Universal health care?

Question

I believe we should definitely have it, and that everyone should be covered. The best argument I've heard against it is that it is expensive, but even that one doesn't hold it's ground considering how crucial it is to have everyone covered in the richest country in the world (not so much anymore, but still damn close)

pocket_of_sunshine · Accepted Answer

There's nothing wrong with simplifying your lifestyle. Look, you can't just move to Europe and start a business. It's nearly IMPOSSIBLE. Why? BEcause nearly everything is gov't regulated. For example- you can't just buy tobacco from any store-you have to go to a store specifically that sells these products- a tobacconist. Want to start a tobacco shop? Not so fast-these are all gov't owned and regulated. Know what happens when the gov't owns everything? Power rests in few hands...I don't like that.

Remember why the pilgrims then other Europeans came to America? There are more opportunities here. We have more freedoms. The European mindset and the American mindset are completely different. You have to remember that Europe has gone through two world wars-they have a more "safe" mindset. The US is more, I dare to say, open to change, freedom loving, and have the mindset "bigger is better" lol.

Yes sweetie, Europe is many different countries, it's a continent lol. The reason I say Europe instead of naming all the countries individually, is because the topic is National health care-and all this countries have NHC.

As phrophesized in the Bible...Europe is coming more and more united...A confederation known as the European Union has formed. Also uniting Europe-their money system-they use the "euro." The Euro has replaced everything from the lira in Italy, to the Irish pound. Besides Europe having the same currency-the next big step is one leader nd to unite Europe under one currency and one government.

I believe that today, before our very eyes, we are witnessing the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies of Daniel. Daniel 2:7 is where the European union was revealed. We are told that the prophecies given to Daniel in these chapters relate to “the latter days” (2:28), “to what would take place in the future” (2:29). But I won't get into that and let you study it on your own time, if you wish to do so. There are so many other things I think are so interesting and wish to share-but like you've said your tired of this topic so I'll leave it at that. Anyways-that's why I say "Europe" lol

And yes, as you can see, I've done my research ..Good luck hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Well that's true it is very expensive-it will put us in over 900 B more in debt. Also, this "free" health care really isn't free- Taxes will go up and we will be paying for this "free" healthcare-so yea the financial aspect has a lot to do with it.

Also, payment for doctors will go down so less people will want to become doctors (It's way over $50,000 for schooling to become a doctor and over 6 years in school-so if doctors have to do whatever the gov't wants, work for the gov't, and get paid less by working for the gov't...why would anyone want to become a doctor?) Thus some say it will lead to a shortage in doctors since many of the babyboomers are now retiring and there needs to be a Lot of young doctors to help our aging population...

Which brings me to my next point...some are suspicious that since there will be fewer doctors-and cause this system is so expensive-this could put the terminally ill, disabled, and seniors at risk of being taken advantage of. Part of this free health care would include "end of life councelling" which means doctors would have to help people take other options instead of fighting for their lives. For example, instead of a doctor telling grandma about a treatment, he could just give her end of life councelling.

Also, this system causes a lot of waste-for example the whole nation could get colonoscopies-but only a small fraction of the population actually needs it-it causes a lot of waste for hospital worker's time and tax money.

Also, do you really want the gov't to know all about you? Do you really want the gov't to have all of your medical history? Because if we went this way-that would happen and the gov't will be able to control what doctors can do for you-since the doctors will have to do whatever the gov't wants-not what the patient or himself tinks is best...

There are other reasons I don't like it but I'm tired of typing lol!

In theory, it sounds great! but you have to think of the side effects of ths system and what it'll mean for your freedom

BrettH · Accepted Answer

it needs to be kept the way it is.

yes its expensive and obama has already gone trillions over budget so really the government doesn't have the money to pay for it. but oh wait tax payers have money lets raise the taxes so we can pay for it! now let me ask you is it really free like they say it is? no the people paying taxes are the people who have the health care and they are supporting the people without health care by force. ok we all know that argument now what about this one

loss of jobs.

if you take health care out of private businesses then guess what those people are now gonna loose their job that health care company will go out of business and the economy will plummet once again so hundreds of thousands more will loose jobs.

dont like that one how about this. it was pointed out while listing to rush back in june.

