Hello Bloggers! It’s HealtFanatic back once again to share with you some links that I found useful in creating blogs relevant to my subject.
I’m not sure how “intellectual” Youtube is, but this link allowed me to watch President Obama address Congress. His address had to do solely with Health Care Reform, and his proposed bill. If you are not completely sure what the proposed health care bill is, I suggest that you watch this video, it’s a little lengthy but it is extremely useful.
If you are the type of person who would like to read bulleted facts, then I suggest this link. This website helped me to gather facts about healthcare and its current costs. It was a simple read, and not a lot of “Congressional” language that was difficult to understand. This website gets straight to the point by discussing the facts associate with healthcare.
This was one of my favorite sites. This link separates fact from fiction in the healthcare debate. Many opponents of healthcare reform have stirred up controversy and have suggested an abundant number of “untruths” in this debate. The myths have caused unruly behavior in town hall debates. So if you would like to know the truth about healthcare reform, I definitely suggest this website.
I found this link to be heart wrenching. On this website people describe how they were treated in emergency rooms. Many of these patients were uninsured and did not receive adequate medical attention while they suffered. People also share stories of how they were denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Reading stories like these is what made me believe there should be health care reform in our country.
As I stated in previous posts, every argument faces a counter-argument. This link looks at the ideas that opponents of health care reform have. I had to look at all sides of the argument to make my argument fair.
If you were searching for more information about healthcare reform, then I hope these links are helpful to you!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Implications Post
Health Care Reform will be in the news for a while. We have not heard the last of Health Care Reform in America. In recent news two separate bills have been trying to get passed through the House and the Senate. I believe that soon opponents and proponents of health care legislation will come to common grounds, and the bill will eventually become law. Health care reform has gone way too long without recognition, and soon those who are currently uninsured will have an option to choose whether or not they would like to receive help from the government. Soon a bill will be passed that gives relief to the 50 million uninsured Americans.
Self-Analysis Post
Unfortunately, my blogging days are coming to an end. This was my first time blogging and must I say that it has been an experience that I will never forget. When I began my blog, I was not sure what direction I would take my topic of Health Care Reform. To be honest, I wasn’t even that all familiar with the current health care reform legislation. All I knew is that I was in favor a health care reform bill being passed to better the lives of the millions of American who are uninsured. I began my blog by simply trying to convince an audience that America was in desperate need of health care legislation, but soon it evolved into me connecting Health Care Reform with our current economic situation.
I learned that adopting a health care bill would, in fact, better our economic crisis by freeing up money that is currently used on unnecessary medical expenses. I also learned that a large part of debt in this country comes from medical expenses. I saw a common theme with money and health care: An abundant amount of money is being wasted in our current health care situation. To me health care and economics went hand in hand. And it also seemed clear to me that if you fix one of the problems, then inevitably the other one will also become solved.
I also discovered why Health Care Reform is such a controversial issue. Many people are intimidated by too much government power. They feel that the government should not have the right to meddle in citizen’s day to day lives. Many refer to this as “dictatorship”. Opponents were also upset about so called “public option” that President Obama wants to implement into the Health Care Reform Bill. The “public option” would work like the current Medicaid system and give an option the nearly 50 million uninsured to receive health insurance. This plan has critics because it would raise taxes to pay for its costs.
By doing this project, I have also learned to view the other side for effective arguing. Although I didn’t agree with the opponents of the health care reform bill, I had to view their side to effectively argue my side. By viewing their side, I realized that some of their points made were actually valid and that they had every right to take the stance they did toward the topic.
I feel that the blog project has allowed me to grow as a writer and also as a thinker. I now can listen to other sides of an argument without becoming mad and frustrated. I now have to think out my ideas and arguments, and I have to validate why my ideas are essential to the topic at stake. This project has caused me to dig deeper into my ideas as well as other people’s ideas and to consider every possible argument.
I learned that adopting a health care bill would, in fact, better our economic crisis by freeing up money that is currently used on unnecessary medical expenses. I also learned that a large part of debt in this country comes from medical expenses. I saw a common theme with money and health care: An abundant amount of money is being wasted in our current health care situation. To me health care and economics went hand in hand. And it also seemed clear to me that if you fix one of the problems, then inevitably the other one will also become solved.
I also discovered why Health Care Reform is such a controversial issue. Many people are intimidated by too much government power. They feel that the government should not have the right to meddle in citizen’s day to day lives. Many refer to this as “dictatorship”. Opponents were also upset about so called “public option” that President Obama wants to implement into the Health Care Reform Bill. The “public option” would work like the current Medicaid system and give an option the nearly 50 million uninsured to receive health insurance. This plan has critics because it would raise taxes to pay for its costs.
