Nice but,
I wouldn't believe the hype that the US healthcare bill was at all about health care. For one, it's not "national" - only affects a small portion. While the higher taxes and penalties go into effect immediately, coverage doesn't start until four years from now.
The US government admitted that despite their promises, children won't be covered under the provisions, nor that their numbers about cost and savings were actually accurate.
The taxes collected for this are not dedicated, meaning that like social security, they can be collected and then applied elsewhere - leading to rationing and shortages in funding.
The democrats are already saying that the bill needs to be "reformed".
Healthcare for the poor and elderly had over $500 billion in cuts to pay for the bill.
The bill has a provision that allows people to "game" the law: essentially, one does not buy insurance until one gets sick, then buys it until the procedure is over, then drops off. It will be bankrupt.
I know that Brits are fiercely proud about their healthcare, but it is a mistake to believe anywhere similar. And the Tea Party people have a right to their beliefs, which according to the latest polls comply with over 50% of the Americans polled.
Little hope; change for the worse.
He thinks he's king.
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BrokenCoccyx doesn't mind if you grope on, Fri 23 Apr 2010, 22:27,
Reply)
Oh yeah, this isn't a track about the healthcare Bill, this is about why I think a proper health service needs to be in place in America. Obviously the NHS isnt perfect, but I know which country I'd rather have an accident in.
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B3tan Housewife, Sat 24 Apr 2010, 20:37,
Reply)
Understood. I hope you don't get into an accident anywhere
Although, people come from far and wide to the Mayo clinic for the quality of care (my other half is finishing accelerated nursing degree down there - since gas is going up, we will now only eat cardboard with catsup).
In the US someone who has been injured and has no way to pay MUST be treated - primarily by county hospitals, but others do it as well.
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BrokenCoccyx doesn't mind if you grope on, Mon 26 Apr 2010, 17:05,
Reply)
Everyone has the right
to be treated, certainly. In practice this is not always observed: witness the woman dying in the ED. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19207050/
The treatment isn't the problem-it's PAYING for it. The treatment is always there if you can pay for it.
(, Thu 13 May 2010, 23:11, Reply)