Can urgent care send me a bill for extra charges after my visit?
My wife & I had sinus infections and went to an urgent care facility since we were on vacation in the US (we live in France). I signed up for some discount card and the fee for the visit was $68/each. We saw the nurse practioner and she swabbed our mouths for a strep test and when that was negative she gave us antibiotics. We thought all was good. Then I received a bill for $91 for each of us. There is an $80 "weekend" charge for both of us (we were there on a Saturday). There was also $34 for strep test. The $80 is obviously bogus, they told us the visit was $68 and that's what we paid. I'm very surprised they would try and screw us on that but I guess that's how this particular company operates. The $34 strep test is what I'm asking about. I looked up the symptoms for strep and we didn't have any of them. None. I think the only reason she did this test was to bill us $34. She did not advice us there would be an extra charge. What should I do?
Other - General Health Care - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
All tests are always charged separately. (You've now learned something.) A throat culture isn't abnormal given you had sinus infection and probably your throat was red from drainage - and if the test had came back positive, you might have gotten a different prescription. You have an argument for the $68 vs. $80. Not your fault if the desk misinformed you (you had an offer and an acceptance). That's their problem.
2 :
Unfortunately the way our medical system works here in the US, there are many "ancillary" charges that can trickle in on a simple visit to an urgent care clinic. Because various services are broken out separately, you can receive a "facility use" charge for the exam room along with the actual strep test charge. The $68 you paid was probably the "professional fees" for the nurse to do her exam and write a script. On top of everything, the nurse (or any other person at the clinic) doesn't have to inform you that there will be additional charges since it is your responsibility to know your benefits and limitations on the discount policy. I wish I had better news, but honestly I would (1) pay the charges and chalk it up to experience or (2) ignore the charges and have it written off as a "bad debt account". Good luck.
3 :
Most all of my medical visits are followed with a trail of bills from everybody who walked through the room. I personally think we have a terrible system of payment for medical services in the US. They probably did the strep test to assure they were treating with the right antibiotic, and culture and sensitivity takes days so they did not choose that option. Also, there are those that are lawsuit happy, and many unnecessary tests are done just to prevent lawsuits. Yes it is very possible that they charged extra for the weekend as most physicians offices are closed during the weekend, and one has to go to ER and get charged outrageous prices. Some small towns do not have an urgent care on weekends. Visits to my regular MD easily run $100 even through the week and that is when I am feeling fine and without any labs. I am afraid you have just found out why so many people in the US are wanting better medical help, insurance for all. We have a terrible system with the insurance companies getting rich because they only insure healthy people. Sorry I got so long winded, but this is a sore spot with many Americans. I don't know why type of system you have in France, but it apparently does not have the surprises we have here.
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Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Pleeeeeese give me some advice with my research Paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've posted what I have so far.
Pleeeeeese give me some advice with my research Paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've posted what I have so far...?
any advice or opinions WELCOMED, I'm stumped:( Ok so its for History class and I chose Americas involvement in World War II. I had to pick sources and I picked Eisenhower's memoir of D-Day and his naval aid officers diary that he took over the three years Eisenhower was general so that includes D-Day. But the way these books are written is so uninteresting and dry there is no good information in them so now I don't know what to do. And I have to site my sources. So Please read what I've got and and if you have any options of how I could lay the rest of it out or discuss it would really help. Thanks so much!!!!!!!! Oh it's got to be 4 pages I've got only about 1 so far;( There are so many facets of World War II that can be researched, discussed and even argued, some examples are Adolf Hitler, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, military nurses and what they witnessed, tales of heroism, the list goes on and on. This is perhaps why there is such a vast majority of books and documentaries that have covered different elements of that truly unforgettable time in history. As a result there are no doubt countless events that may come to mind when thinking about WWII but when considering America’s involvement in the war an event that is recognized for being one of the bloodiest days in our countries history may come to mind and that is the day American soldiers were sent to storm the beaches of Normandy, also known as D-Day. A few books that give profound insight into this tragic incident and the days surrounding it are Dwight D. Eisenhower’s own personal memoir “Crusade in Europeâ€, Captain Harry C. Butcher’s “My Three Years with Eisenhower†a private diary of Eisenhower’s actions during that time written by Eisenhower’s naval aide and “War Stories†written by Elizabeth Mullener which contains countless tales from soldiers who made it out alive. All three of these books contain individual accounts of that day and period in time and therefore are able to give superior insight into America’s participation in WWII and D-Day. On Tuesday June 6, 1944 American troops met with Canadian and British troops on the beach of Normandy to try and impede German forces. Eisenhower had been put into the position of commander over the Allied Expeditionary Force giving him total control over the troops that were to invade France. D-Day or also known as, Operation Overload, was the commencement of one of the biggest invasion in the history of warfare and would turn the tide of WWII. By this time WWII had been going on for several years beginning with Hitler’s invasion into Poland in 1939. The U.S had been reluctant to get involved with the war b
Homework Help - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.
2 :
Stultifyingly boring. Where is the human element ?