By doing this project, I have also learned to view the other side for effective arguing. Although I didn’t agree with the opponents of the health care reform bill, I had to view their side to effectively argue my side. By viewing their side, I realized that some of their points made were actually valid and that they had every right to take the stance they did toward the topic.
I feel that the blog project has allowed me to grow as a writer and also as a thinker. I now can listen to other sides of an argument without becoming mad and frustrated. I now have to think out my ideas and arguments, and I have to validate why my ideas are essential to the topic at stake. This project has caused me to dig deeper into my ideas as well as other people’s ideas and to consider every possible argument.
Theory Post
I believe it is inevitable that some type of health care reform legislation will pass through Congress and make its way to becoming law. In order to create a bill that will appease the majority, opponents and proponents must unite and find common ground. Proponents for health care legislation are stubbornly pushing for the passage of the public option which will give the government the right to provide health insurance to those who cannot afford it or to those who were denied on pre-existing conditions. The public option will more than likely raise taxes, and of course citizens are outraged about paying more money to the government. Opponents of health care reform must stop misleading the public with myths. Many senior citizens believe that health care reform will cause them to die earlier because they will not receive adequate health care. This is simply not true.
If somehow the public option could be viewed in a positive light, then I believe the subject of health care reform would be far less controversial. Proponents and opponents must unite to create a health care reform bill that betters America’s current health care policies.
If somehow the public option could be viewed in a positive light, then I believe the subject of health care reform would be far less controversial. Proponents and opponents must unite to create a health care reform bill that betters America’s current health care policies.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Funding for Health Care Reform
It’s Me Again Bloggers!
As I have said in previous blog posts I want my blog to focus on the aspect of the economy and health care reform. A valid question that many concerned citizens have dealing with health care reform is: how will this proposed plan be paid for?? Obama wants to cover nearly 50 million citizens who are currently uninsured; this could costs up to 1 trillion dollars over ten years!! So you may be asking yourself, WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET ALL THAT MONEY?? This is a common question to those who are keeping up with health care reform. Both of the plans that have recently passed in Congress in both the Senate and the House consist of raising certain taxes to cover the costs of the health reform bill. The plan passed in Senate calls for a “tax on high-value health insurance plans”. While the plan passed in the House calls for a “high-income surtax”. Many people feel as though we should not raise taxes in order to include a public option in the health reform bill. I, on the other hand, believe that the public option is a great way to get health care to those who simply can’t afford, and I believe that raising or creating new taxes to cover this option wouldn’t be so bad.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/65917-health-care-reform-plans-funded-by-new-major-tax-medicare-spending-cuts
As I have said in previous blog posts I want my blog to focus on the aspect of the economy and health care reform. A valid question that many concerned citizens have dealing with health care reform is: how will this proposed plan be paid for?? Obama wants to cover nearly 50 million citizens who are currently uninsured; this could costs up to 1 trillion dollars over ten years!! So you may be asking yourself, WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET ALL THAT MONEY?? This is a common question to those who are keeping up with health care reform. Both of the plans that have recently passed in Congress in both the Senate and the House consist of raising certain taxes to cover the costs of the health reform bill. The plan passed in Senate calls for a “tax on high-value health insurance plans”. While the plan passed in the House calls for a “high-income surtax”. Many people feel as though we should not raise taxes in order to include a public option in the health reform bill. I, on the other hand, believe that the public option is a great way to get health care to those who simply can’t afford, and I believe that raising or creating new taxes to cover this option wouldn’t be so bad.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/65917-health-care-reform-plans-funded-by-new-major-tax-medicare-spending-cuts
Opponents of Health Care Reform
Hello Bloggers!
My blog has dealt with health care reform and as you all can probably tell, I am all for Health Care Reform. But to create a fair argument I must present the other side of the debate. Many conservatives and liberals are against the idea of Health Care Reform, especially the “public option” section that ties in with it. They feel that health care reform is giving the government too much power, and giving the government the right to run too many aspects in citizen’s lives. They believe that the more the government has a right to control health care, the worse health care will become. Opponents feel that those without insurance can still receive all the help they need through emergency room visits. They also make a valid point exclaiming that the taxes would rise due to health care reform because of the public option. They argue that this would affect the people who are currently without health insurance now. Opponents say that raising the taxes to pay for the public option would press those who can’t afford health insurance now, and if those citizens can not currently afford health insurance, then what will guarantee that they will be able to afford an increase in taxes. I believe that the opponents on health care reform make some valid points in their argument, but I also believe that they are not contributing any alternatives to the problem at hand. It seems that they would like for America to continue on its path of poor health care.