imagine the taxes you pay for your health care like how you pay for health care now. ok now what ever they deem dangerous activity will raise the cost of heath care. not only for you but for your neighbor who skydives or the guy down the street who ride motorcycles or the food you eat and how many times you eat a day and many other things you think is normal or not WILL all affect the cost of health care.

and really its more than just health care its just one of the fights, believe me I'm one of the Americans who don't have health care but id rather have no care than obama care. I believe that you work for what you deserve yea at the moment I'm not having luck finding work so I'm unable to pay for the healthcare. but I have yet seen obama create jobs for people he keeps tossing money at everything and that doesn't solve anything long term the only thing that does is jobs for people that don't have any and are having problems finding work. if he was smart and wanted to really get us out of this problem he would find a way to employ people to help them help themselfs get back on their feet not support them and baby them with welfare and free health care. I mean if you really need it that bad there are free clinics but thoes are full of illegal immigrants, so do you really think the hospitals wil be much better once thoes become free to?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The big deal with the reform is that people are scared about what happens when your in the examination room, that it will effect the quality of the care you will be given. This is not true at all, the only thing that Universal reform would effect is the insurance.

There is fear that 'Obama care' would eliminate doctors competition; funny, I never thought that saving someones life was a competition. In any case, the Reform would have a public option, meaning like if there's something about the insurance you don't like, you wouldn't have to get it and instead could keep your private sector insurance.

I'd love to debate this if anyone has any issue to what I'm saying.

bersaba · Answer

Australian here.

Our system in point form.

1: Everyone pays medicare levy (tax).

2: Everyone (Australian citizens, and I believe refugees aswell?) gets medicare.

3: Medicare covers:

- Bulkbilled GP visits. (All doctors are given a 'base' amount they can charge for a visit, which the government will pay. If a doctor ONLY charges that, they are said to bulk bill. Many doctors bulk bill outright, some bulk bill low income people).

- Anything emergency (ambulance, emergency in hospitals, etc).

- Almost all outpatient procedures.

- Some inpatient things (where life/limb is on the line).

4: The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) is 'cheep' medications, considered to be of such value that they are subsidised. Such as ventalin, insulin, warfrin, etc.

5: Health Care Card. Anyone on low income can have a HCC which gives them other medications cheep (That aren't on the PBS), covers inpatient ambulance (patient transport) and a few other things.

-------------

If you cut your thumb off in Australia with a hacksaw, you'll have it reattached without a payment. If you're having a heart attack same thing. If you've got a flu, and you go to the doctor that bulk bills, it won't cost you a cent.

============================

Our system has flaws, but generally works pretty well. To be honest, as a nurse, I could not work under the American system. The concept of not treating someone because they can't pay / aren't insured, is so foreign to me it turns my stomach. In Australia we don't have to worry about finances when treating someone, we just do it.

COST:

We pay (all things taken into account) about the same on tax. Our health care spending is about 8% of GDP, Americans spend about 16% of GDP on health care at the moment.

-----------------------------------------------

The problem (as I see it) with the American system is HMOs have a responsibility to share holders, not the claimants. They're job as insurance firm is to make as much money as possible. With a government run system, it's run (effectively) not for profit. The government can't say "don't pay that it's experimental" and, furthermore, it's in their interest to keep tax paying voters (we have compulsory voting) alive.

Dela1111 · Answer

It all sounds like a good idea but if you look at the other countries that have it, their health care system is stalled and bankrupt in most cases. If you think Canada is idea, why don't you try getting a surgery in Canada and not waiting several months.

As far as it being expensive, I'll do you one better, its TOO expensive for our country to pay for. We already spend more than 400 billion dollars on welfare programs such as medicare and medicaid, and see where our national debt is. Its not the war that has made us bankrupt it is maintaining this welfare state which promotes people to not work and creates a sense of entitlement.

Does everyone have a RIGHT to healthcare? No, just as everyone does not have a right to free housing and food. In this country you have to work for/ pay for what you want. If you want health care go pay for it, and by anyone in the medical field will back up, we have the best health care in the world as far as quality of care and speed.

We are still the richest country in the world with a GDP of 13-14 trillion dollars which is three to four times larger than number two which is Japan. This doesn't mean everyone who is lucky enough to be born here, or sneaks in, deserves to be covered by tax dollars.