Read more discussion :
any advice or opinions WELCOMED, I'm stumped:( Ok so its for History class and I chose Americas involvement in World War II. I had to pick sources and I picked Eisenhower's memoir of D-Day and his naval aid officers diary that he took over the three years Eisenhower was general so that includes D-Day. But the way these books are written is so uninteresting and dry there is no good information in them so now I don't know what to do. And I have to site my sources. So Please read what I've got and and if you have any options of how I could lay the rest of it out or discuss it would really help. Thanks so much!!!!!!!! Oh it's got to be 4 pages I've got only about 1 so far;( There are so many facets of World War II that can be researched, discussed and even argued, some examples are Adolf Hitler, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, military nurses and what they witnessed, tales of heroism, the list goes on and on. This is perhaps why there is such a vast majority of books and documentaries that have covered different elements of that truly unforgettable time in history. As a result there are no doubt countless events that may come to mind when thinking about WWII but when considering America’s involvement in the war an event that is recognized for being one of the bloodiest days in our countries history may come to mind and that is the day American soldiers were sent to storm the beaches of Normandy, also known as D-Day. A few books that give profound insight into this tragic incident and the days surrounding it are Dwight D. Eisenhower’s own personal memoir “Crusade in Europeâ€, Captain Harry C. Butcher’s “My Three Years with Eisenhower†a private diary of Eisenhower’s actions during that time written by Eisenhower’s naval aide and “War Stories†written by Elizabeth Mullener which contains countless tales from soldiers who made it out alive. All three of these books contain individual accounts of that day and period in time and therefore are able to give superior insight into America’s participation in WWII and D-Day. On Tuesday June 6, 1944 American troops met with Canadian and British troops on the beach of Normandy to try and impede German forces. Eisenhower had been put into the position of commander over the Allied Expeditionary Force giving him total control over the troops that were to invade France. D-Day or also known as, Operation Overload, was the commencement of one of the biggest invasion in the history of warfare and would turn the tide of WWII. By this time WWII had been going on for several years beginning with Hitler’s invasion into Poland in 1939. The U.S had been reluctant to get involved with the war b
Homework Help - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.
2 :
Stultifyingly boring. Where is the human element ?
Read more discussion :
Sunday, August 7, 2011
What does COLOURS (stanza 1 line 3) means
What does COLOURS (stanza 1 line 3) means?
i'm doing this poetry analysis of poem by Robert W. Service entitled Young Fellow My Lad.. this is the poem: "Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad, On this glittering morn of May?" "I'm going to join the Colours, Dad; They're looking for men, they say." "But you're only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad; You aren't obliged to go." "I'm seventeen and a quarter, Dad, And ever so strong, you know." "So you're off to France, Young Fellow My Lad, And you're looking so fit and bright." "I'm terribly sorry to leave you, Dad, But I feel that I'm doing right." "God bless you and keep you, Young Fellow My Lad, You're all of my life, you know." "Don't worry. I'll soon be back, dear Dad, And I'm awfully proud to go." "Why don't you write, Young Fellow My Lad? I watch for the post each day; And I miss you so, and I'm awfully sad, And it's months since you went away. And I've had the fire in the parlour lit, And I'm keeping it burning bright Till my boy comes home; and here I sit Into the quiet night. "What is the matter, Young Fellow My Lad? No letter again to-day. Why did the postman look so sad, And sigh as he turned away? I hear them tell that we've gained new ground, But a terrible price we've paid: God grant, my boy, that you're safe and sound But oh I'm afraid, afraid." "They've told me the truth, Young Fellow My Lad: You'll never come back again: (Oh God! the dreams and the dreams I've had, and the hopes I've nursed in vain!) For you passed in the night, Young Fellow My Lad, And you proved in the cruel test Of the screaming shell and the battle hell That my boy was one of the best. "So you'll live, you'll live, Young Fellow My Lad, In the gleam of the evening star, In the wood-note wild and the laugh of the child, In all sweet things that are. And you'll never die, my wonderful boy, While life is noble and true; For all our beauty and hope and joy We will owe to our lads like you."
Poetry - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
COLOURS means WOMENS OR GIRLS. But as he is boy so he cant go.His dad says But boy says that he s seventeen and quarter.
2 :
He's refferring to the Army, or maybe Marines or something.
3 :
I think it means work, or new land, or maybe even girls.women.
4 :
There are different meanings of this Word.The closest meanings to this context must be referred to: ` 1,"ENLIGHTENMENT' 2, FLAGS OF CERTAIN COUNTRY OR NATION [ARMY] 3.AWARD SOME RECONITION FOR RANKS IN ARMY 4 ARMY AFFAIRS DWELLING A POSITION SALUTER /DECORATION WITH RANKING AWARD FOR GREAT ACTS OF GALLENTRY OR BRAVERY OR IN SPORT
5 :
"colours" is referring to the army. He's off to don the uniform of a soldier. I'm assuming they're in England judging by the spelling of color, and don't they have colorful soldier's uniforms? I don't know for sure about that. I only know that in the Revolutionary War they were the "red coats" anyway, the third line is talking about him joining the army. He's going to become a soldier and die for his country.