https://alum.mit.edu/discuss/thread.jspa?threadID=821&tstart=0
My blog has dealt with health care reform and as you all can probably tell, I am all for Health Care Reform. But to create a fair argument I must present the other side of the debate. Many conservatives and liberals are against the idea of Health Care Reform, especially the “public option” section that ties in with it. They feel that health care reform is giving the government too much power, and giving the government the right to run too many aspects in citizen’s lives. They believe that the more the government has a right to control health care, the worse health care will become. Opponents feel that those without insurance can still receive all the help they need through emergency room visits. They also make a valid point exclaiming that the taxes would rise due to health care reform because of the public option. They argue that this would affect the people who are currently without health insurance now. Opponents say that raising the taxes to pay for the public option would press those who can’t afford health insurance now, and if those citizens can not currently afford health insurance, then what will guarantee that they will be able to afford an increase in taxes. I believe that the opponents on health care reform make some valid points in their argument, but I also believe that they are not contributing any alternatives to the problem at hand. It seems that they would like for America to continue on its path of poor health care.
https://alum.mit.edu/discuss/thread.jspa?threadID=821&tstart=0
Public Option
Welcome Back Bloggers!
I have noticed that the recent debate over health care reform has been confusing for many. There are numerous terms in it that confuse the general public. One term in particular that many people are hearing, but aren’t completely sure what it means is the “public option”. This term has been tossed around loosely over the last couple of months and it has been also stirring up major controversy in the debate over health care reform. But what exactly is the “public option” and why is it relevant to the debate over health care reform? The public option plan is a plan that would be modeled after the current Medicaid program. It would offer health insurance to those who cannot afford it, or those who are denied coverage due to “pre-existing” conditions. It would be made available through a new insurance purchasing plan. Proponents of the public option in the health care bill believe that it is a necessity. They believe it will serve as a backup plan for those who do not have secure health care benefits; it will be a benchmark for private insurance companies; and it will eventually lower the costs of medical procedures. The public option has been controversial in the debate over health care reform. Critics of this plan believe that the plan is not necessary and will cost too much money to cover.
Now that you are a little more informed about the public option please feel free to leave your comments on how you believe the option will affect the health care reform bill.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec09/health_09-01.html
I have noticed that the recent debate over health care reform has been confusing for many. There are numerous terms in it that confuse the general public. One term in particular that many people are hearing, but aren’t completely sure what it means is the “public option”. This term has been tossed around loosely over the last couple of months and it has been also stirring up major controversy in the debate over health care reform. But what exactly is the “public option” and why is it relevant to the debate over health care reform? The public option plan is a plan that would be modeled after the current Medicaid program. It would offer health insurance to those who cannot afford it, or those who are denied coverage due to “pre-existing” conditions. It would be made available through a new insurance purchasing plan. Proponents of the public option in the health care bill believe that it is a necessity. They believe it will serve as a backup plan for those who do not have secure health care benefits; it will be a benchmark for private insurance companies; and it will eventually lower the costs of medical procedures. The public option has been controversial in the debate over health care reform. Critics of this plan believe that the plan is not necessary and will cost too much money to cover.
Now that you are a little more informed about the public option please feel free to leave your comments on how you believe the option will affect the health care reform bill.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec09/health_09-01.html
Who pays for the uninsured?
Hi Bloggers!!
You all know that my blog has been discussing the current health care reform bill that is now at a stake in our country. After doing my analysis blog, I decided that I would like for my blogs to focus more on the economic impact that health care has. My earlier blogs discussed how so many Americans are currently uninsured and they find it very difficult to seek medical attention. But what happens when the uninsured is in dire need of medical help, and the desperately have to seek help from the emergency room. A hospital cannot turn a patient down, insured or uninsured; the hospital must give care to patients who are in critical health. When uninsured patients are facing life or death situations they go to emergency rooms, and who ends up paying their bill? If you guessed tax payers or other insured patients then you guessed right. Medical bills must be paid and if they are not paid by the patient, then the money has to come from somewhere. The majority of the time that “somewhere” is from increased costs of those who do have insurance and can afford to pay, or those who pay taxes. With the reform bill that President Obama is seeking to pass health insurance would be an option to all citizens and those without it would gain easy access to doctors that they currently are without. The reform bill would relieve some of the burdens placed on low income families and allow them to live the “healthy” life that they deserve.
You all know that my blog has been discussing the current health care reform bill that is now at a stake in our country. After doing my analysis blog, I decided that I would like for my blogs to focus more on the economic impact that health care has. My earlier blogs discussed how so many Americans are currently uninsured and they find it very difficult to seek medical attention. But what happens when the uninsured is in dire need of medical help, and the desperately have to seek help from the emergency room. A hospital cannot turn a patient down, insured or uninsured; the hospital must give care to patients who are in critical health. When uninsured patients are facing life or death situations they go to emergency rooms, and who ends up paying their bill? If you guessed tax payers or other insured patients then you guessed right. Medical bills must be paid and if they are not paid by the patient, then the money has to come from somewhere. The majority of the time that “somewhere” is from increased costs of those who do have insurance and can afford to pay, or those who pay taxes. With the reform bill that President Obama is seeking to pass health insurance would be an option to all citizens and those without it would gain easy access to doctors that they currently are without. The reform bill would relieve some of the burdens placed on low income families and allow them to live the “healthy” life that they deserve.