So I think the arguments against it do hold ground very well, not to mention it being incredibly socialist and against the capitalist system that has made us the richest country in the first place.

Camilus · Answer

I'm 100% in favor of giving everyone healthcare in this country (at least the citizens and people here legally on visas). I understand the fundamentals of the "against" crowd, but it would be against my conscience to have the ability to treat someone for their illness but denying them on the basis that they can't afford it. I'm in an RN program right now and I'll one day work in the healthcare industry so I would be paying higher taxes AND working harder if we had universal health coverage, but I'm still in favor of it ...I don't even know how we can call ourselves a first-world nation when we don't even have the same minimum living standards as Eastern Bloc countries.

Out of all the developed nations, Americans get taxed the most for the least amount of service: our roads/bridges/dams/overpasses/levees/etc are falling apart, our social security retirement account is nearly bankrupt, our school system is sub-par and our young people test lower than all the other developed nations, we have the highest violent crime rate of any developed nation...and the government still has the balls to take 2.5-4 months of your annual wages (and that's just at the federal level).

soslin711 · Answer

You know what I hate more than Obama's idea of universal health care? People that don't know what they're talking about.

Universal health care is free. That's the whole idea; that even the poorest people who currently cannot afford insurance will get covered.

The reason so many people are upset is because:

Free health care means it will be government funded which equals poor quality. Ever been a free health clinic or the health department? Yeah, it will be like that.

Doctors will not be paid nearly as much as they are now, so they will most likely leave and go to other countries where they can make more money.

For those of us who ARE covered by insurance, we either have to take the poor quality free coverage the government is offering, or we have to pay insane amounts of money to get private coverage, and be punished for it.

So while I think the idea is a good one, and we do need to figure out how to get proper health care for those who cannot afford insurance, this is NOT the way to go about doing it.

lilwintergirl · Answer

ok here it is plain and simple. UNiversal health care is a BAD IDEA and ill tell you why but first, we might be rich but we are over trillions and trillions of dollars in debt. look at teh national debt clock online! We borrow tons of money over and over from the Chineese and so we are in more debt because of it. Obama is issueing more and more money to be given to people and what he doestn realize is, he needs to cut his spending because at this rate we are going to be in a depression. Plus, we would loose money if we got universal health care. Why can't the people who pay for their health care keep paying for it and the people who can't afford health care get a different kind, at a lower rate. If we get universal, its not free. The upper end of the people would still ahve to pay for it. I don't want to seem racist but here is my thought process. African americans think they are neglected and outlawed because of their race. The truth is, that its not as bad as people make it out to be. We don't have slavery and yes people still discriminate but its not still like that. People have changed. Now this relates to the upper calss because they are different. They make more money and yes they can afford it but its like people are punishing them and takign their HARD EARNED MONEY away from them because they make more. Rich people don't get handed out money. they earn it. Its not really discrimination but on a fine line it is. UNiverisal health care is loosing money putting us more in debt, it gives away free services. If you want equality and free stuff, go to Asia and become communist because tey take everytinga way and sepearate it equaly. How about that. America, we believe in hard work and prosperity. Any questions?

ivarei · Answer

As someone who has experienced both forms of health care, I can say that I much prefer universal coverage. When I studied in the UK and my friend, another American, dislocated her shoulder, the NHS paid for it 100% because she was a full-time student studying in the UK. when I needed to see a doctor because I got sick, it was covered; I wouldn't have been able to pay to see a doctor if I had to. here in the US, my prescription medicines for asthma aren't even covered completely, and I have insurance. if someone in a family gets cancer, and that family does not have the money to pay for treatment, what are they supposed to do?

you all are saying that you don't want to pay for other people's healthcare, but I don't hear anyone in Britain or the European Union complaining about universal healthcare. everyone is looking out for each other.

Anonymous · Answer

You started a kind of a firestorm, didn't you?

I think we should have health care for children and not universally. If you're child gets ill or injured, it should be take care of. Older people already get Medicare and Medicaid. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe people at or below the poverty get some kind of care too or maybe that's in certain states. People who make a lot of money can afford it or their jobs offer it. Middle class folks are the ones that don't have access to it easy access to it. I am one of those middle class uninsured Americans.