Read more discussion :
i'm doing this poetry analysis of poem by Robert W. Service entitled Young Fellow My Lad.. this is the poem: "Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad, On this glittering morn of May?" "I'm going to join the Colours, Dad; They're looking for men, they say." "But you're only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad; You aren't obliged to go." "I'm seventeen and a quarter, Dad, And ever so strong, you know." "So you're off to France, Young Fellow My Lad, And you're looking so fit and bright." "I'm terribly sorry to leave you, Dad, But I feel that I'm doing right." "God bless you and keep you, Young Fellow My Lad, You're all of my life, you know." "Don't worry. I'll soon be back, dear Dad, And I'm awfully proud to go." "Why don't you write, Young Fellow My Lad? I watch for the post each day; And I miss you so, and I'm awfully sad, And it's months since you went away. And I've had the fire in the parlour lit, And I'm keeping it burning bright Till my boy comes home; and here I sit Into the quiet night. "What is the matter, Young Fellow My Lad? No letter again to-day. Why did the postman look so sad, And sigh as he turned away? I hear them tell that we've gained new ground, But a terrible price we've paid: God grant, my boy, that you're safe and sound But oh I'm afraid, afraid." "They've told me the truth, Young Fellow My Lad: You'll never come back again: (Oh God! the dreams and the dreams I've had, and the hopes I've nursed in vain!) For you passed in the night, Young Fellow My Lad, And you proved in the cruel test Of the screaming shell and the battle hell That my boy was one of the best. "So you'll live, you'll live, Young Fellow My Lad, In the gleam of the evening star, In the wood-note wild and the laugh of the child, In all sweet things that are. And you'll never die, my wonderful boy, While life is noble and true; For all our beauty and hope and joy We will owe to our lads like you."
Poetry - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
COLOURS means WOMENS OR GIRLS. But as he is boy so he cant go.His dad says But boy says that he s seventeen and quarter.
2 :
He's refferring to the Army, or maybe Marines or something.
3 :
I think it means work, or new land, or maybe even girls.women.
4 :
There are different meanings of this Word.The closest meanings to this context must be referred to: ` 1,"ENLIGHTENMENT' 2, FLAGS OF CERTAIN COUNTRY OR NATION [ARMY] 3.AWARD SOME RECONITION FOR RANKS IN ARMY 4 ARMY AFFAIRS DWELLING A POSITION SALUTER /DECORATION WITH RANKING AWARD FOR GREAT ACTS OF GALLENTRY OR BRAVERY OR IN SPORT
5 :
"colours" is referring to the army. He's off to don the uniform of a soldier. I'm assuming they're in England judging by the spelling of color, and don't they have colorful soldier's uniforms? I don't know for sure about that. I only know that in the Revolutionary War they were the "red coats" anyway, the third line is talking about him joining the army. He's going to become a soldier and die for his country.
Read more discussion :
Monday, August 1, 2011
Why are Americans so opposed to socialized/single-payer healthcarertinges
Why are Americans so opposed to socialized/single-payer healthcare?
You don't have to read all of this below... but it's some background so you can know where the question comes from: I've been a nurse at multiple institutions in the U.S., including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, and I can honestly say that most people do not get what they pay for, and many healthcare professionals are both overpaid and overworked, which leads to poor quality, expensive healthcare experiences for many patients. I've been shopping around for countries to move to, because my own healthcare is becoming too expensive (I have chronic cerebral vasculitis and an AVM, requiring several brain surgeries and am in the process of filing for bankruptcy for in excess of $100K that my private health insurance plan will not pay), and I need care, but if I stay in the U.S., I am going to have to file for disability and live off the government in order to get my care. My two jobs do not provide me with healthcare benefits, and I have reached my $750K lifetime maximum, and will never be able to get private health insurance again - unless it is associated with a group healthcare plan with a full time job. My health is brittle enough that I'm predominantly only able to do per diem work. I need the flexibility to sit out from work for a few weeks if I have a bout with seizures. Though per diem work pays quite well, it's rare that it includes healthcare benefits. I've spent a great deal of time in Canada, the U.K., France and Italy, and they all have really phenomenal healthcare systems that are available to people regardless of their ability to afford or even find private health insurance. Many people who would otherwise not be able to work, because they need to be made impoverished to be covered by the government in the U.S., are able to work in these other countries. The current U.S. system seems to encourage capable workers to file for disability and "live off the government," because you have to be very poor in order to get government assistance for medical bills here. Why do people support this? I don't want to be forced out of work. I'm fully capable of working, but just under unusual conditions. Why not just set up a system where healthcare is covered by the government just like education, police, firefighters, military defense and tons of other services that people don't balk about having to pay taxes for? Michael I: I am both a patient with a chronic illness and a nurse. I have spent months at a time in Canada, France, the U.K. and Italy. They have superior healthcare systems. I worked at the Mayo Clinic. I watched foreigners come over and die, because they thought they would get superior care here. I speak from experience. I think for myself. Your condescension is noted, and not appreciated. I ask a question in genuine curiosity, not hostility. Please treat me with respect, and I will grant you the same. 8***L: So what if there are still private systems for people who can afford it? People who want to pay tons of money for FedEx, UPS and DHL have those options as well. What makes you think other systems are terrible? Why are Italy and France ranked number 1 and 2 by the WHO for their healthcare systems. Why is the U.S. between Costa Rica and Slovenia, at 37? Why is the U.S.'s infant mortality rate so high? Why is it that me, a capable worker, is being forced to file for disability, because no job will have me with my chronic illness which requires me to have weeks off at a time? If I work, I make too much to get Medicaid. So now I have to file for bankruptcy to get my unpaid medical bills discharged, and disability to get future bills managed. 3rd Party 2008: As I said, I am looking for other places to live. I don't think that prohibits me from asking the question, though. It's still a "mostly" free country. If I only had $900 to pay for shots, then that would be great. I pay for my $300/mo meds no problem. It's the $100K leftover from brain surgeries I've had in the past 4 years that I can't cover, and now have to file for bankruptcy to manage. asmith1022_2006: On the contrary, the Canadian and U.K. systems do exactly what they set out to do - give citizens access to adequate healthcare regardless of their ability to pay, and without their having to file for bankruptcy or go into debt to get their basic healthcare needs met. I call that a good system. I'm always amazed at how many Americans assume that socialized healthcare systems are horrible, but have absolutely no evidence to back that up. Paki88: You are a very wise 15 year old. I hope you use those smarts and that insight to change the world for the better. Sorry we've left it such a nasty place for you and your generation. We've been most irresponsible. Kimberly G: I completely empathize with you. Part of me is a little smug that because I have no other option, the option I have to take is actually forcing everyone to pay for my healthcare. People tell me they don't want to pay for my healthcare. Guess what... you all are. My bankruptcy means that the hospital didn't get paid for their services, so they have to raise the price of services to the rest of you, which will cause insurance companies to raise the price of coverage. Then my need to file for disability means that your tax dollars are going to go to my daily living expenses *and* my healthcare. In this system, you'll pay for me one way or another. I just think that this way means you pay more, and is worse for everyone.
