Recently many of my friends have been talking about President Obamas Socialized Health care plan. I have read so many opinions and commented on so many comments it isnt even funny. In fact one friend has officially taken me off her friends list on Facebook because of my views. So I will warn each of you reading this post that these are my opinions. I would love to read your comments and see what you think. I do think only certain people have a right to an opinion on this issue but I wont go into that. I would probably really offend people if I started to say who I actually think has a right.
A few things that I have heard have been: "Health care is a luxury it isnt something we are all entitled to." Someone else said "My husband is a Dr and he studied too long to be on a capped salary decided by the government." Another was "If you cant afford healthcare then too bad. The rest of us are working hard to be able to afford this benefit."
Those three statements are probably the ones which bother me the most. Lets start with the first one. Health care is NOT a luxury. Since when did being made well become a luxury. Having a 42" plasma screen TV now there is a luxury. Going on vacation now there is a luxury. Hell even having a gym membership is a luxury. But since when did being healthy become a luxury. Being Health is a necessity. If you are not healthy then you are unable to work, unable to take care of and support your family, unable to contribute to society. So the thought of this as a luxury really winds me up big time!!
Second "My husband is a Dr and studied too long blah blah blah..." I dont even want to finish typing that one! Yeah a lot of people in this world went to College and University for a long time and incurred loads of debt while doing so. But they arent complaining. In the UK the average GP makes £110,000 a year. That is $170,000 in what universe is $170,000 a year not enough money? In what universe is $110,000 not enough money? If you cant afford to pay a little back each month to your Student Loans on that sort of salary then maybe you should look at your "luxuries" and make some changes in your lifestyle. This is just a family Dr. Surgeons or Specialist Dr's.... well we wont even go into how much money they make.
And now for the last one.... The one that I refuse to type again because it doesnt just wind me up but it really p's me off!! I know plenty of people who work their butts off. In my family I have members who work so hard for what they have. Some are giving great health benefits and others have very little or no health benefits. That is fair enough but please tell me in what universe my 11 year old brother or my neices or nephews all aged 7 and under should have to go for weeks being unwell because it is too expensive to get their medicine or take them to the Dr. Whilst visiting the states a few months ago my mom had to go and buy a prescription for herself and my brother. Want to have a guess how much an anitbiotic costs without insurance.... go one have a guess. $80 each for a 5 day course. So for the two antibiotic she had to pay $160. That isnt including the Dr visit. There are a lot of things you can do home remedies with but not
As you will all know I am an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What about the law of consecration? President Spencer W Kimball said the following: "Consecration is the giving of one's time, talents, and means to care for those in need—whether spiritually or temporally—and in building the Lord's kingdom. In Welfare Services, members consecrate as they labor on production projects, donate materials to Deseret Industries, share their professional talents, give a generous fast offering, and respond to ward and quorum service projects. They consecrate their time in their home or visiting teaching. We consecrate when we give of ourselves" If you are a Dr or any person who has the views that "You work and dont think your hard earned tax money should go towards Socialized medicine" then maybe you should look a little closer into the covenants you have made with our Father in Heaven.
All of the readers of my blog will know that I live in the UK. Where socialized health is available to everyone. I have a number of friend who have lived in the UK and then moved to the states and if you were to ask any of them what they miss the most from the UK, apart from the chocolate, they would all say the NHS. Why because at least they get to see a dr. If tomorrow morning I wake up and either of my children are burning up with fever, if either of them were to break a bone while playing outside this afternoon, if they had an ear ache etc, etc... I would not think twice about whether I could afford to take them to the Dr. I wouldnt think twice about how I was going to afford their prescription. I would just take them and know that their health is not a luxury but a necessity. I know so many people who just dont take their children to a Dr because they are to afraid of the costs.
What about Senior Citizens. I know of a large number of Senior Citizens who have worked their entire lives to be able to enjoy their "golden years" and yet so many of them cant enjoy their "golden years" because they are too worried about where they are going to get money for all the prescriptions which they have to take just to stay alive. Why is this fair? These people have been working so hard for so long. It isnt fair.
