Healthcare: How would you fix it? *A productive thread*

FirstWorldProblems

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Sep 6, 2006
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Crown point, IN
Most of you know that I'm against national healthcare, however I do believe that costs in the medical field are rather obscene and something should be done to change it.

Somewhat long story as to why I started this thread because I think it's a good example. I'm employed with the option of company healthcare, but becuase I'm still a full time student under 23 years of age I opted to pay to go under my moms policy, who works for a hospital. Under this policy, I pay $70 a month (dental and optical included).

Well, I will probably be needing rotator cuff surgery soon. I just looked into the insurance coverage plan and average cost of the entire procedure. $250 deductible and I pay 15% of all costs under the best plan they have available. I forget the name, PHCS something, there's 2 policies and I'm under the "premier" one is what the lady said.

Average cost of rotator cuff surgery, drugs, therapy is $12,400 all said and done.

So, my costs would total up to just under $2100 for an average surgery, I haven't gotten my individual pricing setup yet, haven't even had an MRI but there's virtually no doubt that it's pretty badly torn.

For those that are insured, what medical costs have you incurred for previous hospital/doctor experiences? Do you really think that it's realistic to charge what they do for medical service? Is covering 85% of medical bills really enough, considering it's supposedly and excellent insurance plan and not easy to get?

In my opinion, it isn't. Surely the greed of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and everyone else involved in the process has inflated costs and lowered coverage.

I can honestly say I can't think of a way to fix the healthcare problems in the U.S., all I know is that the government sure as hell can't.

Wondering what your thoughts are.

GO!
 

Ear Rak

Underemployed
Nov 11, 2005
25,557
87
Fort Worth, TX
Most of you know that I'm against national healthcare, however I do believe that costs in the medical field are rather obscene and something should be done to change it.

Somewhat long story as to why I started this thread because I think it's a good example. I'm employed with the option of company healthcare, but becuase I'm still a full time student under 23 years of age I opted to pay to go under my moms policy, who works for a hospital. Under this policy, I pay $70 a month (dental and optical included).

Well, I will probably be needing rotator cuff surgery soon. I just looked into the insurance coverage plan and average cost of the entire procedure. $250 deductible and I pay 15% of all costs under the best plan they have available. I forget the name, PHCS something, there's 2 policies and I'm under the "premier" one is what the lady said.

Average cost of rotator cuff surgery, drugs, therapy is $12,400 all said and done.

So, my costs would total up to just under $2100 for an average surgery, I haven't gotten my individual pricing setup yet, haven't even had an MRI but there's virtually no doubt that it's pretty badly torn.

For those that are insured, what medical costs have you incurred for previous hospital/doctor experiences? Do you really think that it's realistic to charge what they do for medical service? Is covering 85% of medical bills really enough, considering it's supposedly and excellent insurance plan and not easy to get?

In my opinion, it isn't. Surely the greed of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and everyone else involved in the process has inflated costs and lowered coverage.

I can honestly say I can't think of a way to fix the healthcare problems in the U.S., all I know is that the government sure as hell can't.

Wondering what your thoughts are.

GO!


Weird, just had this same conversation with my madre yesterday (she's all for the healthcare system :mad:).

For my Jaw, i paid 78 bucks out of my pocket. And i have a 1500 deductible on my insurance for the year. I have the lowest plan available through my company.

And i totally agree that these procedures are overpriced. $2000 just for them to stick you in a tunnel and circle a magnet around your head. $25 per asperin, and you have to pay for any other supplies they use (scisors, tweezers, gowns, bibs, etc...) and its all over priced. I'd rather stop by walgreens and pick the shit up on the way to the ER and use my stuff to do the job.
 

Rotard

No respect
Jul 11, 2007
5,230
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Some form of public option I believe is the only way. Right now the insurance industry as a whole just raises prices. If the government would come in with lower prices, the insurance companies would have to be forced to come down also to compete.

Medical malpractice reform should be had also. The amounts paid out are obscene and do nothing but drive up the cost for those insured and doctors themselves
 

Ear Rak

Underemployed
Nov 11, 2005
25,557
87
Fort Worth, TX
Some form of public option I believe is the only way. Right now the insurance industry as a whole just raises prices. If the government would come in with lower prices, the insurance companies would have to be forced to come down also to compete.

Medical malpractice reform should be had also. The amounts paid out are obscene and do nothing but drive up the cost for those insured and doctors themselves


What makes you think the government will lower the prices? All it takes is a lobbyist to come in and say we want these prices. Plus, if they lower the prices, how is the government suppose to make money off of it?
 