Analysis Post Updated
Hello Bloggers,
As you all know the topic of my blog has been about the debate over the reform of health care. I personally believe that health care reform should be passed because there are an abundant amount of flaws in our current system. This blog will more specifically analyze the effect that health care has on our economy, and if changing our current health care policy will, indeed, lessen the burden of our current economic crisis.
President Obama has repeatedly stated that passing health care reform will relieve some of the tension that is present in our economic situation. He has been known to refer to our health care system as a “ticking time bomb”. Some critics of the proposed health care bill are afraid that reforms will lead to unknown costs, and that taxes will abnormally increase. Health care accounts for about one-sixth of the economy, that’s more than any other industry. The United States spends about 25 trillion dollars annually on health care alone. The money the United States spends on health care is used for a plethora of hosts including: health care providers, retail sale of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. If the health care system was fixed it would reduce the amount of wasteful spending. About 30% of tax payer money is wasted on health care. Health care costs are continuing to rise. Since 2000 the cost of health care has doubled! By fixing the health care system, we would definitely fix the economy. Tax payer money is already used on health care and we repeatedly see that our money is being wasted, so it’s time to try a new approach and implement a plan that could “kill two birds”: health care, and our economy. Many people can agree on the fact that “doing nothing is definitely worse than doing something”.
The economic crisis involving health care has a lot to do with insurance companies. The cost of health insurance has risen dramatically over the last few years, and it’s apparent that health insurance companies are simply in business for money and not the better the lives of those whom they insure. Health insurance is the fastest growing cost component for employers. Many employers are ceasing to offer health insurance to employees because they cannot afford the pay for the costs of insurance; thus, leaving the employees uninsured. When uninsured patients go the doctor or emergency room, tax -payers end up paying for their visit. With the proposed health care bill it would be mandatory for employers to provide some type of health insurance to full-time workers. If more employers were offering health insurance to their employees, then the cost of health insurance would decrease. The outrageous price for health insurance has caused many people to file for bankruptcy. A recent study conducted by Harvard University researchers showed that fifty percent of those who filed for bankruptcy did so due to medical expenses. Studies conducted such as the one done by Harvard University, consistently shows that there is a glitch in our current health care system. Medical bills are far too expensive, even with insurance, and many people without insurance can’t even afford to seek help from a doctor.
So many people are wondering the same question. How will implementing a new Health Care Bill positively affect our economic crisis? The health care reform bill will help out our economic situation in numerous ways. First, as I stated previously, adopting a new health care bill will allow us to cut out unnecessary spending. Millions and millions of dollars are wasted each year due to inadequate spending. The health care reform bill will help to reduce wasteful spending because it will accurately record where the money for health care is being used. It will also reduce the amount of money that tax payers are paying to cover those who don’t have health insurance. With the current health care system, every time someone without health insurance visits the doctor, tax payers eventually end up paying for the non-insured. With the new health care bill there will be a “public option” which will allow everyone to choose if they would like to have health insurance that is ultimately ran by the government. Critics of the health care reform bill say that the bill will cause taxes to rise, and tax payers will be essentially paying for others to seek medical attention. While that concept is true, somewhat, it would be no different than what is being done now. Tax payers already help fund Medicaid and Medicare, so why not help those without insurance also get the help they deserve?
There are many issues to be worked out with the Health Care Reform Bill, but overall I think that it would be in our best interest to pass the Bill. We would reduce wasteful spending, and overall help our economy escape its current burdens.
As you all know the topic of my blog has been about the debate over the reform of health care. I personally believe that health care reform should be passed because there are an abundant amount of flaws in our current system. This blog will more specifically analyze the effect that health care has on our economy, and if changing our current health care policy will, indeed, lessen the burden of our current economic crisis.
President Obama has repeatedly stated that passing health care reform will relieve some of the tension that is present in our economic situation. He has been known to refer to our health care system as a “ticking time bomb”. Some critics of the proposed health care bill are afraid that reforms will lead to unknown costs, and that taxes will abnormally increase. Health care accounts for about one-sixth of the economy, that’s more than any other industry. The United States spends about 25 trillion dollars annually on health care alone. The money the United States spends on health care is used for a plethora of hosts including: health care providers, retail sale of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. If the health care system was fixed it would reduce the amount of wasteful spending. About 30% of tax payer money is wasted on health care. Health care costs are continuing to rise. Since 2000 the cost of health care has doubled! By fixing the health care system, we would definitely fix the economy. Tax payer money is already used on health care and we repeatedly see that our money is being wasted, so it’s time to try a new approach and implement a plan that could “kill two birds”: health care, and our economy. Many people can agree on the fact that “doing nothing is definitely worse than doing something”.
