Open Thread


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  1. benson, So…if I get cancer from uhm, let’s see…ah, here we go…Pollution in NYC and I need cancer treatment my insurance rate should go up? What if I get asthma and need an inhaler and other meds on a regular basis? Should I pay a higher rate than you? What if I get injured on the job and need a prosthetic limb and a long rehab, should my insurance rate go up? And what if I am at high risk for diabetes for genetic reasons and get it despite trying my best not to? Who is going to sit in judgement of me, and tell me sorry lady, you have to pay a higher health insurance, you shouldn’t have had those parents.

    What if I am a child, and get cancer? Did I do something wrong? Should my working class parents insurance go up?

    What if I get sick and BH has to support us forever, should his insurance premium go up, on top of having to be the sole bread winner?

  2. benson – universal healthcare does not apply to voluntary procedures like cosmetic plastic surgery (though it would apply to someone with a birth defect like a cleft palate or reconstructive surgery relating to burns or an accident). i am not the best person to explain the details, but essentially it would provide basic healthcare to everyone. meaning preventive healthcare (like checkups) and basic care. ideally, this would end up costing less as it would put less of a burden on emergency rooms (which many uninsureds use as basic healthcare due to lack of other options). whether or not it would be more cost effective in practice is debatable, but in principle it would at least give more people access to adequate healthcare.

  3. benson, if its being provided by the government it is irrational and likely to be screwed up for some time.

    They can’t even process the “cash for clunker” claims. Do you think they will manage a healthcare system very efficiently??????

    I’m with you on this one…especially the “entitlement” parts

  4. Ok folks…I’m double checking to be sure I have enough goodie bags and special b-day bags. Below is my list of confirmed ‘aye’s and maybes. A ** next to the name means you are a leo or virgo. If there are any new additions, speak now! Also, tell me if you are a leo or virgo and I haven’t noted that:

    Dave (+ illegal friend! **)
    Herki
    CarGar
    Cobble ** (+ BH)
    Snappy **
    Gemini
    Arkady **
    DH **
    Bxgirl
    Rob
    Kens (+ sister)
    Denton (+Mrs. Denton)
    11217
    Biffy
    6years
    Jessi **
    Faithful ** (+ friend)
    MM
    Lechacal
    Mopar (maybe)
    Benson **

  5. Can someone explain what “Universal Health Care” means?

    Does it mean lifestyle drugs like Viagra should be covered? How about elective surgery, per Michael Jackson? Does it mean unlimited in-vitro fertilization attempts (as NYS now mandates)?

    “Universal Health Care” will bankrupt the country in the same way that Medicare is on its way to insolvency (in just a few short years).

    The reason is simple: there is no accountability nor any pricing tied to risk, as one finds in a normal insurance market. If I am a poor driver, my automobile insurance rates go up. On the other hand, if I take steps to improve my driving abilities (defensive driving courses, airbags in the car, etc.) my rates go down. Likewise with homeowner’s insurance.

    Thanks to poor government regulations, however, no such system exists in medical insurance. Are you a heavy smoker? No problem, your insurance rates are the same as mine. Overweight and in risk of diabetes? Also no problem, you are “entitled” to insurance at the same rate as anyone else.

    What Obama is trying to propose is a new entitlement program, not a reform to the insurance market. It is irresponsible, in that our present entitlement programs are already driving up the deficit, big-time. Folks are getting wise to it, which is why its popularity is sinking daily.

    I would be all in favor of regulations that would make a low-cost medical insurance product available for working folks. That is not what President Obama is proposing.

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