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RE: I just don't believe them. Why do you?

Comment a comment by Dwayne Sudduth (ldsudduth), published on 28 March 2009
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It probably cost her more than the full price of all the medications she received that way.

You’re probably right, considering that we used it exactly twice for meds—once when I broke a collar bone, and once when she had a bunion removed from her foot. Other than that, I had stitches twice, and it paid for the ambulance and ER when my father died.

Personally, in almost 30 years I have never used my insurance other than for a few antibiotics and albuterol inhalers on the two occasions I’ve had bronchitis. Other than that, it’s only used for annual doctor visits. Now, my son’s case was a different matter. His care cost nearly $150,000; so I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’ve not paid more in cost that I’ve used. I don’t use pain killers stronger than over-the counter Naproxin Sodium. I don’t like feeling out of control; hence I don’t touch stronger meds. It’s exactly why I don’t drink to excess or do drugs.

That health cover from your mother’s employer was part of a package, and in lieu of salary.

This comment made me think a bit. Some time ago (back in 2006) I posted this about teachers pay in a community here in PA. With the School District picking up 93% of the cost of health care, you make a valid case. If it were being paid for though another source (and we reformed the industry), it might lead to higher wages; I think you might be on to something there.

My wife and I have talked..and wonder if it would be a better industry if both Hospitals and Insurance companies were not-for profit entities. Some Hospitals are (notably ones attached to religious entities), but not all. If they were to become ‘non-profit’ and divert those funds to research and teaching…who knows. Insurance companies on the other hand; I’m not certain what they would do with their excess funds; just hope it wouldn’t go into CEO pockets.

If 40% of the top ten (is that by market- share, shareholder nationality, or profitability?

The list was sorted by profits.

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RE: I just don't believe them. Why do you? by Occams :: NR8

Yes, insurance is a bit like a universal health care or pharmaceutical scheme. Those who don’t make many claims subsidize those who do, except that a universal one is compulsory and the cost to the individual is lower because everyone is in.

I share your disdain for unnecessary drug taking. I think there is far to much taking of legal drugs in this country and it helps to build the culture for the illegal trade. It is easier to pop a pill than face up to life’s problems.

I believe that one of the reasons that societies developed governments in the first place was to do collectively certain things that were difficult to do individually like sanitation, defense, education, and that health care is one of those things.

Posted 28 March 2009, Hide, Parent, Reply
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RE: I just don't believe them. Why do you? by scottb :: NR7

My wife and I have talked..and wonder if it would be a better industry if both Hospitals and Insurance companies were not-for profit entities.

It doesn’t really work well that way, either. The problem is exactly the one that the anti-socialism fear-mongers are afraid of. If the hospitals were not-for-profit, then the focus would shift to doctors’ wages, which would be driven down to the point that the current incentives to suffer through the process of becoming a doctor would evaporate.

Two or three years of pre-med, then another four of med school, then a year as an intern, and another of residency. If you’re specializing, another one to three years for a fellowship. Then you have to pass the boards, and you end up with all the student loans to be paid back.

Who’d do eight to twelve years of training, unless there was a substantial payoff at the end?

Sure — there would be some hardy and dedicated souls who’d do it for a love of medicine, but there damn sure wouldn’t be enough of them to staff our hospitals.

Posted 28 March 2009, Hide, Parent, Reply

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