Politics - 13 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Because I was also against the bail out of wall street. I don't want the same people that brought me the collapse of the financial markets over my health care. that's why? You ever been to a VA hospital? Not to be rude, because I have my own problems. My shots are $900 a piece. I just don't think my neighbor should pay for them. If health care is so great in other countries why are you here? "Canada, the U.K., France and Italy, and they all have really phenomenal healthcare systems that are available to people regardless of their ability to afford or even find private health insurance." Try one of these countries!
2 :
Because my father didn't immigrate from europe so that we can replicate failed socialist policies. BTW, you might want to think for yourself for a change and realize that the US health care system is pretty damn good. Why do you think so many foreigners come here to seek medical attention? The US also has the world's highest cancer survival rates. I would give you links to this, but I'm sure you have more important things to do than verifying facts---like watching Oprah and looking at your People magazine.
3 :
We have socialized single-payer mail delivery, and it sucks.
4 :
That's a great question.
5 :
We'll still have private hospitals for the celebrities, politicians, and wealthy people - the rest of the sheep will get the crumbs left over. There are many other ways of making health care cheaper, without nationalizing it - IF you have a job and are willing to work. Other countries systems are terrible, and I would not like to see that here.
6 :
Because socialized health care will lead to a decline in quality, poor availability of choice, and a lack of incentive for citizens. Not to mention there is no way we could afford it if we wanted to, seeing as we can't pay for the entitlements we have. But look at the examples of the British, and Canadian systems, they are terrible.
7 :
You can thank Nixon for your situation, he was the one that changed the health care system that started the process of destroying our health care system. As far as health care now, i am uncertain that we'll have universal health care in the 4-8 years that Obama is in office, but he would certainly make it plausible in 10 years. McCain would privatize health care, and i will just say i am also uncertain with his plan as well. People do not understand the complex underpinnings of current gov. health coverage. Many republicans only see people on welfare as those who are lazy and are being "enabled". its much easier to oppose when you can say lazy people are getting welfare and not people who have chronic cerebral vasculitis and an AVM. You have picked a really bad era also to bring up socializing health care because people are so ignorant and fearful of everything (Bush,9-11, etc) they don't know what to think. Why would the government want to pick up our health bill when we are making billions on obesity and smoking related illnesses from sick people? ..I'll vote Obama so you can get that health care you so obviously deserve and need. I think these answers previous to me are wonderful examples of the fear and ignorance i was talking about. You are slapping these guys around with counterpoints they can't even start to handle because they are just a bunch of ignorant fear mongers. I don't see any other edits....
8 :
Police and firefighters are employed at the state and city level. The education that is government funded is terrible. Honestly, I have no faith that the government is going to make it any better for you. They don't do anything besides screw up. France and englands health care isn't all that it's cracked up to be either. I have a buddy in France I play CS with that complains about the healthcare in France all the time. England has a shortage of doctors, and you want to talk about under payed, check out the NHS pay scales most doctors in the U.S. make much more. Examples, Canada uses the United States as a safety valve for its overtaxed health care system,with provincial governments and patients spending a combined total of more than $1 billion a year on U.S. medical care. To reduce its waiting lists, the British National Health Service (NHS) recently announced the decision to treat some NHS patients in private hospitals, reversing alongstanding policy of only using public (NHS) hospitals. Over 7 million people in Britain now have private health insurance, and since the Labor government’s first year in office, the number of patients paying out-of-pocket or medical treatment has increased 40 percent to 160,000 annually. The list goes on. The following report examines the evidence concerning national health insurance. I suggest you read it and take an empirical approach to what will be the best option for you given your condition. Our system isn't perfect, far from it in fact... but the idea that government is going to fix your problems is a bit overconfident. Here is the link. http://www.debate-central.org/topics/2002/book2.pdf
9 :
The most common reason that people give for opposing a single-payer plan is that it would lead to rationing of health care because of the expense. Personally, I find this odd, considering the fact that our health care "system" is already the most expensive in the world and is being rationed by insurance companies. Another argument is that the government is too dysfunctional to manage a system of this size. They see the poor quality of the VA system and believe that is what it would look like. But, the people are the government. We should be able to handle this. I refuse to believe that other countries are more capable that we are. And then there are those who simply say they don't want to pay for someone else's health care. They don't seem to realize that we're already paying every-time someone is forced to declare bankruptcy due to an illness that insurance refused to cover.
