American Morning
Edie Falco: Health care reform can't wait
Editor's Note: Edie Falco is an Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her character "Carmela Soprano” in the groundbreaking HBO series "The Sopranos." She is now starring in the new series "Nurse Jackie" that premiered on Showtime in early June 2009.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/06/25/edie.falco.getty.art.jpg caption="Actress Edie Falco arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California."]
By Edie Falco
Special to CNN
Health care is something that affects everyone in America, and I am glad that we are having a national conversation about it. I am supporting Health Care for America Now because we are at a moment in time when we can actually make change that impacts peoples’ lives in a very real way.
We have got to fix health care, and we have got to do it right now. Health care reform cannot wait.
As a struggling artist, I spent many years without health coverage. I know the feeling of hoping your symptoms go away before you have to get money together to see a doctor. I know worrying about it makes it even harder to get better. I still have friends and family in this position.
It’s true, I have health care now. I have good doctors and I'm treated very well, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this. But I believe no one person is any more worthy of such treatment than any other person who may be sitting at home right now worried about their own health or the health of a loved one, knowing they don't have the money to take care of it. With all of the wealth and ingenuity in our country, I know we can do better. We can fix this.
I am here in Washington, DC with Health Care for America Now today because together we are going to let Congress know that we will not wait another moment to fix our broken health care system. We have a plan that makes health care affordable to individuals, families, and businesses. If you have insurance that works for you, you can keep it. You will also have a guaranteed backup plan. It's quality, affordable health care no matter what. It’s the peace of mind that people have been looking for. It’s also the plan that President Obama is fighting for.
During my time here, I am meeting with people all around the country who are affected by our current health care mess. They will tell their stories at our rally today and they will be meeting with their members of Congress. I hope that I can help make sure that their voices are heard. We are all fighting for them and for the hundreds of thousands of people in America who need a guarantee of quality, affordable health care we all can count on.
My hope is that Congress will hear our message loud and clear: Health care can’t wait!
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Edie Falco.
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From Edward in Cali – June 25th, 2009 3:26 pm ET
"The idea that EVERYONE deserves healthcare is an agenda that the left has been pushing for years."
Correct, Edward; these are the same folks who brought us the lax mortgage lending standards that crippled our economy, with the philiosophy that "everyone deserves" a house...whether they can afford it or not! Hey, folks, life is unfair, and it does not owe ANYONE ANYTHING. Work and sacrifice for what you want; you are "entitled" to NOTHING! That is why it is the American Dream, not the "American Entitlement".
Wade,
I agree with everything you said. I'd like to add that a public insurance plan can contain stipulations about communication between providers, duplicate or needless testings, etc... without adding regulation to the industry as a whole. To stay competitive, private carriers will have to keep up.
I dont understand the push to nationalized health care for a relatively small percentage of the population. The 46 mllion is a severely inflated number that includes all people that went even 1 day without coverage in '08 as well as illegal imigrants. Those people can go to the hospital and still be treated and many are already eligible for medicaid but choose not to enroll. We need to reform the health care system, but govt must stay out of the insurance business because there is too much risk involved by allowing them to potentially push out private insurers. We need to cut out the unnecessary tests that are done to rip off the insurers and we need to do some serious tort reform to limit the massive settlements that have also put strain on the system.
Here's a novel idea: PAY for your own healthcare services out of your own pocket. What, Oh my! ME? Pay for something I need? How absurd. This is the 21st century and the greatest country in the world, they should be able to take care of my poor helpless self. If you want someone else to take care of you, leave. The "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit" of happiness doesn't mean everyone automatically gets it. Try contolling your own destiny. I'm not taking care of you.
Based on the cynicism, naysaying, shallow reasoning and resistance
evident in these comment it is no wonder that our country is on a downward spiral. Over the last 8 years, the inertia of most of the public bouyed the Bush Administration in its stomping of our Country into the ground. Yet, here we have folks whining like 4 year olds over a healthy occurrence such as a debate over health care reform.