FirstWorldProblems

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Sep 6, 2006
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Crown point, IN
The problems are:

1. Private healthcare consists of hundreds of extremely greedy companies, who drive costs through the roof as well as many other things

2. Government healthcare would consist of hundreds of greedy government officials as well as greedy healthcare companies, and would be incredibly inefficient just like everything else the government does.... and they'd be able to hide most of the extra costs and still increase taxes for whatever reason.

What is the solution to solving the capitalistic version of healthcare, because I think our system needs some work
 

zenriddles

Guns don't kill people, 'vaccines' do
Aug 18, 2005
4,953
3,827
Holiday Inn
1st - Kill all the lawyers.

It's the main problem. We need what is called Tort reform (sp?).

Defensive medicine, 8 million tests you DON'T need just so a Dr, can cover his ass when you sue him. Dr. insurance rates are a huge portion of your bill.

IF , <----- (big IF) we can somehow get the lawyers and all of their related costs OUT of the middle of everything, we could see that even though a Dr is charging $120.00 an hour, he's only GETTING a small percentage of that.

Wipe out the unnecessary medical expenses and you'll cut medical bills drastically.
 

Slow99x

ZOMBIE kill of the week
Jul 20, 2007
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Public option is NOT an option. While I agree that we need healthcare reform we cannot dip our toe in socialist water. This would be against everything America was founded on. If we went after all of these malpractice lawsuits that are unjustified, not the legitimate ones, we would bring down the cost of malpractice insurance. The drug companies need to ruduce the cost of medications. The insurance companies should not be allowed to reject someone with a preexisting condition. These are just a few of the ways that the government could help people without going to a public option.

Rember, socialism is just "Communism Lite"
 

VIPERKILLER

ViperKiller Inc.Since '99
Apr 11, 2006
1,392
0
I can honestly say that i cant think of a way to fix it, only band-aids, and temporary fixes seem possible. I feel only a LITTLE better knowing that i am doing all that I can personally do to help the situation. But its not only the government that is fucked up, or the health care industry.

You wouldnt believe all the powerful/wealthy people that have tried to put a stop to our event here in Palm Beach County. They are embarrassed by a free health care event for the needy being put on in one of the absolute richest counties in the country. There are people out here declaring that there is NO health care problem in PBC. They dont mind the negative publicity that comes along with MJ's 40,000sq foot house, but the publicity that comes along with their residents needing/seeking free health care is too much for them to handle. Ironically, all the highest ranking Gov't officials in PBC and Florida, are behind our event. From Gov Christs office, to the Surgeon General, and on down the line.

There is just so much fucked up shit, and so many fucked up people, its just ridiculous. So i really dont see a "fix" for the problem, but there seem to be many band-aid type ideas that would work. problem is, this is the type of thing that should have been fixed 20, 30, 40 years ago. or at least addressed wayyyyy sooner, to nip it in the bud. it seems too late now. They've created a monster for which there is no answer.
 

Ear Rak

Underemployed
Nov 11, 2005
25,557
87
Fort Worth, TX
I can honestly say that i cant think of a way to fix it, only band-aids, and temporary fixes seem possible. I feel only a LITTLE better knowing that i am doing all that I can personally do to help the situation. But its not only the government that is fucked up, or the health care industry.

You wouldnt believe all the powerful/wealthy people that have tried to put a stop to our event here in Palm Beach County. They are embarrassed by a free health care event for the needy being put on in one of the absolute richest counties in the country. There are people out here declaring that there is NO health care problem in PBC. They dont mind the negative publicity that comes along with MJ's 40,000sq foot house, but the publicity that comes along with their residents needing/seeking free health care is too much for them to handle. Ironically, all the highest ranking Gov't officials in PBC and Florida, are behind our event. From Gov Christs office, to the Surgeon General, and on down the line.

There is just so much fucked up shit, and so many fucked up people, its just ridiculous. So i really dont see a "fix" for the problem, but there seem to be many band-aid type ideas that would work. problem is, this is the type of thing that should have been fixed 20, 30, 40 years ago. or at least addressed wayyyyy sooner, to nip it in the bud. it seems too late now. They've created a monster for which there is no answer.

couldn't have said it any better
 

FirstWorldProblems

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Sep 6, 2006
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Crown point, IN
Reduce prescription drug costs
Reduce hospital costs

So, to reduce these costs, how do you propose we go about it? The only way I see that being possible (aside from reducing malpractice suits which would surely affect it), would be for the government to limit profits of pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. I'm a strict believer in small government, so this leaves me wondering (hoping) there is a better solution.

Thoughts?
 

jason05gt

TCG Elite Member
Jan 17, 2007
15,307
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Naperville
This is a letter I recently wrote to the President. I am by no means an expert, but have read a lot of articles.