10 :
The cost of course. Canada spends over $4,000 per person on their single payer system. Great Britain spends over $3,300 per person. So a little over a trillion dollars a year, to do that in the US. Not counting the start up cost, since the US doesn't actually have its own medical facilities and would have to either buy or lease the medical clinics and hospitals. When US tax revenue from corporate and individual income tax's is only 1.5 trillion. Just how will they come up with the trillion dollars to fund national health care ? We would need 66% more tax revenue, than we currently receive.
11 :
I agree with you 100%, Even though I'm 15 I can see what a horrible Health Care system this country has and how the corrupt insurance companies don't cover anything, they bail when you get that 100k Surgery. Money isn't a problem either, how did we get that extra 2 trillion $$ for the war? If we can spend that much on the war then we can defiantly afford health care. America needs to wake up, why are we always the last ones to incorperate action, Europe is much smarter than us, they have been around longer than us, they abolished slavery first while we thought it was absurd, now look at us, we make more money than any other nation on Earth yet we can't get free health care, this is such BS. Also these idiots who oppose it, have no evidence to back themselves up, they just hate it, because it has the word socialist in it. This is why Other countries in the world think of us as "stupid americans".
12 :
Because I see what the government does with the health care they handle now and it's not good. I watched my mom's boyfriend get his tooth pulled by a sadistic nurse with no pain relief in a va hospital. I watch my best friend become a cripple because the government can't take care of the men and women that serve this country. He will be in a wheelchair in another 2-3 years because the government denied him treatment until it was too late. That and I pay for my insurance and I work at a crappy job to pay for it but it at least takes care of my families insurance needs and honestly I don't want to pay for someone else's insurance knowing that nobody will help me. Would I like more affordable health insurance? Yes. Will Obama provide it? No. The only way it will get better is if we regulate the insurance companies and stop them from constantly raising their rates. rachelesse I understand where you're coming from. You have a health issue that is causing issues with work and life and it is hard to pay for your medical bills. My mom worked for a company for 10 years who did nothing but treat her like cheap slave labor and she did it to put food on the table. My sister and I finally talked her into quitting her job because we found out the job was killing her. She has perminant back damage and she is having so much trouble finding a job. We're talking to a lawyer about disability from her previous employer and to see about full disability for her but the government will not help. I do believe that we should help those that need the help and regulating the insurance companies is one way to start. They are blood sucking leeches that will stop at nothing to suck us dry. What I oppose is the lazy majority out there not willing to work or if they are willing to work they are not willing to pay the extra money for health insurance so they expect the government to take care of them. I don't trust the government healthcare system because they do not have our best interest at heart. My son was on state medicare for a year before I found the job I have right now. The doctors were never willing to treat him for his ear infections they would say nothing was wrong only to find out he had a serious ear infection. Then they wanted to put tubes in his ears. His new doctor that I took him to after I got insurance diagnosed that drainage from his allergies was causing the ear infections, she put him on some allergy medication and he hasn't had an ear infection in over 2 years.
13 :
The problem is most Americans are cement headed and just it comes to plain stupidity because they have never had this system. Americans believe that they will be paying for someone else's medical bills and it's going to cost them more money blah blah blah. It's 100% complete BS, you'd know that living overseas. Americans don't realise , all the money they give yearly on medical insurance, 'can' if they choose, to stay in there wallets and give them an extra $30 plus to whatever they pay a week they pay a week out of there weekly income. Rather than giving it away to an insurance company who can knock back treatment or add a extra expense they don't cover or loose all the money they paid out on insurance if they loose or change jobs etc. In reality how many times in a year does the average person go see a doctor or requires medical treatment a year. Most people don't or they may see a doctor maybe once or twice a year, which they all pay annually thousands of dollars a year for a fifteen minute consultation for a script of antibiotics. I left the US and live overseas, almost all countries in the world have Universal Health Care systems, including the one I live in. Australia it costs nothing to see a doctor and you pay only four dollars and sixty cents for a script. During this winter I developed double Pneumonia, I seen a doctor had a chest x ray and blood test , all it cost me was four dollars sixty cents for the course of anti biotic nothing else. Also I had full lazer treatment to remove a benign mole and follow up treatment to see if spread it cost me nothing. In the US that treatment would have cost me thousands of dollars in expenses as it is not covered by insurance. The Universal medical health care umbrella covers everyone and you can still have your own private health insurance if you choose too.Here in Australia if you have ever have to pay out anything on medical expenses, you get 85% of your money back through medicare or you can bulk bill treatment and get it for free. We don't pay extra taxes for this, or have to wait for medical treatment or have added expenses or ever knocked back by having a pre existing illness. If you become ill or injured you don't have the stress or worry on top of getting money together for any treatment. Same if you loose your job and loose your medical insurance, you still get full medical treatment. There are no such thing's as a government doctor or only getting the treatment an insurance company allows, you always get full first class medical treatment for the whole family and yourself. You can see your family doctor, specialist, psychiatrist of your choice for free. Free hospital stays, or if you have a baby etc etc need blood or X ray test MRI scans, ultra sounds, follow up treatment, asthma tests or oxygen plasters, injections, operations , mammograms, bone scans, cancer treatment, hip replacement, physo or dental, optical etc ,etc, etc all 100% free. You even get a free pair of presciption glasses or dentures every year if you need them. When you do your annual taxation claim you are personally asked if you required any medical treatment during the taxation period, if no you don't pay any taxes, if you did more than seeing a GP, about twenty dollars is charge on low and up to sixty dollars plus per year for high wage earners who can afford insurance. For a lousy $ 20 to $60 dollars a year taken from your tax return is nothing to have you and your whole family covered for a year is nothing when most Americans have to mortgage there house for the same treatment. If your not working or on disability you don't pay a cent. You pay more to a tax advisor to do your yearly taxes than you pay for yearly health care for you and your whole family. The other silly question is the money must come from some where, well your weekly taxes, the government reeps also state taxes on each item you purchase goes towards it. The government just paid out seven hundred billion dollars of US tax dollar plus to wall street which should of be used on the public education and health system not bailing out richie rich. This reserve could have financed these systems where the US public would get benefits and money worth by the taxes they pay yearly. Which makes this system fair for all Americans not just the privileged or only the destitute but for every American.
