A bit of irony.....

[Guest]

There has been a bit of defending the Canadian system on this message board and those who have called to our attention the difficulties there and that we should not compare a smaller country to what we are attempting.

I found this article interesting....

"The incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association says this country's health-care system is sick and doctors need to develop a plan to cure it."


and then this little gem in the middle of the article...

"In other words, Ouellet believes there could be a role for private health-care delivery within the public system.


All I can think of is passing a massive health care plan here in the USA and then in a number of years having our children and grandchildren not only discussing and trying to get the massive deficit in hand but then deciding how to undo the health plan !!!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jbjzPEY0Y3bvRD335rGu_Z3KXoQw

[Guest]

Sounds to me like the arguments are flip-flopped from what's happening here in the U.S.

The problem for me is that I think I understand what the "public option" is that is being suggested by many in Congress. Basically, it would be an expanded Medicare. I can also understand why the four huge health insurance companies who dominate healthcare insurance in the U.S. don't want any more competition. Their problem is exacerbated by the huge numbers of baby boomers who will be leaving their private policies behind as they turn 65 and turn to Medicare as their required primary insurer. What's really bothersome to me is the suspicion that the "insurance co-op" now being touted as an alternative to the public option has actually been designed and the enabling legislation written by the insurance company lobbyists. I've read reports of that and other reports that such a business model will be threatened from the outset because it will be purposely undercapitalized and unable to operate efficiently.

Ahhh, "government FOR the people" at work once again.

[Guest]

There has been a bit of defending the Canadian system on this message board and those who have called to our attention the difficulties there and that we should not compare a smaller country to what we are attempting.

I found this article interesting....

"The incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association says this country's health-care system is sick and doctors need to develop a plan to cure it."


and then this little gem in the middle of the article...

"In other words, Ouellet believes there could be a role for private health-care delivery within the public system.


All I can think of is passing a massive health care plan here in the USA and then in a number of years having our children and grandchildren not only discussing and trying to get the massive deficit in hand but then deciding how to undo the health plan !!!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jbjzPEY0Y3bvRD335rGu_Z3KXoQw

Bucco: I'm reading the same articles in the Canadian papers this morning.
I don't think there is a perfect system. For sure I don't want OBAMACARE as written now.:shrug::shrug:

[Guest]

"Obamacare" is really "Congresscare." The president laid out the basic principles that he wanted, but Congress has taken the life out of it -- you don't think that the health system lobbyists had anything to do with that do you? How cynical of me.
And then there is the disinformation nonsense about death panels, socialized medicine, waiting lines, no choice of provider, etc. Most of us here in The Villages are already covered by a government option, single-payer system: it's called Medicare. And we have complete freedom of choice.
Duh!

[Guest]

"Obamacare" is really "Congresscare." The president laid out the basic principles that he wanted, but Congress has taken the life out of it -- you don't think that the health system lobbyists had anything to do with that do you? How cynical of me.
And then there is the disinformation nonsense about death panels, socialized medicine, waiting lines, no choice of provider, etc. Most of us here in The Villages are already covered by a government option, single-payer system: it's called Medicare. And we have complete freedom of choice.
Duh!Well said.

/signed: Another really big cynic

[Guest]

"Obamacare" is really "Congresscare." The president laid out the basic principles that he wanted, but Congress has taken the life out of it -- you don't think that the health system lobbyists had anything to do with that do you? How cynical of me.
And then there is the disinformation nonsense about death panels, socialized medicine, waiting lines, no choice of provider, etc. Most of us here in The Villages are already covered by a government option, single-payer system: it's called Medicare. And we have complete freedom of choice.
Duh!

These are the 3 basic principles, and the only ones I am aware of that he has endorsed at least by his own website....

"President Obama has announced three bedrock requirements for real health insurance reform:

Reduce Costs — Rising health care costs are crushing the budgets of governments, businesses, individuals and families and they must be brought under control
Guarantee Choice — Every American must have the freedom to choose their plan and doctor – including the choice of a public insurance option
Ensure Quality Care for All — All Americans must have quality and affordable health care"

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/organizingforhealthcare2?source=issue_page

I do not want to be cynical here, but he has already dropped the public option, or will agree to.....there is total agreement that no matter the plan, MILLIONS will NOT be insured thus I am not sure what exactly is left.

I am ignoring your comment on disinformation, as it seems as much of this "disinformation" is brought out the proposed bill changes but that is another story.

YES...I agree, AS ALWAYS, congress is screwing up an opportunity.....and this is "my" "perfect storm" scenario. There will be a bill because President Obama wants one and future congress's will have to fix it and find the money which NOBODY has told us where it is coming from other than the vague "savings" !!!!

[Guest]

"Obamacare" is really "Congresscare." The president laid out the basic principles that he wanted, but Congress has taken the life out of it -- you don't think that the health system lobbyists had anything to do with that do you? How cynical of me.
And then there is the disinformation nonsense about death panels, socialized medicine, waiting lines, no choice of provider, etc. Most of us here in The Villages are already covered by a government option, single-payer system: it's called Medicare. And we have complete freedom of choice.
Duh!

Somehow I missed the 'complete freedom of choice' in 1965 when Medicare and Medicaid came into being. I had no choice but to pay increased taxes to support the new program. My mother, who had retired from the US Government, had no other insurance plans offered. The coverage has been expanded many times, the last big one being Medicare part D. As a result of ongoing congressional and presidential irresponsibility, Medicare/Medicaid are underfunded by tens of trillions of dollars. The chickens are now coming home to roost.
On the front page of the Daily Sun's local section is an article saying that Medicare reimbursement to Nursing homes is being cut and that we will have 1,960 fewer nursing home employees next year. There exists a shortage of nursing home beds in Florida. The focus is on independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities. Here the market sets the price, and trust me, it is steep. Nursing homes cast themselves as rehab centers, Medicare still pays very well for that. If your loved one needs a nursing home and you want a good one, you can wait years to get in. They are concerned that after you do your mandatory spend down, they will have to accept Medicare reimbursement rates, and they cannot turn a profit or even break even and provide decent care. There are many more cuts ahead.
If you look at the system realistically, you will realize that severe rationing of care lies ahead and it's not far off. A Canadian or British system that determines who gets what treatment based on age and health is going to come into being for those of us on Medicare - there is simply no way around it. Do you trust the government that put its seniors and indigent in this position to do anything else if they take over the rest of healthcare? I certainly do not and do not wish it upon my children and grandchildren.