The economic crisis involving health care has a lot to do with insurance companies. The cost of health insurance has risen dramatically over the last few years, and it’s apparent that health insurance companies are simply in business for money and not the better the lives of those whom they insure. Health insurance is the fastest growing cost component for employers. Many employers are ceasing to offer health insurance to employees because they cannot afford the pay for the costs of insurance; thus, leaving the employees uninsured. When uninsured patients go the doctor or emergency room, tax -payers end up paying for their visit. With the proposed health care bill it would be mandatory for employers to provide some type of health insurance to full-time workers. If more employers were offering health insurance to their employees, then the cost of health insurance would decrease. The outrageous price for health insurance has caused many people to file for bankruptcy. A recent study conducted by Harvard University researchers showed that fifty percent of those who filed for bankruptcy did so due to medical expenses. Studies conducted such as the one done by Harvard University, consistently shows that there is a glitch in our current health care system. Medical bills are far too expensive, even with insurance, and many people without insurance can’t even afford to seek help from a doctor.
So many people are wondering the same question. How will implementing a new Health Care Bill positively affect our economic crisis? The health care reform bill will help out our economic situation in numerous ways. First, as I stated previously, adopting a new health care bill will allow us to cut out unnecessary spending. Millions and millions of dollars are wasted each year due to inadequate spending. The health care reform bill will help to reduce wasteful spending because it will accurately record where the money for health care is being used. It will also reduce the amount of money that tax payers are paying to cover those who don’t have health insurance. With the current health care system, every time someone without health insurance visits the doctor, tax payers eventually end up paying for the non-insured. With the new health care bill there will be a “public option” which will allow everyone to choose if they would like to have health insurance that is ultimately ran by the government. Critics of the health care reform bill say that the bill will cause taxes to rise, and tax payers will be essentially paying for others to seek medical attention. While that concept is true, somewhat, it would be no different than what is being done now. Tax payers already help fund Medicaid and Medicare, so why not help those without insurance also get the help they deserve?
There are many issues to be worked out with the Health Care Reform Bill, but overall I think that it would be in our best interest to pass the Bill. We would reduce wasteful spending, and overall help our economy escape its current burdens.
Analysis Post
Hello Bloggers,
As you all know the topic of my blog has been about the debate over the reform of healthcare. I personally believe that health care reform should be passed because there are an abundant amount of flaws in our current system. This blog will more specifically analyze the effect that healthcare has on our economy, and if changing our current health care policy will, indeed, lessen the burden of our current economic crisis.
President Obama has repeatedly stated that passing health care reform will relieve some of the tension that is present in our economic situation. He has been known to refer to our health care system as a “ticking time bomb”. Some critics of the proposed health care bill are afraid that reforms will lead to unknown costs, and that taxes will abnormally increase. Health care accounts for about one-sixth of the economy, that’s more than any other industry. The United States spends about 25 trillion dollars annually on health care alone. The money the United States spends on health care is used for a plethora of hosts including: health care providers, retail sale of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. If the health care system was fixed it would reduce the amount of wasteful spending. About 30% of tax payer money is wasted on health care. Health care costs are continuing to rise. Since 2000 the cost of health care has doubled! By fixing the health care system, we would definitely fix the economy. Tax payer money is already used on health care and we repeatedly see that our money is being wasted, so it’s time to try a new approach and implement a plan that could “kill two birds”: health care, and our economy. Many people can agree on the fact that “doing nothing is definitely worse than doing something”.
The economic crisis involving health care has a lot to do with insurance companies. The cost of health insurance has risen dramatically over the last few years, and it’s apparent that health insurance companies are simply in business for money and not the better the lives of those whom they insure. Health insurance is the fastest growing cost component for employers. Many employers are ceasing to offer health insurance to employees because they cannot afford the pay for the costs of insurance; thus, leaving the employees uninsured. When uninsured patients go the doctor or emergency room, tax -payers end up paying for their visit. With the proposed health care bill it would be mandatory for employers to provide some type of health insurance to full-time workers. If more employers were offering health insurance to their employees, then the cost of health insurance would decrease. The outrageous price for health insurance has caused many people to file for bankruptcy. A recent study conducted by Harvard University researchers showed that fifty percent of those who filed for bankruptcy did so due to medical expenses. Studies conducted such as the one done by Harvard University, consistently shows that there is a glitch in our current health care system. Medical bills are far too expensive, even with insurance, and many people without insurance can’t even afford to seek help from a doctor.