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You don't have to read all of this below... but it's some background so you can know where the question comes from: I've been a nurse at multiple institutions in the U.S., including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, and I can honestly say that most people do not get what they pay for, and many healthcare professionals are both overpaid and overworked, which leads to poor quality, expensive healthcare experiences for many patients. I've been shopping around for countries to move to, because my own healthcare is becoming too expensive (I have chronic cerebral vasculitis and an AVM, requiring several brain surgeries and am in the process of filing for bankruptcy for in excess of $100K that my private health insurance plan will not pay), and I need care, but if I stay in the U.S., I am going to have to file for disability and live off the government in order to get my care. My two jobs do not provide me with healthcare benefits, and I have reached my $750K lifetime maximum, and will never be able to get private health insurance again - unless it is associated with a group healthcare plan with a full time job. My health is brittle enough that I'm predominantly only able to do per diem work. I need the flexibility to sit out from work for a few weeks if I have a bout with seizures. Though per diem work pays quite well, it's rare that it includes healthcare benefits. I've spent a great deal of time in Canada, the U.K., France and Italy, and they all have really phenomenal healthcare systems that are available to people regardless of their ability to afford or even find private health insurance. Many people who would otherwise not be able to work, because they need to be made impoverished to be covered by the government in the U.S., are able to work in these other countries. The current U.S. system seems to encourage capable workers to file for disability and "live off the government," because you have to be very poor in order to get government assistance for medical bills here. Why do people support this? I don't want to be forced out of work. I'm fully capable of working, but just under unusual conditions. Why not just set up a system where healthcare is covered by the government just like education, police, firefighters, military defense and tons of other services that people don't balk about having to pay taxes for? Michael I: I am both a patient with a chronic illness and a nurse. I have spent months at a time in Canada, France, the U.K. and Italy. They have superior healthcare systems. I worked at the Mayo Clinic. I watched foreigners come over and die, because they thought they would get superior care here. I speak from experience. I think for myself. Your condescension is noted, and not appreciated. I ask a question in genuine curiosity, not hostility. Please treat me with respect, and I will grant you the same. 8***L: So what if there are still private systems for people who can afford it? People who want to pay tons of money for FedEx, UPS and DHL have those options as well. What makes you think other systems are terrible? Why are Italy and France ranked number 1 and 2 by the WHO for their healthcare systems. Why is the U.S. between Costa Rica and Slovenia, at 37? Why is the U.S.'s infant mortality rate so high? Why is it that me, a capable worker, is being forced to file for disability, because no job will have me with my chronic illness which requires me to have weeks off at a time? If I work, I make too much to get Medicaid. So now I have to file for bankruptcy to get my unpaid medical bills discharged, and disability to get future bills managed. 3rd Party 2008: As I said, I am looking for other places to live. I don't think that prohibits me from asking the question, though. It's still a "mostly" free country. If I only had $900 to pay for shots, then that would be great. I pay for my $300/mo meds no problem. It's the $100K leftover from brain surgeries I've had in the past 4 years that I can't cover, and now have to file for bankruptcy to manage. asmith1022_2006: On the contrary, the Canadian and U.K. systems do exactly what they set out to do - give citizens access to adequate healthcare regardless of their ability to pay, and without their having to file for bankruptcy or go into debt to get their basic healthcare needs met. I call that a good system. I'm always amazed at how many Americans assume that socialized healthcare systems are horrible, but have absolutely no evidence to back that up. Paki88: You are a very wise 15 year old. I hope you use those smarts and that insight to change the world for the better. Sorry we've left it such a nasty place for you and your generation. We've been most irresponsible. Kimberly G: I completely empathize with you. Part of me is a little smug that because I have no other option, the option I have to take is actually forcing everyone to pay for my healthcare. People tell me they don't want to pay for my healthcare. Guess what... you all are. My bankruptcy means that the hospital didn't get paid for their services, so they have to raise the price of services to the rest of you, which will cause insurance companies to raise the price of coverage. Then my need to file for disability means that your tax dollars are going to go to my daily living expenses *and* my healthcare. In this system, you'll pay for me one way or another. I just think that this way means you pay more, and is worse for everyone.
