The Obama Administration thread

[Drew]

Not only does B.O. and his goons want to shove this Heath Care reform down everyone's throat, they also want to make individual private medical insurance illegal.

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=332548165656854

[D]

I think they need something for those who can't afford healthcare.

Pass a bill where the govt picks up a major medical thing.

problem with medical cards is, people go for every small thing and then Dr's gouge the fuck out of the medical cards by doing every unnecessary test imaginable to milk the card.

If I don't have insurance and have a heart attack, there should be something where the govt will pick that bill up for me. I shouldn't die cause I don't have insurance.

something needs to be done. My dad basically died cause he didn't have health insurance.  He was rushed to the ER and was having a heart attack. The dumb dr's treated him for a respiratory problem

had he been insured, the would've done emergency surgery or something. He still may have died, but he would've had a chance.

they basically sit him on a table with an oxygen mask and let him die and that is bullshit.

[Drew]

If I don't have insurance and have a heart attack, there should be something where the govt will pick that bill up for me. I shouldn't die cause I don't have insurance.

The problem I have with this is that it causes a slippery slope. People nowadays will just blow off the responsibility of getting health insurance. Why would they waste their money on health insurance when they know they government will pick up the tab anyways? They know they can go spend their money on the latest iPhone, iPod,  Blackberry, the new "hip" clothes, home entertainment systems, dvd's, cars, etc., etc., etc.

[Bodhi]

   

The World Health Organization ranks USA's healthcare at #37.. right between Costa Rica and Slovenia.  Great isn't it?

talk about load of shit...Is that the rank of the QUALITY of our healthcare, doctors, hospitals etc...because we are number 1 in that category.  I never hear of anyone leaving this country to go to one of 36 countries "ahead" of us to get an operation..

I also don't see you mentioning how you will HAVE to get healthcare now and you will penalized if you don't.  What happened to someone's choice? If I don't want to pay for healthcare now I will be forced to pay for it..democracy in action!

How about illegal immigrants?  Do you think the majority of them are going to pay for healthcare if it becomes government run?  Of course not.  But when they have to go to the hospital we will all have to foot the bill, which is pretty much what we are doing now anyway I guess.  Awesome!

Let's not forget that we are going to be letting the government decide which type of procedures are necessary for us.  Based on life expectancy and survival rates of certain diseases, the government will decide which procedures we are eligible for...AWESOME!!

This is not going to pass anyway, so it's not even worth talking about it.  That is why Obama set his own "deadline" because he doesn't want people reading whats in this pile of shit, just like his stimulus packages.  Why else would he be ramming it down our throats like this.  More and more people in this country are against it with every day that passes.  Rasmussen had it as only 35% of the country being in favor of this plan as of last night...

[Jim Bob]

talk about load of shit...Is that the rank of the QUALITY of our healthcare, doctors, hospitals etc...because we are number 1 in that category.  I never hear of anyone leaving this country to go to one of 36 countries "ahead" of us to get an operation..

nope, its 37th in quality.   Also one of the most costliest. 

You can believe the myths conservatives spout out all you want, but they are simply not true.

I'm not liking the idea of penalities either, I think theres a better answer than the current bill. But the current bill is better than what we are currently doing..  Its a step in the right direction.

[Axl4Prez2004]

S Guns, I'm sooo damn jealous of you!  I think I'd tear a pec tendon on purpose just to be operated on by Dr. Andrews.  That genius m-f'er is the guy responsible for getting Favre into purple and gold!!!!!! (okay, not yet, but soon!)

Bodhi, you bring up an excellent point about illegal aliens receiving taxpayer-covered medical coverage.  I agree with you...that said, there are a ton...I mean a TON of legal citizens who job the system (working under the table, not paying their taxes, etc.).  I feel bad for the illegal aliens who need treatment, but if you aren't a citizen, we can't just give away free medical care. 

[Smoking Guns]

talk about load of shit...Is that the rank of the QUALITY of our healthcare, doctors, hospitals etc...because we are number 1 in that category.  I never hear of anyone leaving this country to go to one of 36 countries "ahead" of us to get an operation..

nope, its 37th in quality.   Also one of the most costliest. 

You can believe the myths conservatives spout out all you want, but they are simply not true.

I'm not liking the idea of penalities either, I think theres a better answer than the current bill. But the current bill is better than what we are currently doing..  Its a step in the right direction.

Our best care trumps everyone else's "best care".  We have hospitals and technology that nobody else in the world has....    That being said, there are great doctors everywhere... Europe, South America, etc...    We are a very fat and unhealthy nation.  Fat fucks need to be taxed.  Smokers and heavy drinkers need to be taxed too.

