The proposed health care bill thread (merged)

[Sea Demon]

Originally Posted by mookiemookie

I wonder how great they'd think our system was if they actually had to use ours. I wonder if you can eat crow through an IV drip.

They already do because of shortages and waits in theirs. Believe me, I know people abroad use our system when they can't get the access in theirs.

Originally Posted by Max2147

I've spent lots of time overseas in countries with state-provided healthcare. I've always been amused to see how my fellow Yanks, even my conservative friends, rave about how great those systems are when they actually have to use them.

I have seen some of these systems myself. And what you report is not my experience at all. I do have to question the studies you cite. I have never seen what you report regarding health care costs, and access or efficiency problems in U.S. care. My plans costs (premiums) are quite reasonable and I've never had any problems (with a family of 4) getting quick, efficient, or quality care. Plus I get the benefit of choices in providers, hospitals and planned coverage which you will not get in any government run health option. Also, the most important aspect is it works for me. Have your government run option if you wish, but you should pay for it yourself Max. I would be more willing to go for it if there was an opt out clause, which relieves you of funding it if you don't use it, and only those who participate pay for it. Actually that's the only way to make it fair and equitable. Other than that forget it. I'm like 80% of everybody else who like their current coverage.

[Max2147]

Originally Posted by Sea Demon

I do have to question the studies you cite. I have never seen what you report regarding health care costs, and access or efficiency problems in U.S. care.

I've never seen a study that showed anything else, and I come from a family of doctors. That article was actually more optimistic about our system than I'm used to hearing. The article said that we spend twice as much per capita on health for worse results. The numbers I usually hear are three to five times as much per capita, again for worse results.

Originally Posted by Sea Demon

Plus I get the benefit of choices in providers, hospitals and planned coverage which you will not get in any government run health option. Also, the most important aspect is it works for me, and it's what I want for myself and my family.

You get that anywhere. Even in a European-style single-payer system you're free to buy a private plan. Very few people do so because the government system works well.

[Sea Demon]

Mods delete. Combined with next post. Sorry.