Quote:
Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan
This is my understanding also.
The problem is not a simple one. But, other nations have shown it is possible to have universal single payer healthcare to provide basic healthcare and then to have private health care insurance for people that want it and can afford it.
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The problem is much deeper than simply providing health insurance for all. An infrastructure of medical personnel, clinics and supplies needs to be available. The two-tiered system of health insurance, such as that Canada has where those who can afford private health insurance in additional to their national health insurance, creates a system of those who don't receive services in a timely manner versus those whose private insurance covers it and they get timely services. Also, of interest to me is that Lithuania can't keep enough doctors since in their financial system, doctors aren't adequately compensated for their service, and they leave the country to go to another country. Sounded like it could be similar to Medicare where services aren't adequately compensated.
Finally, my previous doctor in another State, went totally no-insurance. She had great difficulty helping her Medicaid/Medicare patients find new doctors since no doctor in this suburb community was taking this "insurance".
Clearly, I don't know the answer, but certainly hope we don't allow Congress to dictate our "health" insurance as a political carrot to win our vote.