Politics - 13 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Because I was also against the bail out of wall street. I don't want the same people that brought me the collapse of the financial markets over my health care. that's why? You ever been to a VA hospital? Not to be rude, because I have my own problems. My shots are $900 a piece. I just don't think my neighbor should pay for them. If health care is so great in other countries why are you here? "Canada, the U.K., France and Italy, and they all have really phenomenal healthcare systems that are available to people regardless of their ability to afford or even find private health insurance." Try one of these countries!
2 :
Because my father didn't immigrate from europe so that we can replicate failed socialist policies. BTW, you might want to think for yourself for a change and realize that the US health care system is pretty damn good. Why do you think so many foreigners come here to seek medical attention? The US also has the world's highest cancer survival rates. I would give you links to this, but I'm sure you have more important things to do than verifying facts---like watching Oprah and looking at your People magazine.
3 :
We have socialized single-payer mail delivery, and it sucks.
4 :
That's a great question.
5 :
We'll still have private hospitals for the celebrities, politicians, and wealthy people - the rest of the sheep will get the crumbs left over. There are many other ways of making health care cheaper, without nationalizing it - IF you have a job and are willing to work. Other countries systems are terrible, and I would not like to see that here.
6 :
Because socialized health care will lead to a decline in quality, poor availability of choice, and a lack of incentive for citizens. Not to mention there is no way we could afford it if we wanted to, seeing as we can't pay for the entitlements we have. But look at the examples of the British, and Canadian systems, they are terrible.
7 :
You can thank Nixon for your situation, he was the one that changed the health care system that started the process of destroying our health care system. As far as health care now, i am uncertain that we'll have universal health care in the 4-8 years that Obama is in office, but he would certainly make it plausible in 10 years. McCain would privatize health care, and i will just say i am also uncertain with his plan as well. People do not understand the complex underpinnings of current gov. health coverage. Many republicans only see people on welfare as those who are lazy and are being "enabled". its much easier to oppose when you can say lazy people are getting welfare and not people who have chronic cerebral vasculitis and an AVM. You have picked a really bad era also to bring up socializing health care because people are so ignorant and fearful of everything (Bush,9-11, etc) they don't know what to think. Why would the government want to pick up our health bill when we are making billions on obesity and smoking related illnesses from sick people? ..I'll vote Obama so you can get that health care you so obviously deserve and need. I think these answers previous to me are wonderful examples of the fear and ignorance i was talking about. You are slapping these guys around with counterpoints they can't even start to handle because they are just a bunch of ignorant fear mongers. I don't see any other edits....
8 :
Police and firefighters are employed at the state and city level. The education that is government funded is terrible. Honestly, I have no faith that the government is going to make it any better for you. They don't do anything besides screw up. France and englands health care isn't all that it's cracked up to be either. I have a buddy in France I play CS with that complains about the healthcare in France all the time. England has a shortage of doctors, and you want to talk about under payed, check out the NHS pay scales most doctors in the U.S. make much more. Examples, Canada uses the United States as a safety valve for its overtaxed health care system,with provincial governments and patients spending a combined total of more than $1 billion a year on U.S. medical care. To reduce its waiting lists, the British National Health Service (NHS) recently announced the decision to treat some NHS patients in private hospitals, reversing alongstanding policy of only using public (NHS) hospitals. Over 7 million people in Britain now have private health insurance, and since the Labor government’s first year in office, the number of patients paying out-of-pocket or medical treatment has increased 40 percent to 160,000 annually. The list goes on. The following report examines the evidence concerning national health insurance. I suggest you read it and take an empirical approach to what will be the best option for you given your condition. Our system isn't perfect, far from it in fact... but the idea that government is going to fix your problems is a bit overconfident. Here is the link. http://www.debate-central.org/topics/2002/book2.pdf
9 :
The most common reason that people give for opposing a single-payer plan is that it would lead to rationing of health care because of the expense. Personally, I find this odd, considering the fact that our health care "system" is already the most expensive in the world and is being rationed by insurance companies. Another argument is that the government is too dysfunctional to manage a system of this size. They see the poor quality of the VA system and believe that is what it would look like. But, the people are the government. We should be able to handle this. I refuse to believe that other countries are more capable that we are. And then there are those who simply say they don't want to pay for someone else's health care. They don't seem to realize that we're already paying every-time someone is forced to declare bankruptcy due to an illness that insurance refused to cover.
10 :
The cost of course. Canada spends over $4,000 per person on their single payer system. Great Britain spends over $3,300 per person. So a little over a trillion dollars a year, to do that in the US. Not counting the start up cost, since the US doesn't actually have its own medical facilities and would have to either buy or lease the medical clinics and hospitals. When US tax revenue from corporate and individual income tax's is only 1.5 trillion. Just how will they come up with the trillion dollars to fund national health care ? We would need 66% more tax revenue, than we currently receive.
11 :
I agree with you 100%, Even though I'm 15 I can see what a horrible Health Care system this country has and how the corrupt insurance companies don't cover anything, they bail when you get that 100k Surgery. Money isn't a problem either, how did we get that extra 2 trillion $$ for the war? If we can spend that much on the war then we can defiantly afford health care. America needs to wake up, why are we always the last ones to incorperate action, Europe is much smarter than us, they have been around longer than us, they abolished slavery first while we thought it was absurd, now look at us, we make more money than any other nation on Earth yet we can't get free health care, this is such BS. Also these idiots who oppose it, have no evidence to back themselves up, they just hate it, because it has the word socialist in it. This is why Other countries in the world think of us as "stupid americans".
