cover all people.
I once had a discussion with a business owner. He argued that anyone if they work at it get medical care. The example he gave was his secretary needing a major medical procedure and how he was able to get a prominent surgeon to provide the surgery pro bono.
My response at the time was I was glad he was able to help his secretary, but that not everyone has him on their side. Our health care system needs to deal with the problems of the disadvantaged. This includes preventative, continuing care, and mental health care. It is to the advantage of everyone if we are healthy. We slow the spread of most diseases in a healthy population.
I just stated my health care goals!
To read my solutions. Try these links.
Bernie Statement I believe in Bernie’s Single Payer Solution.
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