Posted on 08/14/2009 10:09:56 AM PDT by MaggieCarta
Tired of wading through thousands of pages of legislation? Worried that the government will of necessity (that’s “perforce” to budding wordsmiths) begin rationing health care?? Sick of the whole “health care is a right” crowd??? Fugeddaboudit!!! FReeper MaggieCarta offers her modest proposal to effectively “reform Health care as we know it” in less than 140 characters.
See the proposal in comment #1.
Persons offering health services must display this sign:
“Payment is expected at the time services are rendered.”
That’s it. 25 words. 133 characters (without spaces). It would work, but it will never happen.
Privatization + Inter-State Sales + Individual Policies + Tort Reform = Healthcare Reform
It used to be like that - here’s some evidence.
http://www.oftwominds.com/blogjuly09/healthcare07-09.html
If elected, I also plan to propose (with tongue firmly in cheek) a $100/hr mininum wage law...
1. All citizens, regardless of income, must put aside 10% of their income in a Health Savings Account.
2. Some money will be removed annually from the accounts of the richest 20%, and put in the accounts of the bottom 40%. This amount will not exceed 35% of the annual contribution in each account. At no time will the government control any of the money, it will always be in some individual’s account.
3. All doctors, hospitals, and health providers must charge the same amount for the same procedure to all customers.
4. Everyone must pay out of their account first. Anyone who runs out of money will be be taken care of by the government, but the services offered will be minimal. Everyone will have maximum incentive to avoid the option, including the poor people whose accounts are being getting transfers in from the wealthy.
MaggieCarta’s modest, 2 word proposal for Tort Reform -”Loser Pays”.
I agree...but in addition, stipulate all filing fees and intitial court costs to be paid by complainant to be reimbursed only if they prevail. This will help to keep frivoulous and vengeful lawsuits out of the system...not perfect, but a pretty good system.
I have been afraid to delve into HR 3200, but I did peruse the 1990's "HillaryCare" version, and there was a clause in there expressly forbidding paying your doctor yourself for your services.
Federal laws to allow inter-state sales but require any provider who offers group plans, to offer ala-carte pricing for individuals for the same benefits offered in their group plans but for different prices.
Change tax laws to all businesses 100% deduction for any sum of money paid by the business towards health care and an individual tax deduction for contributions to HSAs. Allow carry over of end of year balances in HSAs to next year.
Tort reform - adopt looser pays and limit percentages for lawyer fees to 10% of payout.
Sorry, that plan would suck. I would oppose that plan just as much as I oppose Obamacare.
“Tort reform - adopt looser pays and limit percentages for lawyer fees to 10% of payout.”
AND...re-institute caps on damages.
“I have been afraid to delve into HR 3200, but I did peruse the 1990’s “HillaryCare” version, and there was a clause in there expressly forbidding paying your doctor yourself for your services.”
That’s basically the way it is in canada and the UK.
This is how bad it’s gotten - they’re telling you what you can and cannot buy with your money.
They’re raping our freedoms AND our wallets!!
You’re on the wrong website. You want DU for your income redistribution plan.
Besides, your #2 is internally inconsistent. You want to remove some money from the accounts of ‘the richest’ and give it to the poorest, but you don’t want government to control anybody’s accounts? How does that work?
Nah. If they win, they can pay their own court costs...
Oh, is it time for my meds???
Sturdy and attractive male attendents have approached MC accompanied by a sturdier, considerably less attractive med nurse, who, while brandishing both pills AND a syringe, snarls, "I don't care which one you take, but you are leaving this computer, now."
‘income redistribution plan’ SB ‘wealth redistribution plan’
If elected, I also plan to propose (with tongue firmly in cheek) a $100/hr mininum wage law...
The moment you’re elected, I’m off to apply for a job at my nearest Burger King - money and burgers what a combo. How many times do you want me to vote for you? No problem!
Don't apologize.
Is the /s tag missing on that?
2. Some money will be removed annually from the accounts of the richest 20%, and put in the accounts of the bottom 40%. This amount will not exceed 35% of the annual contribution in each account. At no time will the government control any of the money, it will always be in some individual’s account.