This is bad news for America.
Stop focusing on Health Insurance. That is not the problem.
We NEED TORT Reform. Limit medical malpractice awards and class action suits. That is why health care is so expensive.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." – Gerald Ford
It is truly amazing how stupid people are and how they can be blindly lead. I work in healthcare – I WORK – I pay for my insurance and if OB gets his way I will pay more for less. Yes folks that is the truth. Why do people still think that they can get anything and everything at no cost. It will cost someone an awful lot if this goes through. Our hospital admininstration is ready to make a list of who to lay off once the reimbursments, which are already horrible, get cut again. Stop this madness before it goes any further. If someone needs health insurance then give them a "card" and take care of them. Lord knows I pay for plenty of "cards" that are already being given out. Yes if you are in need then I say we should take care of you. But I also say stop the darn handouts, put people to work so they can pay taxes and leave me and my few dollars in the bank alone. By the way, Edie, I assume that you, President Obama and all of congress will be the first to give up your current health insurance and step up to the front of the line for this new health plan.
The United States has the most dysfunctional system of medical care of any industrialized country in the world today. The reasons are myriad. Complicating the issue is the involvement of medical insurance companies that dictate how medical care is delivered but have no part in medical treatment. A frequent complaint is that the cost of medical care continues to increase more that the annual cost-of-living index. Who is responsible for that increase? I'm a licensed medical professional. My salary increases approximately 3-4% per year. That increase in the cost of medical care is not going in my pocket. The administrative costs of the typical insurance company are more than 30%. Administrative costs for Medicare and Veterans Administration hospitals are approximately 4%. Does that tell you anything? Some day it will become obvious that people need MEDICAL CARE!.....NOT MEDICAL INSURANCE
Sorry, but we can't afford it at this time. Call me back in another couple decades when we have enough tax-paying Citizens and businesses to afford to be "healthy"....
Obama is calling this an issue about reform it really about adding a 4th entitlement program to the 3 we can't currently afford.
I wonder where Ms Falco will get her health care needs? Surely not with us peons.... likely pay with her wealth like the rest of the wealthy. If she and the others will sit in an emergency room and wait like everyone else and if she will wait for health care like the rest of us, but that will never happen
It is funny that a liberal Hollywood elitist should be dictating health policy. Perhaps people should realize that health care is not included in the constitution. it isnt a fudamental right but rather something that people should spend their own money on. Most of the uninsured 'americans' are illegal immigrants or persons with sufficent funds to purchase private medical insurance. Wake up America.. we have a free market economy..
Victoria Nicolov: Not sure how you can state that CNN is censoring you...you've got at least a dozen comments listed! You sound like someone from the old KGB... always a conspiracy.
Victoria whatever your name is; your comments are well taken but they are just your opinion. You do not speak for all persons and your ideas are well below par.
It would be nice if you take that card and disregard your current coverage but I am sure you won't.
As long as those complaining have good employer paid insurance, they'll not give an ounce of regard for those not having any.
It is completely not human nature to spend over a trillion on a war in Iraq that was not needed. It is not proper to have to pay trillions more for the long term treatment of our men and women who are badly damage from this unjust war.
Why then can't we afford health care for all Americans? I am absolutely sure, everyone who complains would love to see another war and great waste of human life and resources.
If we can afford another 106 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we can afford universal health care for every human being in American.
Very well-stated, Wade.
We should pay higher taxes and get rid of all the insurance companies. Health care is a basic human right, not a business. People who do have "insurance" are not covered either. I'm also from Europe, where nobody worries about inability to pay for treatments, hospitals, meds etc. This issue should really be in the Constitution..the right to live a worry-free life..Is that too much to ask for? And let's send home all the foreign doctors, and close the extra hospitals, and let's treat people who are sick..from cradle to grave.Thank you Marta
Jim from Denver:
The story you tell of your friend's passing is (sadly) an incredible illustration of the difficult decisions people have to make in these difficult economic times.