[Smoking Guns]

S Guns, I'm sooo damn jealous of you!  I think I'd tear a pec tendon on purpose just to be operated on by Dr. Andrews.  That genius m-f'er is the guy responsible for getting Favre into purple and gold!!!!!! (okay, not yet, but soon!)

Bodhi, you bring up an excellent point about illegal aliens receiving taxpayer-covered medical coverage.  I agree with you...that said, there are a ton...I mean a TON of legal citizens who job the system (working under the table, not paying their taxes, etc.).  I feel bad for the illegal aliens who need treatment, but if you aren't a citizen, we can't just give away free medical care. 

A4P, my consultation is on Monday with Dr. Andrews... I am fearing this rehab, I hear its brutal.... UGH!  I won't be able to lift or play guitar for a while.  I hope I can still fuck my girl.... HA!

[Smoking Guns]

MRI's, I hear they cost like $1,200 or $!,300 or those without insurance (per the girl at the desk).  I asked here what is going to happen if we get the new health insurance deal.  Is the Gov't going to have to give the approval to see if you need one?  I know the doc's called my insurance and asked to get it approved... Would the gov't be less likely to approve this vs. insurance?  Without the MRI, I would have no clue I tore my tendon off the bone.....

[Jim Bob]

talk about load of shit...Is that the rank of the QUALITY of our healthcare, doctors, hospitals etc...because we are number 1 in that category.  I never hear of anyone leaving this country to go to one of 36 countries "ahead" of us to get an operation..

nope, its 37th in quality.   Also one of the most costliest. 

You can believe the myths conservatives spout out all you want, but they are simply not true.

I'm not liking the idea of penalities either, I think theres a better answer than the current bill. But the current bill is better than what we are currently doing..  Its a step in the right direction.

Our best care trumps everyone else's "best care".  We have hospitals and technology that nobody else in the world has....    That being said, there are great doctors everywhere... Europe, South America, etc...    We are a very fat and unhealthy nation.  Fat fucks need to be taxed.  Smokers and heavy drinkers need to be taxed too.

I'm not sure thats really the case.  And even if it was, what percent of our population gets "best care"??

Smokers and drinkers are already taxed heavily.   Unless you're on an Indian reservation.

[freedom78]

I think they need something for those who can't afford healthcare.

Pass a bill where the govt picks up a major medical thing.

problem with medical cards is, people go for every small thing and then Dr's gouge the fuck out of the medical cards by doing every unnecessary test imaginable to milk the card.

I see your point, but I think that's really just the difference between good and bad doctors.  I've never had a doctor do a test that I felt was unnecessary, though my wife once had a doctor give her medication that was completely unnecessary.  I'm sure you can guess which doctor we feel was a fool and, much like your father's case, this occurred in the ER.

If I don't have insurance and have a heart attack, there should be something where the govt will pick that bill up for me. I shouldn't die cause I don't have insurance.

something needs to be done. My dad basically died cause he didn't have health insurance.  He was rushed to the ER and was having a heart attack. The dumb dr's treated him for a respiratory problem

had he been insured, the would've done emergency surgery or something. He still may have died, but he would've had a chance.

they basically sit him on a table with an oxygen mask and let him die and that is bullshit.

Damn.  That's rough. 

If I don't have insurance and have a heart attack, there should be something where the govt will pick that bill up for me. I shouldn't die cause I don't have insurance.

The problem I have with this is that it causes a slippery slope. People nowadays will just blow off the responsibility of getting health insurance. Why would they waste their money on health insurance when they know they government will pick up the tab anyways? They know they can go spend their money on the latest iPhone, iPod,  Blackberry, the new "hip" clothes, home entertainment systems, dvd's, cars, etc., etc., etc.

A slippery slope to what, exactly?

Though I agree that we shouldn't just have emergency coverage, because then people are partially insured.  Then again, for those with NO insurance, it's better that than nothing.

   

The World Health Organization ranks USA's healthcare at #37.. right between Costa Rica and Slovenia.  Great isn't it?

talk about load of shit...Is that the rank of the QUALITY of our healthcare, doctors, hospitals etc...because we are number 1 in that category.  I never hear of anyone leaving this country to go to one of 36 countries "ahead" of us to get an operation..

I would imagine that part of quality is a quality of access, where we're severely lacking.  The docs may be the best and the technology may be great, but that hardly matters to those to whom it's denied.

Let's not forget that we are going to be letting the government decide which type of procedures are necessary for us.  Based on life expectancy and survival rates of certain diseases, the government will decide which procedures we are eligible for...AWESOME!!

As opposed to an insurance company that does just that?  Your life is beholden to a company for which it is in the best interest to deny you service.  You've paid your premium.  Now, if they can avoid having to pay anything on you, they're golden.  When those responsible for paying find it in their financial interest to NOT pay, then that's piece number 1 in a broken system.  Add to that the millions who are DENIED coverage (coverage they want and desperately need) because of a medical history, and you have a pretty big chink in the armor of a laissez-faire medical system.  I'm curious why those who are denied coverage never factor into the conservative argument on this issue?  The market has denied them coverage.  This is a triumph of what you believe.  Why aren't you shouting it from the rooftops? 