3. All doctors, hospitals, and health providers must charge the same amount for the same procedure to all customers.
4. Everyone must pay out of their account first. Anyone who runs out of money will be be taken care of by the government, but the services offered will be minimal. Everyone will have maximum incentive to avoid the option, including the poor people whose accounts are being getting transfers in from the wealthy.
Meds...kicking...in...hurts...to...type...can't...think...of...that...phrase...Men?...Markets?...
Athough groggy from the powerful sedative, MC manages a giggle, but then drools on the keyboard...
“Oh, is it time for my meds??? “
I would think so...you skipped over the sometimes high cost of intitial fess to be paid by the person who brings the suit, only to be paid back if they win.
You made no mention of bearing the entire cost...filing fees etc., just “loser pays.” Which, of course means nothing. Have a nice nap.
Thanks again for the link—Absolutely loved the 1950’s OB rates!!!(Of course, it must be recalled that even auto wages back then were around $35/week. I’m sure there’s a way to check this, but I want to be a writer, so...facts do not concern me)
“Take My Health Care, Lose Your Seat”
Zzzzzzz.... ;)
You made no mention of bearing the entire cost...filing fees etc., just “loser pays.” Which, of course means nothing. Have a nice nap.
Oooops. Awake again and at an unattended keyboard...IMHO, The person making the complaint should bear the initial cost of filing the suit. If you lose the suit, you are not collecting any monies ("loser pays.") If you win the suit, you (hopefully) should have won enough to compensate you for your initial fees.
Are you saying that the moving party should pay the defendant's costs also? I really hadn't thought of that...(you can tell)
Then the defendant, usually with deep pockets, can win by simply spending more than the plaintiff can pay upon a loss. Are you going to file suit if there's a non-trivial chance you'll have to cough up >$1,000,000 if you lose? Mega Conglomerate International is willing to spend that kind of money a few times if it will scare off enough potential suits.
“Are you saying that the moving party should pay the defendant’s costs also? I really hadn’t thought of that...(you can tell)”
Yes...any filing fees, service, any attendant costs created to get it into court...they can then forget about a “free” suit to use as a threat to smaller businesses...this is a sometimes ovelooked aspect of loser pays, but it can be a significant amount of money and would probably force more suits DIRECTLY into resolution (which would be paid for by the complainant) and further lower costs...
Athough groggy from the powerful sedative, MC manages a giggle, but then drools on the keyboard...
Teehee = NOW THAT’S FUNNY!
Teehee = NOW THAT’S FUNNY!
:) Everyone should laugh more...even if it is at my expense...
Same for Medicaid
Tort Reform- Loser Pays.
End tax exemption for employer sponsored insurance plans.
End state and federal regulation of insurance.
Thank you.
Works for me.
Tort reform- Loser pays.
:)
End tax exemption for employer sponsored insurance plans.
Interesting idea. That would return the responsibility for insurance purchases on the individual. (Oh, no, I've used the "R" word again)
End state and federal regulation of insurance.
Hmmmm...I don't know about that one. In a perfect Libertarian world, it would work...
Poor grammar and using the "R" word...
Chortle. You can tell I've never been named in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
However, I still say that if people had to pay for their own health services, there will be far fewer patients making far fewer demands on doctors. In turn, docs will focus with a laser-like intensity on providing the best possible care to those patients who do utilize their services. This would result in fewer lawsuits.
And, they all got along and lived happily ever after...
1961, first baby. My wife was in the hospital 3 days (normal stay)..$180.
Governments mandate what policies must cover so people must pay for coverage they don't need at rates that may also be mandated and may not reflect true costs.
Medicare/caid shifting of costs onto private insurers and providers because the government is constantly reducing what it pays to providers. Those costs must be made up and it is the shrinking private sector, including insurance, that must pay them.
“1961, first baby. My wife was in the hospital 3 days (normal stay)..$180.”
What was that back then... about an average week’s wage?
