This issue troubles me greatly when I see the general populace discuss it. Screaming about “socialism!” and the like just makes me cringe. Successful, stable, post-consumer industrialized nations have complimentary aspects of differing economic models in place to best care for their citizens. But for some reason, citizens of the United States seem to respond with alarmist, knee-jerk rhetoric to paradigms deemed unfit during the Cold War. Times have changed. Integrated systems work in multiple countries. Yet we are still screaming about “socialism!” and “privitization!” Sometimes I think our current mess of a health care system has more to do with mass stupidity than corporate corruption.

On a less judgemental note, McCain’s plan worries me because group protections could be eliminated, making coverage extremely expensive and/or unavailable to many people, particularly those with existing health conditions. Obama’s plan would provide care for the uncovered. As someone who works for a health-related non-profit, I’m encouraged by this. We provide protection where the government falls short, particularly for those who are denied care at traditional medical facilities (again, sorry Pizzadude–most of my family is involved in the medical industry throughout the country and have been told to turn people away who come in for care. Mandantory care is only provided in emergency situations. As a result, non-profit groups have to take up the slack, if they are able).

It’s unfortunate that most americans buy into the ‘big government’ would ruin the current (bad) system. Most people would benefit, even successful entrepreneur-types.

Unfortunately many people like pizzaforadream won’t understand unless he personally suffers a catastrophic or chronic illness that would make him uninsurable.

We were on that for about 8mos. Swithced companies again and participated in an HMO for a couple of years. However, that cost rose to about $1600 a month and our portion was going to be about $750. We still had $20 co-pays for visits and medicine. We switched to a PPO thinking we would save money. It didn’t. It was a nightmare. However, not once did I think someone else should be taxed to reduce my bills.

We finally moved to an HSA. Current deductuble is $3600 and our cost is about the same in premiums. So we pay about $7200 for medical coverage. The HSA has been the best plan yet.

I hear people complaining that they only make this and make that. I’m with PizzaForADream. I’ve worked two jobs most of my life and my wife even does some day care. If you don’t make enought money, find a 2nd job or do something to earn more funds. It isn’t my job or PFAD’s to be taxed to help pay your health care. I don’t think Health Care is a right. We’ve had our share of medical problems and emergencies. We have always had to work with the hospitals and insurance companies to get them paid. In the USA, you have the right to pursue happiness, not to it.

As to McCain Vs. Obama. I heard in the debate that the credit was to the person, not the company. I’ll have to go read the text. But again, I’m not in favor of that anyway. I think the biggest difference between them is one (Obama) believes they know better how to spend your money (higher taxes). The other (McCain) believes you should make your own decisions (lower taxes). I will say I believe the whole party system should be scrapped. Most of us tend to vote our party instead of who is the best candidate. The party system also generally only leaves us with two viable candidates. I would certainly love to pick from a bigger field.

In-network / Out-of-Network, bills from assistants I didn’t know about, undifined costs, sheesh, seems like you don’t stand a chance. If something is out-of-network then standard/customary doesn’t apply so everyone can try and get you for everything they can. WHAT A MESS!

I pay nearly $6,000, and growing, in premiums every year. We’ve had 2 out-patient surgeries in our family in the last two years, and have maxed out the rest of our insurance requirements but still paid more than $5,000 out of pocket.

The basic math says we paid more than $11,000 each year for health coverage protection. Initially, you would think the insurance company took a hit on us because of our expenses but since they only pay the medical community a reduced amount called “Usual and Customary”, I am sure they still made a considerable profit at everyone else’s expense.

So, why do I have insurance?

Complaining hasn’t done me or anyone else I know any good in this arena so I’m proposing a new PUBLIC outcry. Please visit my website http://www.stoprapingme.org and get involved. There are images to send to people that they might send to others, and they . . . Hopefully we can mobilize a public outcry, determine some stop-gap solutions that will start a reform action.