So many people are wondering the same question. How will implementing a new Health Care Bill positively affect our economic crisis? The health care reform bill will help out our economic situation in numerous ways. First, as I stated previously, adopting a new health care bill will allow us to cut out unnecessary spending. Millions and millions of dollars are wasted each year due to inadequate spending. The health care reform bill will help to reduce wasteful spending because it will accurately record where the money for health care is being used. It will also reduce the amount of money that tax payers are paying to cover those who don’t have health insurance. With the current health care system, every time someone without health insurance visits the doctor, tax payers eventually end up paying for the non-insured. With the new health care bill there will be a “public option” which will allow everyone to choose if they would like to have health insurance that is ultimately ran by the government. Critics of the health care reform bill say that the bill will cause taxes to rise, and tax payers will be essentially paying for others to seek medical attention. While that concept is true, somewhat, it would be no different than what is being done now. Tax payers already help fund Medicaid and Medicare, so why not help those without insurance also get the help they deserve?
There are many issues to be worked out with the Health Care Reform Bill, but overall I think that it would be in our best interest to pass the Bill. We would reduce wasteful spending, and overall help our economy escape its current burdens.
As you all know the topic of my blog has been about the debate over the reform of healthcare. I personally believe that health care reform should be passed because there are an abundant amount of flaws in our current system. This blog will more specifically analyze the effect that healthcare has on our economy, and if changing our current health care policy will, indeed, lessen the burden of our current economic crisis.
President Obama has repeatedly stated that passing health care reform will relieve some of the tension that is present in our economic situation. He has been known to refer to our health care system as a “ticking time bomb”. Some critics of the proposed health care bill are afraid that reforms will lead to unknown costs, and that taxes will abnormally increase. Health care accounts for about one-sixth of the economy, that’s more than any other industry. The United States spends about 25 trillion dollars annually on health care alone. The money the United States spends on health care is used for a plethora of hosts including: health care providers, retail sale of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. If the health care system was fixed it would reduce the amount of wasteful spending. About 30% of tax payer money is wasted on health care. Health care costs are continuing to rise. Since 2000 the cost of health care has doubled! By fixing the health care system, we would definitely fix the economy. Tax payer money is already used on health care and we repeatedly see that our money is being wasted, so it’s time to try a new approach and implement a plan that could “kill two birds”: health care, and our economy. Many people can agree on the fact that “doing nothing is definitely worse than doing something”.
The economic crisis involving health care has a lot to do with insurance companies. The cost of health insurance has risen dramatically over the last few years, and it’s apparent that health insurance companies are simply in business for money and not the better the lives of those whom they insure. Health insurance is the fastest growing cost component for employers. Many employers are ceasing to offer health insurance to employees because they cannot afford the pay for the costs of insurance; thus, leaving the employees uninsured. When uninsured patients go the doctor or emergency room, tax -payers end up paying for their visit. With the proposed health care bill it would be mandatory for employers to provide some type of health insurance to full-time workers. If more employers were offering health insurance to their employees, then the cost of health insurance would decrease. The outrageous price for health insurance has caused many people to file for bankruptcy. A recent study conducted by Harvard University researchers showed that fifty percent of those who filed for bankruptcy did so due to medical expenses. Studies conducted such as the one done by Harvard University, consistently shows that there is a glitch in our current health care system. Medical bills are far too expensive, even with insurance, and many people without insurance can’t even afford to seek help from a doctor.
So many people are wondering the same question. How will implementing a new Health Care Bill positively affect our economic crisis? The health care reform bill will help out our economic situation in numerous ways. First, as I stated previously, adopting a new health care bill will allow us to cut out unnecessary spending. Millions and millions of dollars are wasted each year due to inadequate spending. The health care reform bill will help to reduce wasteful spending because it will accurately record where the money for health care is being used. It will also reduce the amount of money that tax payers are paying to cover those who don’t have health insurance. With the current health care system, every time someone without health insurance visits the doctor, tax payers eventually end up paying for the non-insured. With the new health care bill there will be a “public option” which will allow everyone to choose if they would like to have health insurance that is ultimately ran by the government. Critics of the health care reform bill say that the bill will cause taxes to rise, and tax payers will be essentially paying for others to seek medical attention. While that concept is true, somewhat, it would be no different than what is being done now. Tax payers already help fund Medicaid and Medicare, so why not help those without insurance also get the help they deserve?
There are many issues to be worked out with the Health Care Reform Bill, but overall I think that it would be in our best interest to pass the Bill. We would reduce wasteful spending, and overall help our economy escape its current burdens.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Reform Legislation
Hi Bloggers!!