I know that people will have heard terrible things about the NHS. But I think the NHS is a lot like Swine flu. They only tell you the most terrible things about it. No one wants to talk about the benefits of it. For me being an American and living in the UK I feel that the NHS can NOT be knocked. I have heard of many people having problems with it. To them I say get private health care. NHS is a service you are not paying for. so stop complaining about how terrible it is. See this is the beauty of the UK if you dont want to use socialized health then pay the money and go private. You have the option. Why would this not work in the states. If you dont want socialized health then get private.
I dont know exactly what President Obama's Health Care plan is so I cant say whether or not his Health Care plan would work. But here is what I propose would work in the states. Start with offering Socialized Health Care to all the children say under the age of 18 and Senior Citizens. Let people see how well it works for them. Continue offering private health care to these groups but for those who cant afford it or who are not offered it through their work provide this service for them. You never know what the future holds. Anyone who thinks that they will never be in a situation to need help with health care is living in a dream world. Can people not see this from the current financial climate that nothing is certain?
I'll step off my soap box now!
1st day of school
3 weeks ago
14 comments:
Ohhh Alisha what a can of worms!!! LOL I can agree with you on several things, but I have not had good experiences with the NHS at all... and we are paying for services not up front - through taxes. I can appreciate that the dr.'s are avaliable and I love that I dont have to worry about paying - dont get me wrong, but for me, I'd rather pay and get quality. For instance - I have struggled with infertility for the past 1 1/2 and am no further along now than I was when I started because it is not "cost effective" to treat me. So the NHS gets to decide if and/or when I can become a mother. I think in America they should offer free health care for children, seniors, disabled, and low income but I think taking away what we have now is a slippery slope to the government taking away our ability to choose. Maybe I would be thinking more along your lines had I not had so many issues with them - it is a shame that they cant take the best of American Health Care and the NHS - now that would be perfect!! Now, you may have just inspired my next blog post! x
Jamie I am sorry you have had such a hard time with the NHS but when I am taking about Health care I am strictly talking about the health of each person in general. I am not talking about taking away private insurance all together. I am merely talking about providing the most vulnerable with the health care that they need in order to live life. I too believe that the states will continue to need private health care. But why cant people accept that something has to be done for the millions of people who are too scared to go to the dr with basic health problems because of costs. I dont think it is fair for children and elderly to suffer.
I could not agree with you more Alisha after having 'lived' in both countries. People say, "you're taxed so much in the UK to pay for it", but I pay more in Health insurance here (the USA), than I EARNED in a whole YEAR in the UK, even though the rate of pay is higher there too. As far as infertility, I know many women (in the USA) who can't get fertility help, because it's simply not covered by the majority of insurance carriers, and so can't afford the extorionate prices. I say socialzed (which isn't the same as communism by the way) healthcare gives the 'basic human right' of health care to those who may not be able to get it any other way. I think it should at least include, children, seniors, and pregnant women.
Alisha,
I really appreciate your opinion. Isn't it nice to be able to voice your opinion? I agree and disagree with what you have to say. We will have to talk sometime. :) I guess I see it as not a good thing for this reason: I have read comments from other people that come from countries that have socialized health care who have had the same illness as Grant and they have not been treated as well as Grant was. In fact they had to wait along time before being treated, or they were sent home from the hospital because they didn't know what was wrong with them, etc. I really believe that if we had socialized health care when Grant got sick, he would not be here today or be functioning at the level he has reached so far. I have just heard nightmare stories were people can't get into see a doctor or they have to wait so many days before they are treated and they end up more sick, or even passing away before they get medical help. I have seen a lot of comments from people from Canada who ended up coming to the US for medical treatment because they did not receive the immediate medical treatment that they needed. Also because Grant has been disabled for over 2 years now he has Medicad, which is health insurance through the federal government. Let's just say it sucks! We even still have private insurance, but the medicad has to be his primary insurance and we have felt cheated by what they will cover! Medicad covers hardly any therapy each year, so we have had to pay for it out of our own pocket. Our private insurance paid for a lot more therapy than medicad pays for. And now our private insurance follows what medicad says they will pay for! It really sucks. Anyway, that is where I am coming from. However, I do think everyone should be entitled to some sort of health care. I can't imagine what would have happened if we didn't have health insurance while Grant was sick. I feel bad for people who can't afford it, etc or don't go and get treated because they can't afford to pay to see a doctor. That really does break my heart. This problem of people not having health insurance needs to be solved, however, I don't know if socialized medicine is the answer. But maybe, like you, I would feel different if I lived in a country that had it. :) We love you to death and don't be mad at me for sharing my thoughts! And don't worry you will always be my friend on facebook! Geesh, grow up people! (that was refering to the friend that no longer wanted to be your friend because you voiced your opinion) :)
OH MAN!!! I LOVE THIS POST!!! I couldn't agree with you more, and as I read it I felt your passion...in fact I am all fired up now! I won't comment, just in case I am one of those people who you feel shouldn't have an opinion on this, not being American and all. However, I will comment on the NHS, cos this is my countries service, and I think they do a fantastic job...and in terms of us not paying up front for our health care, but through taxes, it's really not that much in comparison to the amount you would have to pay for care in the states. And because of our tax contribution, EVERYONE gets care, and thats the best part!
