If we go to national health care, who do you want to run it?

Originally posted by RayH
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I'll also go for "Greatest Good!" No viagra, etc.

Unfortunately then you have a company carving out many medicines or even newer more effective higher cost treatments.
Perhaps a basic plan, and a tiered plan.
Depending on income? Indigent? You would have basic health care, and prescriptions.
A member contribution tier for more perks?
Many health companies in the past and now have refused to pay for Birth Control pills but cover a delivery.. What's up with that?

See, you guys have me thinking about something I've not thought about more than superficially.

Originally posted by RayH
Don't laugh! I am a diabetic. I can't find individual health insurance because of this preexisting condition. I can only find health insurance through an employer. I can't start a business. I need the health insurance.

Employers aren't going to pay for any national health coverage. They're sending their work overseas! Talk to the downsized.

Maybe I might rob a bank! If I am incarcerated, I would have a right to health care!

RayH, you're in an area Kaiser has a very strong presence.
Have you checked with them about insurance?

I miss Kaiser, I paid for my own for about 17 years when I was in the Los Angeles area, I received excellent care. I'd go back anytime. What a shock for me to get into the real world and find out why people really complain about insurance...

I know what you mean about preexisting...
Heck, who does make it to mid life or so and NOT have something preexisting!

[RayH]

Although I don't qualify for a Kaiser individual plan, I do have Kaiser coverage through California COBRA, which is better than Federal COBRA.

For up to 36 months. through my previous employer, I can keep medical coverage as if I were still employed. That is, as long as the employer still offers medical insurance to their employees, I can have that same benefit. I just have to pay the entire cost + 10%. Federal COBRA only allows for 18 months.

So I get to have Kaiser under the same conditions as current employees. Should the employer cease offering health coverage, I think I can get a conversion plan through Kaiser.

The politics are different. I don't qualify by walking in off the street. I have to roll over. I don't know the rates. The problem is that unemployed people have to have money to pay for the premiums.

One advantage of having an employer with a very basic (read cheap) health plan is that I can afford it. At this time, the net cost is only $50 more than current medication if that medication was purchased online. But I'm purchasing my medication through Kaiser and reupped my prescriptions before an annual cost rise.

I don't believe I'll be three years without a job that has medical. I've been working since I was 16 and always had my own medical, even as a 16 year old dishwasher!

Only once did I not have Kaiser. I don't like those other HMO's. I like Kaiser. You go to the Kaiser desk and they will immediately tell you if you are covered or not! Those independent hospitals lie about taking other coverages! They'll give you the service and stick you with a bill!

[Angela]

Surreal wrote:

Many health companies in the past and now have refused to pay for Birth Control pills but cover a delivery.. What's up with that?

Yea, and they pay for Viagra, too!!

RayH wrote:

The problem about what should be done about health care is generally made by HEALTHY people. Let someone without health insurance AND with a pre-exisiting condition let you know what's wrong with health care in the US.

And if not healthy, then at least people with excellent coverage for themselves and their families!!

Those folks in Washington bicker over the cost of helping seniors with prescription costs, while many older folks are choosing between food or medicine. It's really obnoxious.

[RayH]

For me, the logic behind paying for birth control is to reduce birth, a cost greater than no birth. Society cannot afford to correct every medical condition. Some medical conditions people can learn to live with. Some medical conditions, if left untreated, people will die. Good BASIC health care will treat the greatest good. People want optional extras, like in any thing else, they pay for it themselves!

But any way, here is link to an interview with the CEO of Kaiser Permanente . He has some interesting views on health care.

Note what he has to say about the business model of prescription drugs!

Sorry I wasn't clearer on my comment. It was not just to show how ludicrous the decisions are that some insurance companies make and that they should not be able to decide what kind of solid medical treatment or prescriptions should be allowed. More and more our Doctors do not practice medicine, they practice what the insurance companies say they should or they do not get paid. Now insurance companies are practicing medicine determining what the patient needs for treatment.
Prescription drug costs is another thread entirely

RayH, I understand, I am on Cobra through my job at Home Depot. I had to quit because of the foot problems I developed standing all the time. No money coming in for me, about 300 a month going out, and 80% of my problem caused from working there. Which a year later I'm still seeing doctors and looking for relief.

[cabob]

Medicare costs 2% to run with no profit. HMO,s have to make a profit unless they are backed by the USG

In 1965 when Medicare was passed by congress(not 1 Republican Senator voted for it)the Insurance companies wouldnt provide health coverage for seniors as they were got sicker more often than younger people.

[RayH]

For the uninitiated, Kaiser provides its services through its own facilities and staff. If you get into the system (appointment) it's really efficient. A bit too efficient. But I have NEVER had an appointment miss by more than 20 minutes!

To appreciate Kaiser, most people have to understand that they probably couldn't afford the cost of a private doctor. Then, they should either go to a county facility or some other HMO. Kaiser doesn't come up with surprises...like strange bills.

I had an HMO that worked through contract facilities. I asked a hospital if they took that insurance. "Oh, sure!" I had to fight for months with my insurance and the hospital. The hospital provided services and wanted to be paid. The insurance wanted to know if I followed procedures.

With Kaiser, you just show up with your card and the co-pays. Credit card OK. That's all the procedures you need. But you will save money by not showing up at EMERGENCY unless it is so!

[Chuckiechan]

Basically when a plan takes effect, every (citizen) will be covered with a "base rate" insurance paid by a tax levied on every business and government employer. (Republican type plans.)

The way I understand some of the plans being batted around is that most involve you choosing they type of medical environment you prefer. Kaiser is great for convenience, especially if you know what is wrong with you. Medclinics are good for young people who go for injuries and illnesses, but don't really have a lot of health concerns. Conventional doctor's offices are great for OBGYN, Internists, and Pediatrics who treat diseases, and rely on patient history more than tests.

It is time to start paying attention, because the parties are going to get serious after the election. This is going to be big, expensive, and will affect everyone. Plus, the illegal immigrant card will be in the deck also.

Edit: BTW, everyone is insured now. What is happening is costs are being transferred around. If you are really ill, say in diabetic shock and have no insurance you are taken to a public hospital and treated. So even though you don't pay a premium or have an insurance card, you can go into a public hospital and sit and wait to be treated when your name is called.

To appreciate Kaiser, most people have to understand that they probably couldn't afford the cost of a private doctor.

I always thought it was the other way around RayH,
I saw many people that seemed to have Kaiser through work, I used to think, I bet they don't even appreciate what good insurance their employer has provided. Funny huh?
Kaiser was my choice. OVER all the other stuff I could choose from including stuff I could get at work.
I could have afforded a private doctor. I preferred Kaiser.
Everything was right there at your fingertips. Very good doctors and specialists if you are a proactive patient and not passive or reactive.

To me they just prove an HBO can be privately managed and managed well. BTW, I believe in free enterprise. I think they should make profits. But you make them by running a tight ship in upper management, and good sound business practices by the best in your field, not by underhanded ways.

[Chuckiechan]

What I don't want to see is medical care managed by the bookeeping department! It is getting that way in socalist countries, I've read.