I think it costs too much. Billions of dollars are going to this. Obama says that taxes will increase for people who make $250K or more. I'm not saying that this is socialist, but doesn't it knock us back a few notches? Everyone should pay the same percentage of their annual income. I don't think anyone should pay for my health care any more than I want to pay for theirs.

Although I disagree with the current health care proposal, I don't agree with the health insurance companies increasing their premiums constantly either.

I think health insurance is a sham anyway. Its basically you betting that you will get injured/ill and your health insurance company is saying that you wont. If you don't pay, you don't play. They're in it for the money and not for your well being. I promise.

Maybe we should worry more about the water, food, and housing crisises (?) before health care. The population has grown by approximately 1 billion in the past decade alone, so how long can we go to sustain all of these people? At this point, I think health care might be inevitable though.

hawthorn21 · Answer

Hopefully I won't get attacked for this, but has any of you seen Sicko?

I only ask because it's about the people in the U.S. who have insurance-not the 50 million who are uninsured.

I just know it p*ssed me off when I first watched it. Yes, it is a form of propoganda. Yes, not everything in it is probably going to be fact (but then I don't trust anything necessarily to be fact just because someone says it is).

Anyway, I like the idea of universal healthcare. However, I don't watch the news or Obama's speeches closely enough to say for sure if his approach would sit well with me. I don't know what the *catch* is. All I ever hear is how it's socialism and our grandparents will be left out in the cold.

paigems · Answer

I think we should reform it a bit. Make it possible to get health insurance from other states, cover people with preexisting conditions, etc. However, I really don't think we should have universal health care. My main problem with universal health care is what it does to doctors. It takes away all of the competition in the medical field, and since I would like to be a doctor some day, that really doesn't appeal to me. By the way, by any chance, did Obama Care inspire you to ask this? Just curious...

lefthand · Answer

Universal is a wonderful idea but we do need to decide how to use it (since need is infinite and resources finite). I strongly favor prevention rather than chasing pathology. Each person gets, say $5,000 worth of health care (mostly prevention) a year. Expenses beyond this could be covered by private insurance. This would actually do far more to keep the country healthy than just dumping money in medicare, medicaid which only treats the person after they are desperately ill.

The thing we need to keep in mind is that eventually everyone dies and no amount of money can prevent that. We need to start recognizing that we are throwing enormous amounts of money away trying to deny this simple reality.

Anonymous · Answer

im in the uk, I think its a disgrace that americans don't have the equivelent to our NHS. If my family were in america my family would have been living on the streets because of my brothers allergies to peas, lentis and that whole family of veggies that has caused him a multiude of health problems and lung ailments over the years. Infact he's 25 now, I wonder if he wouldn't be dead since we probably couldn't afford to pay for the treatments over the years. other than these bloody allergie and what they lead to he is perfectly healthy. and since we live in the uk we and he, has a normal life.

I can't imagine what poor bastards have to to go through over in america if they have similar problems or worse.

Disgrace! absolute disgrace... I mean it sickens me that people think that because it's expensive that that is a valid argument... we're talking about lives here. Seriously, people need to wake up in america.

guitar-head · Answer

So lets say you have a wide screen tv in your living room. And no one else on the WHOLE street does. Let me get this straight. You would go out and buy every one on the street a wide screen tv? OH! And you're also the richest one on the street. OF COURSE NOT! Were in a damn recession if you'd just wipe the crap from your eyes. How in the hell are we going to pay for, how many people live on this planet, forty million, I don't know. But think about it, this isn't some little fantasy land where we can all holdhands and sing around the camp fire. Some countries want to wipe us clean off the face of the planet. Basically, WE need to worry about our own conflicts before paying another billion dollars we don't have. Comment me, id love to hear what you lib's have to say.

