Comments on: Pay less, get more…

By: Smish

Smish — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:04:19 +0000

Wow, interesting numbers on the U.S. health care. I am from the U.S. and I have a little different perspective because of jobs some members of my family hold. I have read horror story after horror story about the NHS both in the UK and Canada. No thank you. I realise what I am about to say, does NOT apply to everybody here. Have you ever seen any statistics on how many Americans that don’t have any health care, that also have 2 LARGE screen televisions and out of a family of 5 they own 4 cars? Hmmmmm?? Some jobs don’t provide health care but there are health care companies that allow you to purchase an independent plan that only costs about $60- $80 per month (per person). The problem is some people want everything right now. If a person spends $80 per month on health care coverage, that is $80 that they can’t spend on entertainment items, eating out, or new stuff. My 70 year old mom has to buy her own health insurance, but she does it and makes it work. She doesn’t have a lot of new stuff but she is comfortable. If you want to talk about something the U.S. needs, talk about how we need a much better public transportation system. Then maybe we wouldn’t spend so much (personally) on cars and our nation wouldn’t spend so much on foreign oil. There’s some extra cash to help the people who do honestly, legitimately, fall through the cracks and need some health care help. Just like in the NHS here in the U.S. there are people who legitimately fall through the cracks and need help. But there are also a lot of people who just don’t want to take responsibility for the decisions they make. Sorry for my rant, I won’t even get started on the “CHOICE” people made to take out a sub-prime A.R.M. home loan, student loan, car loan, credit card loan, and then cry victim. What??? Choices.

By: jacksprat

jacksprat — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:55:59 +0000

Hi matt,
you are definitely right, slaying the Goliath private healthcare system wont be done over night, it will be a slog, or a marathon! just like an ATR!
Dollars pay for campaigns but people make the votes both nationally and at state level, ultimately down to local districts. Dont feel too helpless, if politicians know that US citizens are not going to vote for them they will have to listen or lose power.
A simple start is to make a petition; this gets the message out and can collect evidence that people want change. Over time what started out as baby steps will turn into a stampede! May the force be with you!
It has to change, for the good of the USA!

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:24:51 +0000

Jacksprat~
These figures are astonishing. I think that myself and most americans realize that our government relies far to heavily on campaign contributions to attempt a coup of the healthcare system. Long term it may be possible. Myself, I beleive that if they stepped in and put regulations on premiums, deductibles, and made sure that if you pay for a health plan, you are COVERED. If people felt they could rely on a health plan and it was based on income levels there might not be so many uninsured. Therefore at least saving the US a few dollars on those folks. As much I would LOVE socialized healthcare and it makes sense, I would accept a baby step or two!!!!
Take Care,
Matt