October 6, 2009 10:52 AM
Former AMA President Dr. Donald Palmisano and Dr. Mandy Krauthamer debate the Senate Finance Committee's health care plan. Plus; CBS News' Juan Zarate on President Obama and the Zazi terror case.
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If you are insured, you will probably be paying double what you are now ten years from now, for less coverage. And you could well have your insurance canceled when you get an expensive illness.
A reputable study shows 45,000 died prematurely because of the present health insurance system (talk about death panels!) Reputable polls show majorities favor the public option, and one poll (New England Journal of Medicine) showed a large majority of the doctors polled favored the public option. More than half the personal bankruptcies in the U.S. are caused or complicated by medial costs.
So why such a struggle? The Republicans are the political arm of the billion-dollar health care and insurance industries. They are practicing their usual nasty, throwing everything they have at what would be good for ordinary people in order to protect the industry. And the Blue Dog Democrats are gutless.
To the Democrats, I say--Get off your duffs and pass a strong public option. That's what you were elected to do.
"They" can do these few things as a start rather then imploding the system: 1). Allow individuals and/or small business owners to pool together into large groups and buy insurance. This will drive down costs. These pools should be national and offer wide varieties of coverage. It makes no sense for a healthy 23 year-old to spend for anything other than catastrophic coverage. A woman in her child bearing years may need OB care, etc. 2). No pre-existing illness exclusions 3). More govt funding for community health clinics that can operate as urgent care centers--my HMO makes me go to an urgent care center instead of the ER for after hours care. Its much cheaper, I have access, and it works. 4). Tort reform--duh, the docs order many more tests on the CYA principle--won't happen, unfortunately for the USA, as the trial lawyers control the Democratic Party. 5). Govt safety net for outliers--if you have a condition that requires a $4000/month medicine, that cost should be shared by every citizen.
This is just a start. Is this radical? tea bagging? partisan? or a small dose of common sense. It makes no sense to stuff another mammoth bill through when our currency is flailing and our national debt is expanding exponentially.
- by bubbadubba October 6, 2009 5:52 PM EDT
- Watch out what you say Doctors.
- Reply to this comment
See all 12 CommentsIf you support public health care the neo nazi tea baggers will beat you up (or worse).