Anonymous · Answer

Im from Aus and we have a country wide health care system called medicare. it only come into existance about 20yrs ago and has worked really well. people who earn more than a certain amount have a tax of 1.5% of their annual income and that covers some doctors, public hospitals, eye tests ect but not things like dental or ambulances and all that. its so everyone can have basic care and people still have the option of private doctors and private health care which are still very popular. we also have a heathcare card for low income people which entitles them to dental and less expensive medictaion ect. everyone needs healthcare and there are plenty of people who are working on it but a univesal healthcare system is highly unlikely as its just not possible

xxangel1990xx · Answer

I live in England and we have the NHS which I thought every country had, I can't believe your country doesn't have something similar. Really strange. I mean, how do you all get healthcare? Do you all have to pay for it privately or something? I don't get how it would work if we didn't have NHS.

scnbabe89 · Answer

Wow this question is gonna have a lot of conservatory with it I don't believe in nasalized or universal health care I think people should have to work and get a good job to get there health care not have the government pay for it. Here's what happens and many people don't know this because they are uneducated and such, but when the government pays for health care they are gonna highly tax the middle class or the people that work very hard for there money, wealth is personal lets keep it that way some people make it in the world and some don't I can't help everyone here. Another thing is you can't pick the doctor under this plan the government tells you where you have to go which in turn means that your not getting the best health care possible!

quantumdefender · Answer

Everyone taxes would pay for universal health care, we are already paying for WELFARE!

I am 40, never had any kids, the few times I ever had sex, I ALWAYS played it safe with a condom.

but my taxes are paying for the deadbeats, the lazy oafs, the irresponsible.

if there is a guy who refuses to get a job, a woman who has 4 kids by 4 different men, who is paying for they foolishness? THE TAXPAYER!

SweetestSinxxx · Answer

I'm all for it. My family is Greek and it's cheaper for us to fly to Greece if we have any real medical problems than to stay here and pay the copayments on what's considered a "good" insurance plan. Most of the world has it and they're doing better than us.

Anonymous · Answer

i want it  because I have an underbite right now and I can't get health insurance which would help with surgery and braces also am trying really hard to get a job with that and its just so damn frustrating  because no one is hiring as much now! Obama if ur reading this like you soon be anyways please get it passed soon it would mean so much to me!

Anonymous · Answer

they aren't just giving you health care. Theyre making it a legal requirement to have medical insurance just like car insurance. That you are paying for and not just with your taxes. Its not hey your sick go to the doctor and its on us. It more political backroom deals with big business. Insurance companies are  one of the biggest shisters in business. They take your money than raise a stink when they have to pay you any of it.

Anonymous · Answer

Neither the government nor the citizens have to spend so much on healthcare. I saw this article on the web. It's interesting, and seems to have some tiny parallels to Obama care.

clevername · Answer

Its clear what the answer is. All you have to do is look at facts, and real world examples of what works and what does not. There are very few argue points if you think sensibly.

Which side do I support? The correct one.

IMakeBarbieJealous · Answer

Health care is a basic right in most of the world, I don't see why it shouldn't be for Americans as well. Its all funny  because the things Americans can only dream of are things Europeans take for granted as just a given.

nextelement · Answer

Ok one major negative is that if you don't sign up for it. The government will fine you every so many months, until you do get it. I don't have it now and I may not want it then. So I get fined for my choice?  That's just ridiculous!

Reeses-pieces777 · Answer

well in Canada (I'm Canadian), I'm thankful and Proud that our country has this system because it doesn't seem like an impediment to health care. when I can just go to the doctor's office and not worry about money so much, it helps.

peace-love-couture · Answer

I don't agree with it.I have my reasons,but there's no reason for me to state them as people here are obviously not open to different opinions:))) Republican<<<

Littletad · Answer

Have our healthcare controlled by the government? Are you insane?

1ecrofria · Answer

Have you ever been in a VA? I'm a member of the military and VAs are run very badly. That's government health care for you. The government can't run one single social program efficiently and you want to trust them with this?

bitesizedonut · Answer

So far 54% of people not for universal health care and 46% for it. This will be interesting.

Enideqa · Answer

I live in Canada, and I love are health care system.

FuriousD · Answer

I think it should be noted that the United States' life expectancy and infant mortality rates are worse than countries with universal health care.

Anonymous · Answer

Nah, I like the way we do it in the UK, happy the way it is.

Anonymous · Answer

You mean nationalized health care not universal right? Universal means the whole world-National means all the citizens of a country.

NirvanaChic · Answer

def not universal

Anonymous · Answer

A. Universal.

Universal health care?

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