Thoughts about Health Care

Nurse and hospital workers at Gettysburg
From: Francis T. Miller, The Photographic History of the Civil War, 1911 (credit)


Well, I thought I was going to end silly week with the second Limerick, but this news came my way today. So, I'll end silly week with, Politics.

The health care issue is a big thing here in the US, rightly so. The US outspends other countries about two to one in administration costs.

Something that definitely needs to be addressed. For the most part, most everyone I talk with agrees that something needs to be done so that the poor guys stuck in the middle are able to have their medical needs adequately met (the rich will always be seen to, the poor have government aid). Most Everyone I talk to Do Not want Socialized medicine! How do our government officials think they can afford it? Or, are they trying to Feel how they think about it as they work things out? (*Emotion based thinking/planning, a post for another day)

The plan in Massachusetts isn't doing well:

"Universal coverage in any form is an increasingly elusive goal. Several states (including California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin) have attempted major efforts to advance toward health coverage for all citizens. All have had to turn back because the costs were prohibitive." (Hawaii also)
Source

Don't get me wrong, I want EVERYONE to have adequate and affordable health care access.
I am in the health care profession. I see the need. I see the waste. I see the ridiculous things that bureaucracy and the liability culture heap upon us.

I'd love to hear what UK and others living with socialized medicine have to say. I know that for the average problem, things are affordable, accessible, and adequately seen to. However, I've also heard of the horrors of waiting forever for things that should be seen to sooner; and, would the person to have enough cash or private insurance, they would be.

My Swiss friend spoke of the health care she received while back at home. I think the US should take a closer look at the Swiss system. While not perfect, there are things that can be learned.
I like the idea of health care not being employer based. This is one thing that can be so limiting to a person with making life choices here in the US.

I do have this nagging question, though. If we really want health care (and retirement benefits) improved, would things be more quickly fixed if we demand that Congress have the same medical and retirement package like the rest of us?

This video clip is a reflection of things to come, I wonder. People are tired of elitist government officials; people are nervous, upset. These politicians are not royalty, they're public officials, so why should we the people have to 'wait to have an audience'?

I know, I know, politicians are busy people too...they have all of our money that they're busy spending, and sending business by way of family members....too bad these Retirees didn't have any money to donate at the time, maybe Ms Feinstein would have had time for them, to hear their grievances, as a public servant should...

(and yes, I know that the reality is that things can't be dropped for any 'drop-in'; however, the way this situation and these people were handled seems to speak volumes).

(*Feelings based motivation can be a good thing, but logic needs to prevail when programs are implemented that involve human behavior and economics: Food for thought and the WIC program, a post for another day)