12 :
Because I see what the government does with the health care they handle now and it's not good. I watched my mom's boyfriend get his tooth pulled by a sadistic nurse with no pain relief in a va hospital. I watch my best friend become a cripple because the government can't take care of the men and women that serve this country. He will be in a wheelchair in another 2-3 years because the government denied him treatment until it was too late. That and I pay for my insurance and I work at a crappy job to pay for it but it at least takes care of my families insurance needs and honestly I don't want to pay for someone else's insurance knowing that nobody will help me. Would I like more affordable health insurance? Yes. Will Obama provide it? No. The only way it will get better is if we regulate the insurance companies and stop them from constantly raising their rates. rachelesse I understand where you're coming from. You have a health issue that is causing issues with work and life and it is hard to pay for your medical bills. My mom worked for a company for 10 years who did nothing but treat her like cheap slave labor and she did it to put food on the table. My sister and I finally talked her into quitting her job because we found out the job was killing her. She has perminant back damage and she is having so much trouble finding a job. We're talking to a lawyer about disability from her previous employer and to see about full disability for her but the government will not help. I do believe that we should help those that need the help and regulating the insurance companies is one way to start. They are blood sucking leeches that will stop at nothing to suck us dry. What I oppose is the lazy majority out there not willing to work or if they are willing to work they are not willing to pay the extra money for health insurance so they expect the government to take care of them. I don't trust the government healthcare system because they do not have our best interest at heart. My son was on state medicare for a year before I found the job I have right now. The doctors were never willing to treat him for his ear infections they would say nothing was wrong only to find out he had a serious ear infection. Then they wanted to put tubes in his ears. His new doctor that I took him to after I got insurance diagnosed that drainage from his allergies was causing the ear infections, she put him on some allergy medication and he hasn't had an ear infection in over 2 years.
13 :
The problem is most Americans are cement headed and just it comes to plain stupidity because they have never had this system. Americans believe that they will be paying for someone else's medical bills and it's going to cost them more money blah blah blah. It's 100% complete BS, you'd know that living overseas. Americans don't realise , all the money they give yearly on medical insurance, 'can' if they choose, to stay in there wallets and give them an extra $30 plus to whatever they pay a week they pay a week out of there weekly income. Rather than giving it away to an insurance company who can knock back treatment or add a extra expense they don't cover or loose all the money they paid out on insurance if they loose or change jobs etc. In reality how many times in a year does the average person go see a doctor or requires medical treatment a year. Most people don't or they may see a doctor maybe once or twice a year, which they all pay annually thousands of dollars a year for a fifteen minute consultation for a script of antibiotics. I left the US and live overseas, almost all countries in the world have Universal Health Care systems, including the one I live in. Australia it costs nothing to see a doctor and you pay only four dollars and sixty cents for a script. During this winter I developed double Pneumonia, I seen a doctor had a chest x ray and blood test , all it cost me was four dollars sixty cents for the course of anti biotic nothing else. Also I had full lazer treatment to remove a benign mole and follow up treatment to see if spread it cost me nothing. In the US that treatment would have cost me thousands of dollars in expenses as it is not covered by insurance. The Universal medical health care umbrella covers everyone and you can still have your own private health insurance if you choose too.Here in Australia if you have ever have to pay out anything on medical expenses, you get 85% of your money back through medicare or you can bulk bill treatment and get it for free. We don't pay extra taxes for this, or have to wait for medical treatment or have added expenses or ever knocked back by having a pre existing illness. If you become ill or injured you don't have the stress or worry on top of getting money together for any treatment. Same if you loose your job and loose your medical insurance, you still get full medical treatment. There are no such thing's as a government doctor or only getting the treatment an insurance company allows, you always get full first class medical treatment for the whole family and yourself. You can see your family doctor, specialist, psychiatrist of your choice for free. Free hospital stays, or if you have a baby etc etc need blood or X ray test MRI scans, ultra sounds, follow up treatment, asthma tests or oxygen plasters, injections, operations , mammograms, bone scans, cancer treatment, hip replacement, physo or dental, optical etc ,etc, etc all 100% free. You even get a free pair of presciption glasses or dentures every year if you need them. When you do your annual taxation claim you are personally asked if you required any medical treatment during the taxation period, if no you don't pay any taxes, if you did more than seeing a GP, about twenty dollars is charge on low and up to sixty dollars plus per year for high wage earners who can afford insurance. For a lousy $ 20 to $60 dollars a year taken from your tax return is nothing to have you and your whole family covered for a year is nothing when most Americans have to mortgage there house for the same treatment. If your not working or on disability you don't pay a cent. You pay more to a tax advisor to do your yearly taxes than you pay for yearly health care for you and your whole family. The other silly question is the money must come from some where, well your weekly taxes, the government reeps also state taxes on each item you purchase goes towards it. The government just paid out seven hundred billion dollars of US tax dollar plus to wall street which should of be used on the public education and health system not bailing out richie rich. This reserve could have financed these systems where the US public would get benefits and money worth by the taxes they pay yearly. Which makes this system fair for all Americans not just the privileged or only the destitute but for every American.
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