Originally Posted by Guest

The problem cannot be solved because we want care but want someone else to pay for it.

There is so much information out there but it always comes from someone with a vested interest.

We refuse to deny medical care to anyone whether they are a citizen or not, whether they have insurance or not, whether they can prove the ability to pay or not. You only need insurance if you have assets to protect. Thus, if you have nothing no atty will go after you because even if he/she wins there is nothing to collect.

Our system is simply crazy. I was covered by AETNA when we first moved to the villages. The cost for two of us was 12,000 per year for two years till we could get onto medicare. I had considered self insuring it but..............
I spent four days in the villages hospital. The bill was 50,000. Aetna paid the bill in full at 20,000. If, I did not have insurance it would have cost me 50.000. As it was insurance the bill was paid for 20,000.
If, they would have billed me the 20,000 that AETNA would pay them, self insuring would be a viable option. Like any other business, those who pay also pay for those who do not pay-THEFT OF SERVICE.

With either insurance or the government paying for 80% of the medical care in the US-there is no reason to consider cost or other alternative, less expensive, alternatives.

I've read that lawsuits add 30% to the cost of medical care. We've done nothing to reduce this. Most people think the doctor, the hospital etc have deep pockets. If, a person is injured, even if they caused the injury themselves a jury will likely give them a huge reward. The atty and the accused know this so they will usually settle rather than go though a trial. Those awards are added into the high cost we pay for medical care.

The answer?????????????????????
For lawsuits-perhaps, a blind review by other doctors would work? Preventing huge awards because the injured party was young, personable, or reminded a juror of themselves or a family member.

For those that are irresponsible and do not have the ability to pay, WE WON'T BUT PERHAPS WE SHOULD SIMPLY DENY CARE.