Here's how it should work.

[LeftyFingerPop]

1) We get sick.

2) We go to the doctor. He orders any tests he deems appropriate.

3) We get the tests, and get diagnosed.

4) We get any treatment needed, including surgery and medication for both chronic and acute conditions.

5) We pay a minimal amount to handle the cost of all of this.

6) The Government figures out the funding mechanism, NOT some poor sick bastard who has to fight with insurance companies.

OK?

THIS SHOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IN THIS COUNTRY.

It's not rocket science, and it is not an insurmountable problem. Really, it is not.

ABOLISH THE MEDICAL INSURANCE SYSTEM.

[SammyWinstonJack]

1. !

:applause:

[But....]

2. Yess!!!

:bounce: :loveya: :woohoo: :applause:

[sailor65]

3. "The Government figures out the funding mechanism"

Unfortunately, that's where your plan kinda goes South.

Good idea, but the Government hasn't shown any ability to pull it off.

Edited for spelling

[driver8]

6. The "funding mechanism" would be to borrow the money from China.

Good idea by the OP, but the funding mechanism by the government is where I got lost.

[TheKentuckian]

4. I agree, except with the priority

Energy to my mind is more important, probably much more important. If we don't get this right the dangers for both civilization and the environment are extreme. The grid is a mess and without clean, renewable power to supply to it we are at best screwed.

Healthcare is a money pit for us but energy is a nightmare that if we aren't very careful, we will not wake up from.

[The Hope Mobile]

10. To me, the highest priority is still global warming because it has the greatest impact

on EVERYONE (this would included working on alternative energy sources), then medical/health, then banking/foreclosures/jobs, then energy. But they're all tied into each other. Obama will handle it. I just wish he could start today.

[galileoreloaded]

5. Seems like the way things are going......

1) We get sick.

2) We go to the doctor. He is poor too. He gives you one of the 6 drugs he has left.

3) He accept payment in chickens or potatoes.

4) You might make it, you might not.


Ain't saying its right, just most likely. Dont believe me? Read this:

http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081019/REG/310209975/1009/TOC&ht

See, Treasuries are being shorted naked. Meaning that there have been $2.1 Trillion in fails, or fails to deliver. Are you SURE that super-safe IRA fund actually HAS the bonds?? Do they know?? Where are they?? Did you pay for something that never existed, because Fidelity or Vanguard said they owned it??

The US, quite shortly, will be unable to fund it's day to day expenses.

Taiwan has already abandoned ratings agencies (Moody's, S&P, Fitch), and others are sure to follow. That makes our debt way too expensive without accurate ratings, and the bond market "dislocates". Meaning we can't borrow money. We have no money. The SSI, Medicare, Medicaid will grind to a halt, as well as trash, sewer and water. This problem is epic.

Worry about breadlines and NO POLICE/FIRE, not your doctor, cause he has to eat too. Oh yeah, his money is in super-safe Treasuries too, trust me, he'll get real cheap, real fast.

Not disagreeing, just adjusting the paradigm.

[Winterblues]

7. Amazing how it works that way just fine for Military and Veterans

and Congress and Government workers. Just not for ordinary Americans...

[DangerDave921]

8. No. 5

Is your weak link in an otherwise worthy endeavor. Pay a minimal amount to cover the cost? I think we will need to pay more than a minimal amount if you are envisioning as full and complete medical care as I think you are.

Have you seen what medical care and hospital admissions cost?

[Blue Meany]

9. I always have to laugh when I hear Rebugs try to scare us with

tales about the Canadian system. My wife is Canadian, so I have had a chance to see this system up close (both my wife and daughter have used it at times). It is so much better than our system! There is just no comparison:

You go to the doctor; present your card, and get your treatment. End of story.