Kids with cancer should be dropped!

Pregnant mothers have a pre-existing condition!

Skin grafts for burn victims are cosmetic, and not covered under this policy!

All hail the market! 

Our best care trumps everyone else's "best care".  We have hospitals and technology that nobody else in the world has....    That being said, there are great doctors everywhere... Europe, South America, etc...    We are a very fat and unhealthy nation.  Fat fucks need to be taxed.  Smokers and heavy drinkers need to be taxed too.

I'm not sure how you tax heavy drinkers, exactly.  Maybe a fifth is taxed at 5% and a handle at 7% ?  Of course, if you're just having a party...

MRI's, I hear they cost like $1,200 or $!,300 or those without insurance (per the girl at the desk).  I asked here what is going to happen if we get the new health insurance deal.  Is the Gov't going to have to give the approval to see if you need one?  I know the doc's called my insurance and asked to get it approved... Would the gov't be less likely to approve this vs. insurance?  Without the MRI, I would have no clue I tore my tendon off the bone.....

I'd be lying if I said I know all the ins and outs of this plan (which isn't one plan, but more like 3 in different Congressional committees, which will have to be merged in some way).  My feeling is that there should be nothing between a doctor and the tests/remedies s/he prescribes.  If gov't steps in and is just as bad as insurance companies about denying procedures...well, that's not a solution, is it?  Just changing the problem from one master to another.  Of course, as was mentioned by D, some docs game the system.  I have a feeling they're a very small minority, but we should begin with the assumption that doctors know what's best and allow for an oversight mechanism to look for doctors gaming the system.  This could be done, perhaps, with explanations of procedures of anonymous records...perhaps having most oversight at the local city/county level.  I dunno...that's just my off the top of my head idea, so I'm sure it has its flaws. 

[Smoking Guns]

I think if your body fat percent is over a certain amount and you don't have a thyroid or other issue that caused this, you should be taxed for being a burden on society and not taking care of yourself.  If you some 3 packs a day and I have to pay for your ass later, you should be taxed (which they already are).... As far as heavy drinking, hell, I drink socially, and there is an alcohol tax, but my basic point is people that can control their health and chose not too should pay more than the people that make an effort to live a healthy life.

[Jim Bob]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzDwXr9szxw

I think they cover just about every right wing talking point spouted off by SG and Bohdi. 

[Smoking Guns]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzDwXr9szxw

I think they cover just about every right wing talking point spouted off by SG and Bohdi. 

That was freaking AWESOME!

[D]

If we could take what Canada does and just tweak it and make it better.

There has to be a solution. Insurance Companies that deny people cause of past medical history or look for every reason to deny u are somewhat criminal in my book.

I don't like a lottery system or someone telling u when and who u can go see.

There has to be a way though for people to get treatment they need.

[AxlsMainMan]

Something like Canada's system isn't rocket science, but people would have to be willing to pay higher taxes as Canadian taxes are significantly higher than American taxes.

[Smoking Guns]

Something like Canada's system isn't rocket science, but people would have to be willing to pay higher taxes as Canadian taxes are significantly higher than American taxes.

And get used to long lines for surgery and tests.....

[AxlsMainMan]

A wait is better than a bodybag..

Those in desperate need of immediate surgery are placed at the begining of the list, those who are less urgent are placed on a waiting list.

My Grandpa only had to wait 5 weeks for his heart surgery, and I can tell you he didn't give a flying fuck he had to wait 5 weeks for it. He's more happy that he's still alive and kickin' as is the whole family..

[Annie]

A wait is better than a bodybag..

Those in desperate need of immediate surgery are placed at the begining of the list, those who are less urgent are placed on a waiting list.

My Grandpa only had to wait 5 weeks for his heart surgery, and I can tell you he didn't give a flying fuck he had to wait 5 weeks for it. He's more happy that he's still alive and kickin' as is the whole family..

I am glad that your grandpa is OK! I have mixed feelings about Obama's health plan. Medicaide doesn't reimburse hospitals as much as they should.  Since Obama's health plan will increase the national debt, I don't think it will pass. I avoid doctors as much as possible, but If I'm sick I want choices, but I also don't want to be financially ruined by illness.

[GeorgeSteele]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/business/22defense.html

Congratulations Obama!  For pressuring the Senate to trim a whopping $1.75 billion off of the $679.8 billion "defense" budget.  Only $600 billion and change to go before we bring our military spending down to China's level, who has the next biggest military budget at $70 billion.