Truth is, the biggest whiners over this issue are the ones who, for the time being, have perfect circumstances: their job hasn't laid them off or gone out of business. Reality has yet to smack them across the face. Apparently they work at places that are completely immune to recession. Least they better be, or they'll be up a particular creek.
And I get sick of these same losers saying things like: "Thanks Eddie (sic) for your comments on something you know nothing about and have no way to pay for without breaking the back of the taxpayer." I guess when you're good enough to remember lines and be a tv star, according to these dolts, YOU SURRENDER ALL RIGHTS TO COMMENT ON PUBLIC ISSUES. (Seriously???) If memory serves me, California elected two actors, one of whom went on to be POTUS. I wonder if they were outraged by this!!!
(These people are actors without a clue how the real world works and CNN uses them to promote Obama every chance they get.) Were you outraged by Ronald Reagan's cluelessness, Mike?
(Why do I need to pay more taxes to buy health care for hookers, drug dealers, and everyone else who actually makes more money than I do, but chooses not to buy health insurance?) How bout the American families out here trying to do the right thing? They don't deserve it either? Gee, I'd hate to be a real estate agent married to a woman who works as an auto sales manager. These 'scum of the earth' deserve nothing, too, right John P? Think it's that easy for them to just 'find a job with better health care', and make a similar salary? Try thinking for a minute. It really helps...
These idiots' biggest problem is perspective, as in they clearly lack any. Their selfishness is the core definition of anti-Americanism...
Speak up cowards, tell me what I wrote here isn't true...
Here's the issue: nobody is against everyone having access to affordable health care. The disagreement is about how it should be done.
The problem that arises with a low-cost government alternative to private insurance or employer-provided insurance is it effectively creates a price ceiling on the insurance market. No plan can be considered viable unless it offers (at least) the same coverage as the government plan for a lower premium. Private insuarnce offerings can only try to tempt consumers with additional benefits, but if the Obama administration has their way, the government package will be very robust.
As an employer, my biggest question is to find out how large the penalty is for failure to provide adequate coverage. If it is less than the cost of insuring my workforce, I simply drop benefits and tell people to take the government option. Bear in mind, this also probably allows me to trim administrative costs, and possibly even HR staff.
Moreover, with a provision within the legislation to limit insurers' ability to refuse coverage for pre-existing conditions, our government is effectively forcing the removal of risk assessment from the insurance business. Goverment is there to scoop up anyone that the private insurers won't cover at a price they consider affordable. The difference being that government is willing to endure losses that private businesses cannot (because the govt does it on the taxpayer's dime).
And what does "affordable" mean, anyway? Affordable to whom? What happens to the folks who decide they can't afford it, or don't need it? Isn't the program a bit shortsighted if America's poorest individuals are unlikely to be covered anyway??
Where does it all lead? Reduced profitability within the insurance industry, until private insurers consolidate and leave the business altogether. The only logical conclusion is the elimination of private insurance from the industry....at which point the medical industry is effectively government run. The person holding the purse strings is the one that calls the shots.
And for everyone with fears of corruption, this is a nightmare scenario. Do you really trust government to handle this? Would you have trusted government to run this under the Bush administration? Because understand that the power we are giving to the government each day is power we will not get back...and it's power that goes to the office, not the individual. What happens when that office is occupied by someone that you don't like? More importantly, what happens when the office is held by someone that doesn't like you???