Reading about the Obama healthcare system I'm not going to say that I think its ground breaking and is going to solve everyone's problems because it is flawed.
One thing that does occur to me is that when you say "socialised health care" to an american they automatically think of either Obama's plan or Canada's plan, neither of which are particularly great. I'm a big fan of facts. Watching and reading what people are saying about socialised health is farcical. They talk about it as if its the greatest evil that could ever be perpetrated. Why not talk to people from countries where such plans are in place and ask them how they feel about it. I know you'll hear the normal horror stories, but I'm willing to bet that far more people would have good experiences.
I think that people should be taxed for national health, but I also believe in choice.
I do not believe that people should be denied the opportunity to pay for, and receive, private care. But I also believe that everyone should have the option to be treated for illness and injury regardless of their income or stature.
I think that some people will fight this because they are selfish, some will fight it because they are misinformed, and some will fight it because they are genuinely concerned that their health care will deteriorate. What can you do about it? Fight the current plan by all means but don't dismiss nationalised or socialised healthcare outright.
oh boy! O.k. here is my opinion. I totally understand what you are saying, but...
first of all what gets me the most is that it is going to put this Country, which is already billions of dollars in debt, over the edge. It scares me to think that we are trying to get a healtcare plan in place that we really can't pay for at this moment. And what kind of debt are we going to leave our kids, it's already out of control. And with what we call "baby boomers" aging healthcare needs are going to increase. How do we pay for them? Heck we can't even pay for medicare and medicaid now.
Here is another thing that really bothers me about it. Now I may be wrong, but I read somewhere that they will be providing healthcare to illegal aliens. These people come to our Country make more money than they could ever dream of, take advantage of all government programs yet don't pay taxes. And my taxes are going to increase? That is just not right.
Also healthcare will be rationed. Now I do not want the government telling me when, where, and who when it come to mine and my kids healthcare. Also who gets to decide who gets what. The government? The lady next door? Who determines who needs the care the most. Because I will tell you right now if it is my family then in my opinion its top priority, but no one else will see it like that.
Finally can we trust the people in the government anyways they are so so corrupt and selfish and only look out for themselves really when it comes right down it. I really don't think I can trust them to make a decision that would involve me right down to a personal level.
Sorry I guess that I am in the mind set of less govenment control will equal less corruption and problems.
I believe that people are entitled to healthcare but only when they work for it.
Great post! Healthy political debates are awesome!
And by the way I can't wait for you to post all those recipes that you baked earlier today they sound yummy!
If you know me you know I have an opinion so here is mine.....I think the same thing I think about all the other government assistance programs. I think they should give them to people for ...... 1 - 2 years max and Drug test periodically to continue assistance. This should include Housing assistance, WIC Etc. (unless you are a Senior Citizen)Give people time to get back on their feet get a job and take care of themselves. I know there is a point where you need help, but for how long.... A lot of Americans use it as as a way of living. Figure as long as the Government will help pay their bills what is the point of doing it yourself. Regarding the DR.... I completely disagree with you I love you but really, as much as they pay to go to college and as much time as they put into their Careers away from their families, I think they deserve to make as much money as they can. It is because of DR's who make WAY more the $110,000 a year that Jace is alive. It is because of the time and $$ they put into their careers that makes many lives possible and to put a cap on what they make is wrong. I get off work at 5:00 and I am off work don't have to think about it until 8:30 the next morning, so why should a dr. who has to leave his family at any moment to save someones life be capped at $110,000. I think it is wrong. I just think in general there is a better way help the poor and elderly with Healthcare. We already have Dr's Free Clinics, the Dr's volunteer their time to help people who can not afford it. Win Win all around!
