Health Savings Account! What a sham. Everyone I know without health insurance lives paycheck to paycheck. We don't have 1000 dollars to start one of these. Yes, I agree that in a free market, competition makes for better service. I am takling about the health of our working population, many college students,and yes, poor people. 65 MILLION! Like a new MA law, health care should be made available to EVERYONE. Without cost to those who can not afford it.
137380
Youre talking about shutting down an billion dollar industry just so that you granny can get her pills?? LMAO\nTOOOOOO much money being made, they say drugs are in the ghetto but the real drug dealers are in congress pushing pills down the throats of those who slave to keep this economy running!
648452
It's not communism, Canada has free health care as well. As I recall the Clintons tried to bring it into the States and it was voted down. We all pay enough taxes that healthcare should be free.
442674
I agree with you wholeheartedly; in fact, I was thinking of answering a similar question. You forgot one thing though health care for everyone we are the richest country in the world.\nTo answer your question I wish I knew how to get it started it is what we need as much as I disagree with republicans I do not think I am better represented by democrats. The only exception being the republicans need to invade our personal lives. This is a perplexing question and one that needs to be answered.
157283
Public health system: Americans demand the best and most up to date health care - that costs. We also have a LOT of hypochondriacs that drive up the cost of health care, because they order every concievable test. Americans also are less likely to see a primary care physician regularly.\n\nMore importantly, because most people aren't paying out of pocket for health care, the costs actually go up, because no one shops around. That drives up everyone elses cost, and really screws the poor uninsured bastards.\n\nWorse, since many people don't see a doctor regularly, they instead go to the ER when something goes wrong - which drives up costs since prevention is far cheaper than solving the problem once it's gone to hell.\n\nHowever, the claim that there is no public health system is partially false. Life-threatening treatment will be provided. The indigent's treatment is paid for by the state, as are many children (into the lower-middle class). \n\nAlso, America's economy benefits greatly from the lack of a fully funded health system - the hard part is creating a public health system without hobbling the economy (like a large part of Europe).\n\n2.) Katrina's poor response is a good example of how federalism can backfire. In short, New Orleans is a crappy place to deal with an emergency, the local and state governments historically can't take a crap without going to committee (and overcharging the taxpayers), and the Feds assumed the Locals were going to bear the brunt of the planning. Whoops.
119922
The heart of your thinking I think would be best applied through strengthening the workers in this country (and thus the broad tax base) A strong family that is secure in it's health and it's retirement will turn their thoughts away from a day to day struggle that pursists today, and toward their surroundings. This would greatly help us to address other issues such as the environment and poverty right here at home. There should be a worker's rights amendment. The right to cheap health coverage. The right to job saftey. The right to a living wage. I think the fastest way to get this sort of broad based reform done is through organisation. Not like a classical union. More like an association that would draw together to leverage certain trhings from our government. Like a group that is millions strong would be able to negotiate better health coverage than even a large corporation could. Starting there and with similar issues that could be achieved through a voter soliderity almost like that of a union, but a little bit more effective, and with a different mission. It wouldn't be done through the work place, but at home so there couldn't be any kind of adverse reactions from corporates and the like. As long as you work and pay taxes, you would be eligable for membership. And with success, taking bigger bites at the apple. AAnd who knows, maybe something like that would end up putting a fire into our 2 party system of government. Or perhaps replace it altogether.
49589
I am a consultant who earns $75 an hour and have not had insurance for years.  It is not an issue to me.  The issue of the next election should be centered around governments interference in our lives.  Smaller government, less taxes & obliteration of family court.
213720
Funny thing is, I am a LEGAL resident and I can't go to a doctor because I don't have health insurance, and not even once it crosses my mind going to the ER to get primary care. I pay my taxes and do everything by the book, and as a legal resident I cannot (and don't want anyways) use any kind of welfare until I have been working here for 10 years (that's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong) but the illegals always find a way to misuse the system. Do you know how many families "recycle" insurance cards to fraudulently get medical care because in one family they have 5 "Maria Perez"'s? Sorry, that's illegal and it puts a huge strain on the medical system. And of course those living of of welfare...So I don't think they should use the hospitals to survive, the HC system is already falling apart! I will not deny them of medical care but I don't think it's right. What needs to be done is to fix the problem at the root, and not just use "quick fixes".
666277
I think it would be great if everyone was offered the same insurance, and were given the option to upgrade it at their own expense! I think it is so terrible that half my family and many more have to go without insurance because it is unaffordable.
423032
You are deliberately (or ignorantly) misrepresenting Clinton's health care proposal.\n\nI, for one, am perfectly happy to pay my taxes, and am glad to see some of them used to save the lives of sick children who otherwise couldn't afford care.\n\nThe bit about her trying to deny medical care to rich people is just a lie, and a ridiculous one at that.
218393
No because there should be a right to free medical care (as in the British Health Service) and to free education throughout life (Life-Long Learning).\n\nWhat bothers me is that some people have to pay, when it should be free for everyone as of right in a civilised society.
659173
I think that's a great idea.  Sure, it'd mean a bit more in taxes, but First Aid and CPR are worth the money, and basic living skills may even save money in the long run by helping out people who aren't well-off stay off welfare and medicaid.
303126
I am for neither, I am 45 yrs of age, it seems to me that this Country is in some serious Crap. We/USA are always more concerned with other Countries and their well being. The USA is not taking care of their own people first, as they should be. We have many, many people in our own country that is homeless, going hungry, etc. Yes there are a few programs out there that are trying to help, but come on, all that food and medical that other Countries are getting, why not give it to our country first where it is so desperately needed. Medical in the USA is crazy, I have to work 2 jobs at 32 hours a week for each, yes i am correct here on the hours, i get very little sleep and am getting burned out. just so i can have medical, one medical plan does not cover what i would like it to, so i have to have another medical plan to try and make up for the first one. Now how crazy is that? You asked me whom I am standing up for? believe in? well no one has earned my belief yet. I hope the future changes that.
383832
I think the biggest issue is poverty.  It also affects everyone everyday.  A lot of the healthcare problems are because of it.  People who are not poor are paying for the people who are.
397531
Yes, it is really sad that one of the wealthiest nations in the world does not supply health care for it's residents.  Write your congressman.  Talk to your representative.  If enough people make noise, they'll have no choice but to hear us!
371496
It should be paid for by the government but at cost.  Then laws should be passed only allowing the minimum emergency healthcare to those here illegally.   This brings up the need for immigration trained social workers, or National ID cards.
488937
We do not have health care because doctors would have to take a cut in pay, they are a powerful group. The selfishness of the upperclass is incredible!!!!!!!
267730
it actually save the US money because they no longer need to collect social security. as far as "cost the US" since there is no universal health care in the US that expression is moot.