I am a 30 year old healthy female. I eat healthfully, don't smoke and exercise. I am a full time college student (working towards my second degree basically to update my skill set) I also work part-time as a Marketing Manager for a small business owner who is unable or unwilling to provide some sort of health care benefit. As a result, I purchased a high deductible health care plan, not necessarily to cover day to day costs, but to prevent financial devastation should I get sick or have an accident while in school. The other day, I went to the pharmacy to get a prescription. It usually costs me $9 for this prescription. It was close to $30 that day. The pharmacists said it was because the insurance company dictated that price. I asked them to allow me to pay cash instead of run it through my insurance company. It was significantly cheaper for me to purchase this on my own! Remember, my insurance company wouldn't actually pay for this prescription until my $3000 has been met. I just wanted this prescription to go towards that $3000 deductible. In addition, the insurance company wouldn't approve 3 months supply. My doctor said that I could get 3 months supply. When did it become ok for an insurance company to dictate the amount of medicine you receive at any given time? Isn't that between patient and doctor? And when did it become more expensive to use your insurance than to pay cash? This has happened several times over the past year. I couldn't imagine what it would be like for someone who has an ongoing illness. It's such a shame. I am a hard working, educated contributor to society, but something so basic such as medical care is close to out of my financial reach. I think it's all a scam.
If you'd like to see government run health care, go to any VA hospital, where the care is sub standard at best.
I agree we need a change somehow, but anything the government touches, they screw up. Social Security sounded like a great idea at first, now they've screwed up all of our retirements.
There is a reason rich people from other countries come to the US for healthcare when they have a serious health scare....and they have their Universal health care!
There is no question that health care for everyone would be wonderful; however, the bill is going to come due soon for all the programs and "stimulus" packages already given out by Congress and the President. Where are all these noble folks going to be when your taxes start to climb? Do you not realize that all these programs come with a price tag? They are not free! Unfortunately, it isn't just health care - it's all the "changes" already in the works. Feel free to disagree, but mark my words - middle class America will be asked to bear the burden again. Alsao, how does an actress, playing a nurse on TV, suddenly become such a knowledgeable source and expert on health care?
it is amazing what years of brainwashing will do to otherwise intelligent people. agree with many comments that Vicotria needs to check her facts, take a pill and seek professional help. having lived in Canada I wouold chose its health care over the US in a heartbeat. If you are seriously ill, there is no waiting, yes if you have an "elective" surgery you might need to wait, but at least you don't have to mortgage your house, go bankrupt or pull your kids out of university just to pay your health care bills.
People don't understand government funded health care when they have never lived it. Physicians and specialists are in short supply, thus the waiting times, not lack of care because the government funds it. Canada, France even Cuba, have some of the best health care programs in the World, and healthiest people. Think about it American's, who ultimatley is behind the "social" medicine scare, Government, Right Wing, Republican, pet boys who make big money on kick backs from HMO's, and Drug companies.
People are under some kind of disillusion that Canadian and French doctors make no money, WRONG, most make a millino+ a year along with Nurses, due to unions most of them are making huge salaries. I gladly pour out my $45 per month for my health care and pitty anyone who would pay thousands of dollars because they can't be bothered to wait.
I would agree that healt care needs to be reform and agree with the professioanl that addressed preventive medicine. There should be a greater emphasis placed on how to keep us healthy and out of the physician's office. We took away PE in schools and now deal with childhood and adult obesity which makes us at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease as well as certain cancers. We have enabled so many people on disability to continue to buy drugs, alcohol and cigaretts. Let's find a way to promote healthier lifestyles, physians not order duplicate test ( talk to any and all specialist seeing the patient you are treating), and reduce the pay for the hospital CEO's who are making millions of dollars. Also let keep in mind that a good portion of our healthcare dollars are spent on people that are not American citizens. Lets find a way to curtail some of these issues and that should provide enough funds to provide healthcare dollars for all Americans.
@ Victoria Nikolov
Posting a comment 200 times doesn't make you any more correct than if you did twice.
p.s. Anyone that uses the word "socialism" automatically loses credibility for buying into talking points.
pps. I have NEVER met a person from Canada or any country with public health care that had any complaints. Ever. Don't buy the hype. US has the worst health care of any 1st world nation and blind arrogance and being complacent keeps us from ever making real steps.