Dear Mr. President,

I have written you before on the subject of healthcare reform, but it seems that my letter has fallen on deaf ears. Your administration and some in Congress are still pushing for a public option to drive down costs. I am very confused as to how increasing the size of Government is going to put more money in my bank account. My crystal ball says that your administration or another one down the road is going to raise taxes to cover all the debt that we are incurring. Adding an additional one plus trillion dollars worth of costs to the system, when our economy is weak is pure stupidity. In my previous letter, I had expressed my opinion that healthcare reform is necessary. I firmly believe that something needs to be done to drive down the spiraling costs, but believe that the Government isn’t the answer. I haven’t seen ANY mainstream proposal target the $1.2 trillion in waste spent every year. Yes, that’s HALF of what the US spends on healthcare EACH year. That’s a potential HUGE cost reduction. Here is a PricewaterhouseCoopers study of medical waste:
Health care's six money-wasting problems - Aug. 10, 2009

Here are some simple ideas that I feel will be effective at driving down cost:

1. Enforce the current anti-trust laws. The insurance companies have effectively become a monopoly. Break them up and you will have more competition, lowering costs and increasing quality.
2. Allow people to shop for insurance nationwide with the Federal Government regulating minimum healthcare standards. Again, this will create competition and drive the costs down.
3. Enact Tort reform, NOW! Over testing costs the system over $200 trillion a year! Doctor’s run multiple tests so that they are covered in court.
4. Integrate modern technology into the healthcare field. I know you are an advocate of this and it seems like a no brainer to me. Technology can be used to reduce errors and increase the efficiency of claims.

If Congress were to pass the ideas mentioned above, I am convinced that we can drive the per capita cost of healthcare down in the US. Driving costs down should be the first step towards healthcare reform!
 

Unoid

Libertarian Massa
Aug 30, 2004
2,494
0
Tort Reform is the #1 fix and all politicians know it.

Second, when I worked as an ambulance medic, I realized that maybe 1/2 or to be kind 3/4ths of all people who use services in a hospital (including private offices) pay for their bill.

These other people do not pay at all. So as a business what do doctors and hospitals do? Increase prices to remain in business because they know they provide a service that is ALWAYS in demand.


SO the medical industry is ALREADY a form of socialized welfare for those who can't afford. But instead of a general income tax to spread the wealth. If you need medical help then you'll pay the "tax".

Call me cold hearted but I believe Illegals should be turned away from ER's.
 

blck10th

TCG Elite Member
Jan 11, 2007
17,965
24
I have had Blue cross for 8 years. before that I was on my dad's since I was in school. it was through the city and we never paid anything out of pocket other than a copay.

I had my own PPO- it had a 6K deduct. for me and my son. I did get sick and Loyola sent me a bill for about 5200. I was like WTF. I have ins. but I have to pay the first 6K. FUCK THAT

I switched to a HMO form Blue Cross. Copay was 30 for doctor, and 75 for emergency. I did have to see specialists and get referals. it was easier than people think. I had another kidney stone and was @ the ER 3 times till i was admitted.

3 ER trips=225

Total Bills from Hospitals= just over 30K.

now i have no choice but a ppo with a 3k deduct.but my employer pays the first 2500.



Everyone has seen what Govt. has done with Housing for the public. God help us with the Heealth care
 

jason05gt

TCG Elite Member
Jan 17, 2007
15,307
7,195
Naperville
Here is my main beef with Government healthcare:

-Where has the Government actually reduced costs of services?
-Where has the Government driven down cost?

The fact of the matter is the Liberals on the left are relying on Government healthcare to effectively buy votes. Liberals want to create a portion society of people that rely on the Government to exist as human beings. Those people will keep voting for those officials to ensure their survival....Why bite the hand that feeds you?

No one has the balls to say this, but that's the cold hard truth.
 

Blood on Blood

rumble baby rumble
Apr 6, 2005
56,488
45,971
So, to reduce these costs, how do you propose we go about it? The only way I see that being possible (aside from reducing malpractice suits which would surely affect it), would be for the government to limit profits of pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. I'm a strict believer in small government, so this leaves me wondering (hoping) there is a better solution.

Thoughts?

If the pill sells for 75 cents in Canada, 50 cents in Mexico and $3 in the U.S., then something is wrong.

Either charge the same throughout or allow me to go to Mexico and bring the pills back by the car load.

Either way, the Govt. is already involved. Might as well do something good for the consumer.

Speaking of which, as compared to raking every last dime out of the public; how about the medical industry, especially pharmaceuticals, release the cure for cancer.

Lining their and the politicians' pockets by keeping people in quote/unquote treatment rather than treating the people (resolving the cancer).
 
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