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There are a handful of blogs that I read that I've never commented on. One of those - Clusterfook - recently wrote a thought provoking post on health care coverage. Lisa's perspective on health care coverage is far different than mine, and understandably so - she's been battling cancer for years.
Her post was inspired by a post of another blogger, Miss Britt. Miss Britt is one of those bloggers who I've seen "around town," but never visited, although after reading her post, Yes, Health Care is a Right, that will likely change. No, I'm not going to be a thorn in her side because I disagree with her (which I do), but rather because I find her perspective interesting and likely representative of many people I know.
Health Care is a HUGE issue in this election. Personally, I think it'swrong a stretch to say that health care is a "right" - that because the Declaration of Independence speaks of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," that somehow translates to health care coverage for all (the foundation of Miss Britt's argument that health care is a right) - but then I'm not a member of the Constitution being a living, breathing document either. That being said, there are some very real issues surrounding health care coverage in this country:
We (as a family) are quite fortunate. Husband's employer picks up a great deal of the cost of health care coverage - the cost to our family of five (all three children are still covered) is just over $2,000 per year - this includes health, dental and vision coverage. We've also been blessed with excellent health. Other than the occasional routine exam, strep throat or sports injury, we seldom visit the doctor. If we figure in copays for doctor visits (counseling copays are $30/week) and prescriptions, we'll like see costs this year in the $5000 range, and I am considering our situation as fortunate.
Those who support universal health care usually claim that health care is an expensive privileged for the few. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 84% of Americans have health insurance. 84% would certainly qualify as an overwhelming majority of Americans. Yes, in many cases, it is expensive, but so are many things in this country that aren't "rights." Auto insurance and homeowners insurance - coverages that are required by law - aren't provided by the government and can be quite expensive depending upon your circumstances and history.
Did you know that Federal Law prohibits denying health care to someone who needs it? That doesn't mean you won't have to be financially responsible for the care you receive, but it does mean that you will not be required to just sit in the corner and die. In nearly every city in America, there are hospitals who, on a daily basis, treat patients who have no way of paying. There are also thousands of clinics and programs (government and private) to help those who cannot pay catastrophic medical bills.
I'm not happy with the proposed health care plans of either candidate in this presidential election. One of them MANDATES that every child born will be covered by a health care plan that their parents will be required to fund. The other, although claiming to promote competition amongst insurance providers, offers nothing more than assumptions regarding how it will actually accomplish that. Both candidates claim they'll at least partially fund their plans through better management of health care. Please give me one instance of when government interference has made things better - not short term, but long term!
I think we, as Americans (said generally), use the word "right" without consideration of the cost associated with the "right." What are we willing to give to secure the "right" or are we just entitled because we were born in the greatest country in the world? Should it be a "right" to have a permanent place to live? A "right" to an acceptable standard of living? A "right" to a certain level of education? More importantly, what price are you willing to pay for those "rights?"
Depending on who wins this election, you might be quite surprised at what price you'll pay, and I'd be willing to bet that it won't just be measured in dollars and cents.
Her post was inspired by a post of another blogger, Miss Britt. Miss Britt is one of those bloggers who I've seen "around town," but never visited, although after reading her post, Yes, Health Care is a Right, that will likely change. No, I'm not going to be a thorn in her side because I disagree with her (which I do), but rather because I find her perspective interesting and likely representative of many people I know.
Health Care is a HUGE issue in this election. Personally, I think it's
- Coverage can be extremely expensive depending upon deductibles, level of coverage, heath history, etc.
- If coverage lapses it can be difficult to find a stand-alone policy that is affordable.
- If coverage lapses and you have a significant preexisting condition, it is almost impossible to secure health care coverage.
- Many employers do not (or cannot) offer coverage making the individual responsible for the entire cost.
- Malpractice lawsuit awards are often completely unreasonable and over the top.
We (as a family) are quite fortunate. Husband's employer picks up a great deal of the cost of health care coverage - the cost to our family of five (all three children are still covered) is just over $2,000 per year - this includes health, dental and vision coverage. We've also been blessed with excellent health. Other than the occasional routine exam, strep throat or sports injury, we seldom visit the doctor. If we figure in copays for doctor visits (counseling copays are $30/week) and prescriptions, we'll like see costs this year in the $5000 range, and I am considering our situation as fortunate.
Those who support universal health care usually claim that health care is an expensive privileged for the few. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 84% of Americans have health insurance. 84% would certainly qualify as an overwhelming majority of Americans. Yes, in many cases, it is expensive, but so are many things in this country that aren't "rights." Auto insurance and homeowners insurance - coverages that are required by law - aren't provided by the government and can be quite expensive depending upon your circumstances and history.
Did you know that Federal Law prohibits denying health care to someone who needs it? That doesn't mean you won't have to be financially responsible for the care you receive, but it does mean that you will not be required to just sit in the corner and die. In nearly every city in America, there are hospitals who, on a daily basis, treat patients who have no way of paying. There are also thousands of clinics and programs (government and private) to help those who cannot pay catastrophic medical bills.
I'm not happy with the proposed health care plans of either candidate in this presidential election. One of them MANDATES that every child born will be covered by a health care plan that their parents will be required to fund. The other, although claiming to promote competition amongst insurance providers, offers nothing more than assumptions regarding how it will actually accomplish that. Both candidates claim they'll at least partially fund their plans through better management of health care. Please give me one instance of when government interference has made things better - not short term, but long term!
I think we, as Americans (said generally), use the word "right" without consideration of the cost associated with the "right." What are we willing to give to secure the "right" or are we just entitled because we were born in the greatest country in the world? Should it be a "right" to have a permanent place to live? A "right" to an acceptable standard of living? A "right" to a certain level of education? More importantly, what price are you willing to pay for those "rights?"
Depending on who wins this election, you might be quite surprised at what price you'll pay, and I'd be willing to bet that it won't just be measured in dollars and cents.
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