FReeper Forced To Join With Socialist Nitwits

self | June 06 2002 | moonman

[ConsistentLibertarian]

Those sound like very intrusive intervention in a free marketplace -- significant restrictions on freedom of contract, outlawing of private medicine. Are these policy proposals you think Republicans are at fault for not taking up?

[d14truth]

"I am in the same situation as you my friend. My heart goes out to you and yours."

Just about there, too. 25% increase on July 1 will make my monthly with a 'high' deductible almost $600/month.

[ConsistentLibertarian]

What percentage of that $900/month bill do you think is going towards liability insurance? Suppressing and individual's right to get redress for a tort in a court of law for the sake of the common good sounds like collectivism and socialism to me.

[Dat]

Are HMOs and medical insurance companies allowed to own hospitals? If they were it would probably greatly reduce health care premiums in large urban areas if people who had insurance were to go to a hospital where their insurer can keep down medical costs. I've heard of HMO's being billed $10 000 by hospitals for extending a patients stay from 1 day to overnight.

[d14truth]

"What irks me is that I carry a high deductible anyway and I have never had a medical claim for them to pay anything out."

Yep, $7,000 a year for 'catastrophic' protection, and pay almost ALL my bills, too.

Wonder how many indigents are being subsidized by me(you and moonman) through the insurance carriers 'agreed to' physicians and hospital payments.

[Search4Truth]

With all do respect, there seems a strange inconsistency in the requirements for the health insurance policies you provided links to. Am I to understand that to qualify for that policy one cannot smoke tobacco or marijuana, but can drink alcohol and take legal mind-altering drugs such as Prozac, as long as a doctor prescribes them? What if I lived in California and have a medical prescription for marijuana? Would I still be excluded?

I'm searching for the Christianity of the Bible that is consistent in its values and principles. There does not seem to be much of that in modern Christianity.

Regards, Search4Truth.

"Who Is Eligible For Membership?

Christians who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents holding valid green cards are eligible if they can provide verifiable testimony indicating a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Church leaders are contacted to provide verification. Members must be active in an organized Christian fellowship and live under the discipline of that body. They must believe that their bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit and should be kept pure. They cannot use tobacco or illegal drugs in any form or abuse legal drugs, including alcohol. They must not practice a homosexual lifestyle, fornication or adultery. They must also have a conviction that Christians should live according to Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” U.S. missionaries serving in foreign countries are also eligible to apply. (underlining added)

[Search4Truth]

"Are HMOs and medical insurance companies allowed to own hospitals? If they were it would probably greatly reduce health care premiums in large urban areas if people who had insurance were to go to a hospital where their insurer can keep down medical costs. I've heard of HMO's being billed $10 000 by hospitals for extending a patients stay from 1 day to overnight."

The HMO I consulted for owned hospitals and clinics. Or perhaps it was the hospital that the HMO. They were at the time about a $500 million organization. That was several years ago and all of this information was on the periphery of my involvement with them. No telling what there situation is now. Thank God I have had no need for such services.

[F16Fighter]

Good post...

In retrospect, I knew just as soon as it was clear eveyone would have to ante up for the "AIDS epidemic," insurance costs would go through the roof. Tack on free insurance for lower income citizens and illegals, and presto -- the $12,000 per year health insurance premium to the middle class.

Quite frankly at this point to be fair, ALL Americans have earned some measure of coverage courtesy of Uncle Sam.

[moonman]

Thanks. My wife is trying (for the past 2+ years) for S.S., although Medicare wouldn't kick in until 2 years after she gets accepted.

My wife isn't confined in a wheelchair, is not a drug addict/alcoholic, and refuses to go to court hearings dressed like a homeless person, otherwise, she'd have a better chance in front of the judge. The lawyer told her that her pride and vanity isn't helping her case any. Looks pretty bad, huh?

[esmith]

Here in Iowa we have Community Health Care Centers and for women we have Maternal Health. Please check to see if any of these are available in your area. 13 years ago my daughter had no Ins. and went to Maternal Health and today even with her good Ins. she still goes there because as she said they treated me good then and they still treat me good. If anyone needs surgical care they are referred to U.of Ia Hospital & Clinics. This also is a great place. If you need care no Hospital will turn you away. Social Services will also help with medication if you qualify. Swallow your pride and ask for help, you will be surprised who will be sitting next to you. Good luck.

[ghostrider]

The US healthcare system is outstanding for those who can afford it. However, for more and more Americans, it has become an unmittigated disaster. It is a system of incredible greed, with gross fraud at all levels. Those who have health coverage carefully look the other way while more and more Americans are being financially destroyed. Ah well, let's turn to more important issues like gays in the military, $300 tax cuts, civil rights for John Walker Lindh.....

[Dat]

I've been looking through financial reports of HMOs and hospital operators but I haven't found any that are in the business of the other yet.

[VRWC_minion]

The lawyer told her that her pride and vanity isn't helping her case any. Looks pretty bad, huh?

At least be honest about the availability of other health insurance as well as the fact that you both will be given health care. It makes your complaint about no national health plan a little more credible.

Also, why would your wife be accepting of a nat'l plan and not medicare ? Qualifying for private disability comes with meeting eligibilty also, why the disconnect ?

[VOA]

bump

[Jhoffa_]

It aint gonna make you feel any better, but I know people who have gotten an automatic discount (like 50%) from their doctor upon hearing that they were going to pay in cash.

It seems that part of the inflated cost of health care is associated with bilking insurance companies and as a result drives up all of our premiums.

I do feel for you though and I will pray for you.

:(

[Dinsdale]

Find a group you can qualify for.

The bible thumper policy linked earlier is just one example.

IEEE will allow anybody to get into their group after one year of membership. There are others just like this. Start the clock today if you are not qualified for a group.

The fact is you and your wife are awfull risks as individuals. Joining a group spreads the risk of the insurance companies. These are just like employer group policies. No medical qualifications. You generally need to have been part of the orginization for some time. Look at the large clubs/groups you are a member of, they might offer group policies.

This is how the game is played in our system. Individual health policies are only a good deal for the young and healthy.

[let freedom sing]

The Economy is being shook down.

[Search4Truth]

The company I worked with was Ochsner (Ochsner.org). They are based here where I live in New Orleans. They are, or were, a multi-state operation consisting of hospitals, clinics and an HMO. I do remember that their health plans were not limited to their practitioners or facilities. Again, this may have all changed.

[anniegetyourgun]

Common statement seen in Christian schools for employment, etc. Besides, I don't have time to play the WOD game.

[d14truth]

"Suppressing and individual's right to get redress for a tort in a court of law for the sake of the common good sounds like collectivism and socialism to me."

You're right, it is. Tort reform does not mean suppressing the 'individual's right', it means making 'common sense' a part of the equation.

From the family doctors I know, who were basically forced into the 'umbrella' of managed care, fear of the 'frivolous' suit and the costs of defending or insuring against one ended their ability to provide cost efficient care.