Massachusetts - every citizen is being required to be covered by health insurance...?
362003
This is good for so many reasons.First, big companies should be happy they now play a more important role in the well being of the their consumers. Second, when you have universal health care, more people visit the doctors; 1- at the onset of a problem instead of waiting until it becomes worse, 2- visit the doctor for regular check ups, and 3- visit for preventative care. These reasons make for a healthier population in general thus often negating the need for more costly an evasive procedures down the road.  When a poor person goes to the hospital now a days, its usually because they have put it off for so long because of no insurance, that they are in worse shape than they would have been in if they had gone at the first sign of trouble. Their care now costs the state and the taxpayers more, or puts that poor person in DEEP DEBT for the rest of their life.\nWe are the only modern industrialized country in the world without Universal Health care for ALL its citizens.\nA good way to measure a nations moxie is to look at the way it cares for its population. All Americans should ask themselves this:\nDo you care more for the profits of big corporations, than you do for our poor, our children or our elderly?\nHealth care should be our # 1 priority. Good for you MASS!!
553906
I have had a devastating illness in the family. I am a Citizen. I did NOT receive help for my son. Just a kiss off. The programs are bloated with people who should NOT even qualify but by false documentation or the rules of that state of not being ALLOWED to ask if they are legal citizens take away from the LEGAL CITIZENS who have paid into the system for years. I know I am blessed my son is still alive there are sooooo many others who have lost their child through inadequate medical care due to money constraints.
84376
You need an umbrella insurance policy as well as others that are mandated to medical practices.  Contact a local insurance company and your state to find out all requirements.
686148
We are NOT all fine. There are people who cannot are refused health care because an illegals got there first. Auto insurance is higher than it should be because illegals don't pay for it. Apartments and home rentals are higher because of the inflated demand caused by illegals. America is suffering in many ways as a result of these illegals.
470034
Yeah... it's getting to the point where the majority of America won't be able to go to the doctor, because they can't afford insurance or the deductable, if they have insurance. \n\nI think it all comes down to... how much are you willing to pay to stay alive.. the answer is anything, so how does a capitolistic system work when you will pay anything for the service... it doesn't work... \n\nthe healthcare companies (both medical, insurance, both malpractice and health, and perscription companies) are all making huge profits... if you know anyone in the business, they are probably making more than most everyone else you know...\n\nWhen does the bubble bust... I think it will soon... especially if costs continue to go up like they have been.
441282
Illegal immigration is wrong in every since.  It's putting larger strains on us tax payers, insurance payers, and anyone who uses medical care.  The illegal immigrants normally do not have or carry insurance of any type and they seem to abuse the government systems put into place to help the general public.  They are not just working in Tomato patches but also in restaurants, Wal-marts, and other stores.  They are taking th jobs that normally the high school/college kids would normally have!!
138964
In Britain we pay for the NHS, so everyone has a right to life. This doesn't really kick in until you see someone collapse in front of your eyes and know that if it wasn't for the NHS they might have to die there.
369892
I would check with the state you live in. For example my state (NY) has a plan called healthy NY for working people that have no insurance at reasonable rates. Go to your state's website to check.
533723
How 'bout doing it one thing at a time. Healthcare's more critical at the moment. I mean, talk about the only industrialized country, and a superpower to boot, which doesn't have a national healthcare system. Social Security doesn't count.
470450
Since it is the peoples republic of MA I amsure it is some form of socialism. Socialism never works! The governmen does not pay for anything we do!It is not the governments money... it is ours. Free healthcare is paid for by those who work. It is not free. What makes you think that I should provide you with healthcare? What about housing, shouldn't everyone have a free house? Is it fair that I have two cars and someone doesn't have one. Should I buy them a car too? I ate steak last night, Should I be forced to buy you a steak too, because you are tired of chicken? If I take the risk and build a business by working 80-90 hours a week and hire you to work 30-40 hours a week. You have assumed no risk and only work 30-40 hours a week what the heck makes you think I should give you anything but a paycheck?\n\nNo one owes you squat! If you want health insuance go buy it! I had to cancel mine whan I started my business, now I have a crappy plan that I pay for! I don't expect someone else to pay for it for me! If you need emergency treatment, guess what you go to an emergency room and the tax payers pay for it anyway! \n\nThe government can't run anything efficiently, what makes people like Hitlary think they can do it better?
422291
I'm a Republican, and I've always been against public health care.  I've always thought that if I had to work for a living (and insurance) then everyone should have to.  No freebies.  Well, after actually having to use my insurance, and along with paying deductibles, co-payments, and 20% of all other bills, and having racked up medical bills in excess of $1,500 (which I most definitely cannot afford!), I have changed my mind and would love a public health care system.  No necessarily along the lines of Canada's health care system, but at least something to help those without insurance, and those who are low income.  Maybe have government run clinics set up in each county where anyone that is below a certain income level could receive full healthcare, including MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, vision, dental, etc at a reduced rate.  Something like that anyway.  I got a bill from the emergency room for $1,400...for two shots.  That's it.  If the government isn't ever going to offer free healthcare to its' citizens, it should at least put a cap on what physicians can charge for their services.  I understand that most of them went to school for 8+ years, but charging $180 for a 5 minute office visit or $1,000 for ONE shot in the emergency room is just plain robbery.
951361
Dick DeVos (r. MI) running for governor thinks that those people should just get jobs.  When confronted with the fact that over 1 million of us have jobs and no health insurance, he responded with 'well they should get jobs and that way they will lead to better jobs that offer health care'.  Guess who I'm NOT voting for?  BTW democratic incmbent Granholm does NOT advocate socialzed healthcare, but rather a pool in the state that people can buy into, that is affordable health care..  This has been successful in states that have tried this.
384155
I think at the very least, any company with more than 40 employess should have health insurance for their employees. That would take some strain off of the government.
69270
Good Question!  I don't know why it has to be so complicated - the insurance industry has done nothing but complicate the medical world for so long now, that I suspect their lobby has had a lot of influence on part d.  They're trying to tell professional physicians how to do business - without knowing anything about you.\n\nIf someone could figure out a way to simplify all of this, individuals like us could afford to get health care and the prescriptions we need without a "conglomorate" who is only in it for the money and doesn't know anything about our situation or condition deciding it for us.\n\nSimplify!  It' the key - too much beauracracy around it all
410215
It is not the governments job to take care of people! This country was built on the rugged individual and not the nanny state. I would never want the government to think it knows what is best for me. There is nothing stopping people from seeing a doctor and making payments. \nMy father had no insurance for years with us 7 kids and that's how they made it work. We have it so much better in this country than anywhere else in the world. When you grow up you will realize this.
1032484
Yes, Americans do have to pay for their own health care IF they are lucky enough to have the money to afford it.  Otherwise, they have no insurance.  Where do our taxes go?  Every place EXCEPT back to the American people.  That's why we have millions of uninsured persons in the states.  Sad, isn't it?
143235
There are millions of Americans with health problems. Not just smokers and the obese. Our rates are going to go up regardless. The problem isn't about who gets the healthcare. The problem is with how the government handles the whole situation. And with Bush in office, you can bet that it's not getting any better. Insted of pointing the finger at the people using the healthcare (including yourself), vote in the next election...