If you have been keeping up with health care news, then you would know that a few days ago the Senate Finance Committee voted to pass a health care reform bill. This means that Senate is headed in the right direction for health care reform. The bill is far from perfect, but it indicates that America is getting closer to a health care reform. Those who oppose this bill have opposition due mainly to the price tag of this bill. The bill that was passed will cost an estimated $829 billion, and it will cut the deficit by $ 81 billion over the next decade, but at the same time this bill would provide health coverage to over the 29 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Proponents of this plan are confident in its success because it will tax high-cost plans, cut Medicare spending and increase revenues from new taxes, which they proclaim will offset the costs of covering more people. According to freep.com, this bill is expected to face delay. Congress is still waiting on the House to move its health care reform bill, and once it does the House and Senate will have to pass bills back and forth until common grounds can be met. The House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi says, “We are on track, and I am hopeful that we will have a bill by Thanksgiving.” Many others say we shouldn’t expect a bill until sometime around Christmas.
I would like to know how you feel about the Senate Finance Committee passing a health care reform bill. Do you think that we are getting closer to much needed health care reform? Or, do you think it will be a while before we see reform?
Please leave your comments. Your opinions are greatly valued. Thanks.
http://www.freep.com/article/20091019/NEWS15/910190318/1001/NEWS/Health-care-reform-bill-delay-is-likely
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/16/the-doctor-is-in-senate-health-care-reform-bill-is-a-step-in-th/
If you have been keeping up with health care news, then you would know that a few days ago the Senate Finance Committee voted to pass a health care reform bill. This means that Senate is headed in the right direction for health care reform. The bill is far from perfect, but it indicates that America is getting closer to a health care reform. Those who oppose this bill have opposition due mainly to the price tag of this bill. The bill that was passed will cost an estimated $829 billion, and it will cut the deficit by $ 81 billion over the next decade, but at the same time this bill would provide health coverage to over the 29 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Proponents of this plan are confident in its success because it will tax high-cost plans, cut Medicare spending and increase revenues from new taxes, which they proclaim will offset the costs of covering more people. According to freep.com, this bill is expected to face delay. Congress is still waiting on the House to move its health care reform bill, and once it does the House and Senate will have to pass bills back and forth until common grounds can be met. The House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi says, “We are on track, and I am hopeful that we will have a bill by Thanksgiving.” Many others say we shouldn’t expect a bill until sometime around Christmas.
I would like to know how you feel about the Senate Finance Committee passing a health care reform bill. Do you think that we are getting closer to much needed health care reform? Or, do you think it will be a while before we see reform?
Please leave your comments. Your opinions are greatly valued. Thanks.
http://www.freep.com/article/20091019/NEWS15/910190318/1001/NEWS/Health-care-reform-bill-delay-is-likely
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/16/the-doctor-is-in-senate-health-care-reform-bill-is-a-step-in-th/
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Comparing Health Care
Hello Bloggers,
Have you ever went to the doctor’s office and had to wait for hours although you had a “scheduled appointment”? Or, have you ever been charged a ridiculous amount of money for a basic procedure such as, a check-up? The United States has one of the worst health care policies when compared to other wealthy nations. Not surprisingly, it is due to the lack of a public run health care program. This blog will compare the United States current health care policy with that of other countries.
In recent studies done about health care, the United States ranked last among other nations who have public health care options. This study was based on access to health care, patient safety, timeliness of care, efficiency and equity. In the study conducted Britain ranked top followed by Germany. Britain’s health care policy is ran and funded by the government. Tax dollars are used to pay for doctor visits. All appointments and treatments are free to the patient (although paid with taxpayer’s money), as are most prescription drugs. The maximum cost of drugs in Britain averages around $12. The NHS (Britain’s health care program) came into effect in 1948, following World War II. The citizens of Britain have a higher life expectancy and a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. Britain accomplishes this all while spending relatively less on health care than the United States. On average Britain spends $2,500 per person on health, while the United States spends about $6,000 per person. The U.S outperforms Britain in some aspects, though. The United States has a lower cancer-mortality rate than Britain.
With these statistics, why should we question switching to a government-ran health care program? I believe the benefits of public health care outweigh the risks.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1916570,00.html
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/15/1198
Have you ever went to the doctor’s office and had to wait for hours although you had a “scheduled appointment”? Or, have you ever been charged a ridiculous amount of money for a basic procedure such as, a check-up? The United States has one of the worst health care policies when compared to other wealthy nations. Not surprisingly, it is due to the lack of a public run health care program. This blog will compare the United States current health care policy with that of other countries.
In recent studies done about health care, the United States ranked last among other nations who have public health care options. This study was based on access to health care, patient safety, timeliness of care, efficiency and equity. In the study conducted Britain ranked top followed by Germany. Britain’s health care policy is ran and funded by the government. Tax dollars are used to pay for doctor visits. All appointments and treatments are free to the patient (although paid with taxpayer’s money), as are most prescription drugs. The maximum cost of drugs in Britain averages around $12. The NHS (Britain’s health care program) came into effect in 1948, following World War II. The citizens of Britain have a higher life expectancy and a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. Britain accomplishes this all while spending relatively less on health care than the United States. On average Britain spends $2,500 per person on health, while the United States spends about $6,000 per person. The U.S outperforms Britain in some aspects, though. The United States has a lower cancer-mortality rate than Britain.