Mark L. – I couldn't agree with you more – I too experienced the same with sciatic nerve damage resulting from two herniated discs in my lower lumbar between L4, L5 and S1. I went through the same exact nightmarish hell with my company's sponsored healthcare provider. They refused to pay for spinal fusion surgery until I at least explored other available options such as pain management therapy, as you stated. It did not do anything for me either, and you know what? As a result, today, I am currently on permanent disability. I am only 51-yo and already collecting full-fledged social security disability because a private insurance company was more concerned about their greed than covering me when I needed it most. Healthcare Reform all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In addition to reforming the medical insurance system, the laws which govern malpractice litigation need to be reformed as well. Medical costs will not decrease as long as doctors pay staggering malpractice premiums and medical malpractice insurers pay exhorbitant amounts to settle lawsuits.
We should also realize that people with employer-sponsored insurance are not necessarily getting good medical treatment. I am fortunate to have "good" coverage, but I still delay going to the doctor because of the hassle and skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for somone on medicare or without coverage at all!
Ok, health care costs are spiraling out of control so people can not afford it. So why not to try to reduce and control such costs by reforming insurance industry and limiting patient lawsuits instead?
Jozy,
Instead of throwing around Strawman arguments, how about you educate my feeble mind? I would think someone making such a pretentious post would have libraries of pertinent information floating around in their oversized cranium.
CNN, what is up with the dozen or so posts you've let go up by one individual? Victoria Nikolov. Does that person work for CNN or do your moderators just like allowing posts by that they happen to agree with?
Furthermore, I studied health economics in Europe. While the experts over there agree that none of there systems work perfectly, NONE OF THEM WANT THE US SYSTEM!!!! Yes, we have some of the best physicians in the world. Too bad we are rated so low for health outcomes and quality of life. And guess who's ranked above us? A lot of the European "socialist medicine" systems!
Of course Canada has better healthcare than the US. The US has only 2.5 timess the oil output but 10 times the population. That means the US produces about 10 barrels of oil per year per person and Canada produces about 39 per person per year. If we had the same production per person, we would have another $587 billion per year to pay for Obama's healthcare plan. Unfortunately, in order to achieve that rate (117 billion barrels a year) we would have to produce 11 times what Saudi Arabia does. That's almost double what the 14 largest producing countries produce in a year COMBINED. So yes, maybe if we were an oil rich country with a small population we could afford his healtchare, but according to reality, we can't.
The revealing thing that E Falco said was (she gets treated very well now) only a small percentage of the population is a pampered, self indulgent celebrity with lots of money, and the best doctors and specialist in the world on speed dial. We will never get the kind of care that wealth and celebrity get. Look at that crack Clinton, she breaks her elbow sees a doctor the same day ,gets surgery two days later and not by the local saw bones but probably the best surgeons in DC. For the rest of us we should be able to get the best insurance we can afford and are willing to pay for without the government putting that at risk with universal insurance. Obama promised during the campaign that Americans should have the same health care that members of congress should, who in their right mind believed that blatant empty rhetoric. The reason politicians lie to the American public is because we let them get away with it. If we are ever forced into a national health plan and your child or spouse needs that crucial surgery or procedure a government clerk similar to the one at the Dept of motor vehicle will make that life or death decision. Edie Falco and her kind will just pick up the phone and make an appointment with her private Doctor or celebrity surgeon.
Good grief, Victoria, calm down. It's great for you that your daughter HAS health coverage but how about those of us that don't have the option? There is a margin of people in this country that can't afford private health coverage (if they can even get it) and make too much to qualify for the government plan. Doctors in this country will let you sit in the waiting room and DIE if you don't have health insurance, including children. So, while you complain about your daughter waiting for an x-ray, how about those of us that can't get an x-ray for our children AT ALL? I don't want to use taxpayer money and take a handout from the government but what choice do I have when our health care system is based on corporate greed and capitalism? Oh wait, my only choice is to hope that my children, my husband, and I don't ever get sick. Maybe you should stop thinking about yourself, for once, and consider other people.