Now an average week’s wage is less than $1000, but to have a baby today it’ll probably cost you at least 20 times that, if you were to pay out of pocket.
Governments mandate what policies must cover so people must pay for coverage they don't need at rates that may also be mandated and may not reflect true costs.
Medicare/caid shifting of costs onto private insurers and providers because the government is constantly reducing what it pays to providers. Those costs must be made up and it is the shrinking private sector, including insurance, that must pay them.
No argument here. And yet, despite reliable evidence to the contrary, both parties believe that the solution is...wait for it...wait for it...More Government!!!
I was working at a gas station, IIRC $50-60/wk.
So about a month’s take home.
And the hospital wanted it up front. That was w/o any insurance.
Sounds like Romneycare but with more socialism. Did you forget the sarcasm tag?
Forcing people to put money into an account?
Richest forced to put their money into other’s accounts?
Must charge the same price for all services? (ala Venezuela?)
Then taken care of by the government?
Sounds like full blown socialism to me
I’d add one more thing. Allow doctors and hospitals to write off charity care on their taxes. Lots more care available for the poor and uninsured.
I work in an ER. Can I do that too?
“I’d add one more thing. Allow doctors and hospitals to write off charity care on their taxes. Lots more care available for the poor and uninsured.”
Good point...but it would have to be unattached to any obligation to the service provider, (forcing them to offer services in a quid pro quo)...I think there would be a lot more care given that way...
Some good thoughts, although not likely possible. I’m thinking that a compromise with the devilcrats is in order.
Give them their new government program, but make it for catastrophic/chronic care only. Limit private insurance exposure to say $50,000 per year, per life and let the employers and employees enjoy the lower premiums. After it works well, let private insurance eventually take over Medicare and Medicaid with a similar capped exposure per life. In this scenario, government would initially be provided the control of the exceptional cost cases. But, costs for all other Americans would go down dramatically.
OK, back to my cigar now.
Why not?
If modest co-pays (say $25-$50) were required for everyone entering ERs, it would, IMHO, certainly tend to make people think twice before using the ER as their personal physician. Imagine---emergency rooms actually used for...wait for it...wait for it...emergencies!!!!
I'm awake, but still dreaming....
Give them their new government program, but make it for catastrophic/chronic care only. Limit private insurance exposure to say $50,000 per year, per life and let the employers and employees enjoy the lower premiums. After it works well, let private insurance eventually take over Medicare and Medicaid with a similar capped exposure per life. In this scenario, government would initially be provided the control of the exceptional cost cases. But, costs for all other Americans would go down dramatically.
OK, back to my cigar now.
Well, at least you clarified it was a cigar you were smoking---kidding!
Sorry, I don't favor any compromise. "Payment is expected at the time services are rendered."
The prudent will purchase insurance to mitigate their risk. Those who don't want to purchase insurance will (in my dreams) mitigate their risks in other ways by not engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Should they suffer a (non auto, non work related) catastrophe, they can work out a repayment plan with the service provider.
“Payment is expected at the time services are rendered.”
While virtuous, certainly impossible.
Your thread got me thinking about where the current health care plan debate is going to end up. I figure we’re in for a new government program of some kind. If so, make it one that reduces cost for the employers and the people while keeping the same care.
Although I have been a proponent of MSA’s/HSA’s in the past, they haven’t flourished to a point where a widespread conversion to personal responsibility is even a remote possibility. This during a period of Republicans controlling DC.
We are already hearing some hints that the Democrats are going to go for a compromise plan. They will shove something through and I was looking for a way to make the best of it.
Good morning.
Obamacare: a tax on your life.
I'm very glad about that!!!
I have to leave, now, like MacArthur, I promise that I shall return...
Well said! Exceptional tagline, also. I have to leave now...
Nowdays somebody at a gas station probably makes $400/wk or 1600/mo.
Cost of normal baby delivery according to this: http://www.costhelper.com/cost/child/baby-delivery.html
is minimum $10K, so out of pocket it would be minimum 6-7 months of pay.
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