With these statistics, why should we question switching to a government-ran health care program? I believe the benefits of public health care outweigh the risks.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1916570,00.html
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/15/1198
Monday, October 12, 2009
Myths About Health Care Reform
Since I am a first time blogger, I would like to do my best at creating a blog that is unbiased. The Health Care Reform Bill stirs up controversy among both sides of the political spectrum. This blog will tackle the some of the bogus myths that have sprung up from both sides of the debate. These myths are what cause many people to like or dislike the Health Care Reform Bill.
Myth #1: The House Care Bill Mandates or Encourages Euthanasia.
Many senior citizens are concerned with the fact that health care reform will result in shorter lives. One woman from North Carolina asked the president if health care reform would require Medicare patients to meet with physicians every five years and discuss ways they would like to die. This is simply not true. Health care reform will not result in senior citizens ending their lives abruptly.
Myth #2: Americans will lose their Private Insurance.
American citizens are concerned with the fact that switching to a government ran program will cause them to lose their coverage with their current plan. This is not the truth. Americans will be allowed to keep their current plans, but they will have the option to switch to the government plan if they would like. A study that was conducted showed that many Americans would, actually, want to switch to a government plan.
Myth #3: Abortions will be funded by taxpayer money.
Under the health care plan insurance companies will have a choice to fund for an abortion but not with federal funds.
Myth #4: Americans Don’t Want a Government-Run Health Care Plan.
Republicans have constantly insisted that America is not in favor a health care plan ran by the government. When polled many Americans have said that they are in favor of a government-ran health care plan.
Myth #5: A Health Care Bill Will Bring Quick Changes.
Many Democrats make it seem that it is urgent for America to reform health care. While the need is there, the change will not come overnight. It could take up to several years for America to see a change in health care, if the bill is passed.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Intro To Healthcare
If you happen to conduct a Google search on healthcare stories for America, you shall find many heart wrenching tales of those in desperate need for health care reform in today’s society. You will find people such as, Kimberly from Memphis Tennessee. Kimberly was out walking her dog one day when she tripped and fell over a tree root. Kimberly hit the ground and then passed out, she remembers waking up and being in an emergency room. When the emergency room staff found out that Kimberly was uninsured, they left her lying helpless to recover on her own. She says, “…no one even bothered to rinse the dirt out of my wounds.” Kimberly was released from the hospital still suffering from broken bones, a swollen eye, and a plethora of bruise on her body. If you do another Google search, you may also find women like Jeanie from Las Vegas, Nevada. Jeanie was attacked and stabbed by burglars. At the time of the assault Jeanie did not have insurance. After the attack Jeanie tried to obtain insurance, but she was denied because of the collapsed lung, she suffered from during her assault, was considered a “pre-existing condition”. Healthcare reform is a major topic facing America today. I feel the need for a change in healthcare is long overdue, and all American citizens should have the right to some basic form of healthcare. President Barack Obama has implemented a plan for all citizens to gain access to public healthcare. Under this plan no one should be denied basic health needs.
This blog will address the topic of healthcare, and why I believe we should adopt a policy that will allow citizens to receive efficient health services. This is my first time actually looking at the bills and legislation that is associated with health care, but I strongly believe that there is something we can do to help our fellow American’s gain adequate health. Many Americans can simply not afford the rising cost of health; therefore, causing many to go untreated and sometimes even die because they could not afford to see a doctor for something as simple as an infection. This blog will bring to light, what I think, is the effectiveness of the plan that President Obama is endorsing. I will also expose why insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies strongly oppose health care reform. As a freshman in college, I hope that soon healthcare will be reformed because when I graduate I do not want to have the burden of not being able to afford basic medical needs placed upon my shoulders.
This blog will address the topic of healthcare, and why I believe we should adopt a policy that will allow citizens to receive efficient health services. This is my first time actually looking at the bills and legislation that is associated with health care, but I strongly believe that there is something we can do to help our fellow American’s gain adequate health. Many Americans can simply not afford the rising cost of health; therefore, causing many to go untreated and sometimes even die because they could not afford to see a doctor for something as simple as an infection. This blog will bring to light, what I think, is the effectiveness of the plan that President Obama is endorsing. I will also expose why insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies strongly oppose health care reform. As a freshman in college, I hope that soon healthcare will be reformed because when I graduate I do not want to have the burden of not being able to afford basic medical needs placed upon my shoulders.
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