It still amazes me that the healthcare debate in the US is still entirely focused on treatment and never a word about prevention. Having read The China Study and countless other books, written by world class nutritional researchers, and having access to some of the leading minds in the medical profession, I have been able to see, first hand, how proper nutrition trumps treatment.
Maybe we should focus our resources on teaching our population to eat better, exercise more and grant everyone access to quality food.
Americans, take a look at the heart disease, diabetes and cancer rates in many countries around the world – and then look at the US. You think this is because we have poor treatment? No, this is because we have poor nutrition and terrible education.
We must focus on education, nutrition and accessibility to vegetables/fruits/grains, first ... then add a solid treatment plan. Unless we reduce the amount of treatment, it does not matter how it is paid for – we will lag the world economically because we are not treating the problem.
The debate must be about the causes... lets wake up in America and start putting the work into learning about the issues, from every aspect. Americans do not want to hear that they eat terribly, do not exercise and live lives that lead to poor health. But this is the fact.
Sometimes if people have to wait for care and they die then natural selection takes over. We all live a lie because we believe we are meant to live a hundred years, hence the social security problem. Enjoy your healthy days and stop complaining!
Dear Victoria Nikolov, you are not only selfish, you don't know what you are talking about. President Obama didn't say any of the things you claim. More than that, what he is actually asking is for a Medicare type plan to be made available for everyone – IF they are not happy with their current coverage. I was a health care administrator for 20 years and KNOW that the private insurers deny, delay and diminish coverage every chance they get. . I also lived in England for several years and was very impressed with their nationalized health service. Yes, elective items have waiting periods, but so do they for the people in this country with HMO plans. I am now over 55 and self -employed, which means most insurance companies don't want to insure me at all, so I pay $6000 per year for a policy with a $5000 deductible. A public health plan would make health care available to everyone who can't be covered by a private one and at the same time will help to drive down the costs of the for-profit plans. Its long overdue.
Obviously, you have spent years studying to become an expert on incredible complex problems such as this. Your analysis is about as indepth and simple as a child saying we can end war by getting everyone not to kill each other.
I am glad the rest of us have your insight. Please make sure you speak with enthusiam and sterness so that your soundbites seem more authoritative and studied.
Thanks so much
As someone who has health insurance through my employer, please tell me why my husband and I are now having to look at filing banktruptcy because my daughter was born premature and we hit our total out of pocket expenses within 1 week of her NICU stay, if there is nothing wrong with this country's healthcare system? My husband had just lost his job and I had 12 weeks maternity leave without pay (another problem with our country...) 10 grand was our total out of pocket and we had little luck getting bills reduced. We were not in the position to say, "no thanks" to the care that my daughter needed and the costs were astronomical. We need healthcare reform because it certainly can't get any worse...
Two words: Cleveland Clinic
Use them as the model and have all hospitals, clinics and healthcare centers run the way it does.
Someone please save me from people who think that Health Care and Health Care Insurance Coverage are the same thing.
Someone save me from people who don't understand that we spent many times more than other modern, industrialized nations, and yet have the same basic mortality rates and lifespans.
Someone save me from people who don't understand that the underlying problem in our health care system isn't the lack of insurance coverage. It's the lack of affordable health care. Health care that is efficient, effective, and doesn't rely on technocrats and bureaucratic rules that require unnecessary testing.
Someone save me from people who don't understand that we waste time, money, and increase errors by having every doctor's office in the country, and every hospital in the nation keep a separate set of records and perform the same tests because they don't know what has been done before.
Someone save me from people who don't understand that limits to medical liability should be based on good common sense and a set of agreed-upon universal standards for diagnostic medicine.
Someone save me from people who don't understand that patching cracks in a wall without addressing the shifting foundation only leads to more, and more difficult, cracks to patch later.