first i think that anyone who is a citizen of this country has a right to an opinion on this subject. second i do not agree with anything that limits my freedom to choose. i will choose the type of coverage i want, who i want to cover my family, which doctor i want to see and so forth. i will not let the government decide that. that freedom to choose is my god given right as a citizen of this country. i know it sounds silly, but the government is already starting to control a lot more than they did a few years ago due to all these bailouts. people feel that they are entitled and that the government is supposed to take care of them. before long the people will be asking the government to take care of them in all aspects, and health care is just the beginning. the more the government does for the people the more the people owe the government and the more our freedoms are taken. and those are not principles that this country was founded upon. there are programs for those who cannot afford healthcare. i also think that doctors fully deserve everything they get. they work long and hard for it. my children and i would not be here today if it werent for the talent and knowledge of my doctors.
As a UK citizen and user of the National Health Service, I think I am qualified to make a comment. Yes, the NHS does have its faults. No system can be perfect. Even private health care can have its problems too. What I will say is this. When you need the NHS to be there for you, they are. Whern my husband had a heart attack, he could not have got any better treatment than if he had paid privately (and we do have private cover too, by the way). I have a son and a grandson who were both born prematurely - VERY prematurely - who would not be alive today if we had been made to pay for the special care thery needed because there is no way we could have afforded it. Every time I have needed the NHS, they have been there for me and done an exceptional job. Doctors do have a wage cap but some can supplement their income by doing private consultations in addition to their NHS work. they are well paid, and rightly so. There are horror stories in the Press but I think they are the exception. Most hospitals etc are very well run, in my experience. USA, you have NOTHING to fear from social health care, and everything to gain. That is my opinion. Sorry if you disagree with it. :)
Wow, this is quite the post (and the comments!) I'm at work now, so I'll have to leave a quick comment, but just so you know, I agree with almost everything you said. There are certainly benefits of the NHS and I was always happy with the care we receievd while living in the UK. Saying that, our care IS better over here, but we do pay a lot for health insurance and have a very good plan. My sister has no plan and no health insurance and I have no idea what they would do if something serious happened. I think a happy medium between the UK and US version (like Obama is advocating) would be ideal! Well, I've gone on way too long here! back to work! :)
Sorry Sarah, but I actually don't think the care in the USA is any better. Health problems were always diagnosed thoroughly in the UK, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer and within two weeks had had surgery to have it removed and was home from the hospital, this was all at 75 yrs of age. I do feel I have been given unncessary tests and procedures in the USA to generate cash for the doctors/hospiatls insurance companies. I have at least a month waiting time for he pediatricians and doctors offices I am with, unless it's an emergency. Why does a vaccination cost $80 when filed through an insurance company and $15 if paid with cash. The mark-up is scandalous.
I do think however, that people should still have the option and acquire the health care they wish, but something needs to be done about the inflated prices, and restrictions placed because of pre-existing conditions.
Just a thought, but if universal healthcare is such a bad thing, then why do countries who do have it like; the UK, France, New Zealand, Austrlia, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Cuba, Portugal, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and a bunch more have lower infant mortality rates than the US?
I'm off my soap box now.
I miss the NHS now that we have to pay towards most things here in Australia ie Ambulance service if we were to have an accident, kids braces, any dental work in fact, operations etc etc - the list goes on. There is 'medicare' but you still have to pay towards it and prescriptions are not subsidised by the Govt so they are really expensive. I think it is a wonderful plan and everybody gets the same care regardless of income or input which makes for a fair system no matter what wage bracket you fit into.
I try not to get involved in issues that have to do with healthcare. I do have a MAJOR problem with it though. I don't think it's fair that I HAD Ulcerative Colitus HAD is the key word here. I no longer have it, and Insurance companies will DENY me because of my past history. I have to get it through my husbands work ONLY. I don't think Obama is doing a good job at all. NOTHING has happened with what he said would CHANGE..
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