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

[Chuckiechan]

It will probably get serious consideration after the next election.

The Republicans want a HMO based model, the Democrats want a government run system.

Which would you prefer if it was up to you?

[RayH]

I don't mind private enterprise ADMINISTERING for an incentive fee. But not to run it unless the government guarantees the beneifts in case of bankruptcy!

I'll also go for "Greatest Good!" No viagra, etc.

[shahani]

While private run program will be more efficient, there's a lot of corruption in private health care corporations.

Ultimately, the program most people can afford should be established.

[Chuckiechan]

I think the way I would like to see it go down is kind of like this:

The employers, through a tax would pay for a basic level of care. We have an outfit here called Kaiser that is a clinic and hospital all rolled into one. They have their good points and bad points. Worst point is insisting on treatment when the staff wants to blow you off. Decisions are often made by accountants. (Hint: in "person to notify in case of emergency" enter your lawyer's name. They won't wheel you into the hall to die).

Best point: Once they take you seriously you get great care. For example, you are not screened for lung cancer until you are 50 something. If you get it earlier than the statistical model says you should, you die.

Then offer the employee (or employer) the option of paying extra money for the better plans like Blue Cross, etc.

The billing should be handled through the private sector, with the government paying them back.

Lawsuits here in California are capped at 250K for pain & suffering, and negligence. That should stay.

We need to find the right mix that would not deny care as is common in most socialized systems. That comes with supplying adequate money to retain doctors and especially nurses (who are leaving in droves)...

My $ .03

[RayH]

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.

[deltaf508]

RayH,

Exactly, Thank You!

Gary

[Chuckiechan]

So what do you "sick people" want?

[RayH]

Don't laugh! I am a diabetic. I can't find individual health insurance because of this pre-exisiting 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!

[Chuckiechan]

Pre existing conditions will be covered. I can't even imagine how a national plan could not include pre existing, since by definition all enrollees (everyone) at that point would be covered, en masse.

They'll find a way.