In short, people. We must address weaknesses at the foundation. The foundation is not insurance – it's the cost of medical care, which is driven upward by all of the aforementioned factors, plus more. If we don't address it, we're only building a system that is guaranteed to fail. It may be that universal health care COVERAGE is needed, but you cannot justify, nor appropriately implement such a system until you solve the real issue. You're just fooling yourselves if you think that you can.
Reason enough to NOT do it...over $3 TRILLION that we will have to BORROW FROM CHINA!!!
Jax Girl 1980
Look at the variables that go into this study – there are 8 variables. I would argue that in looking at the WHO report – one of the most important factors are "Responsiveness" defined as being responsive to our societies need for healthcare. We as a country are the most responsive when it comes to the needs of our citizens and access to healthcare. When days, hours, and minutes matter (which at times can be the case) we are the most responsive. So when you call out Viktoria and say that she is nuts – understand her story and that time and responsiveness makes a significant difference and that as a society – we value life. Think about that for a second access to care directly correlates with how we value life.
And Carl,
Here's a history lesson.
Goes back about 10 months.
THE ECONOMY WAS ALREADY IN TATTERS WHEN OBAMA TOOK OFFICE...REMEMBER? NO? Whose Kool-Aid have you been drinking?
I totally disagree. Having healthcare is NO different than having Insurance on an automobile or home or business. It is something that we purchase giving us a better sense of security that if we have to submit a claim, we have a contract that will cover our covered damages.
The idea that EVERYONE deserves healthcare is an agenda that the left has been pushing for years. This is nothing more than pandering to the left (let's face it–the majority of people w/out insurance happen to be liberals–any connection???)
I am very grateful to have a great paying job with benefits that happen to cover healthcare. But, if I happen to lose my job, I have saved over the years to make sure that me and my family can go at least 18 months w/out any income to ensure our bills are paid. This is responsibility at its finest. Those who elect to have lifestyles that do not allow them to pay for the basic of needs/wants should be honest with themselves and ask 1 question before they buy ANYTHING: Do I NEED this? Most situations it's going to be a NO! If any purchases are made on something that is NOT needed and that is the difference of not being able to pay for healthcare, then that is PROOF that that person/family should not be getting ANY free rides.
I hope the individuals who voted Obama into office apologize to everyone who crosses their paths in the future, because each person who voted for this trash to be President is part to blame for the mess we're about to be put in...................
I have company sponsored health care (right now) and let me tell you, its no party. Those who think that "being covered" means you are in fact covered dont get it. My insurance company is in business to do ONE thing and ONE thing only – whatever they can to refuse coverage. So think about that a second...
I pay a fortune each month to get NO coverage. What do I mean? Well, my doc recommended a colonoscopy – I call the insurance company and ask, am I covered – Yes! they say... I get the procedure done and then... start getting all the bills!!! I call the insurer and they tell me on 3 different occassions, dont worry youre covered. But on the fourth phone call I get informed that the plan I have has just had some changes and oooops, I am not covered. I fork out about $3000 for a procedure I was assured was covered and didnt need to have.
NO healthcare issues are going to be solved without two vital things...
(1) The cost of procedures is ridiculous. Hospitals charging $12 for one tylenol tablet. $8 for a tongue depressor. And of course, doctors, nurses, specialists – they all make a good kicker on it. As long as these people keep screwing the costs onto us, forget about it – NO solution will work.
(2) Insurance companies have TOO MUCH overhead, way to large profits and they are in business with ONE purpose – do everything they can NOT to pay. We allow this to go on, forget about it – NO solution will work.
Argue, debate, yeah, whatever.... NO ONE is even addressing the things in the system that truly cost the big bucks. The cost of procedures (an outrage), and insurance company's greed (downright un-American)
So though I like Obama, and theres a ton of discussion and debate going around – its all like clapping with one hand. Useless. Because no one is addressing the root causes.
JUST SAY NO TO OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE IT IS A DISASTER. Only 42 months till Obama is out of office and we get a Republican in the White House and fix all the problems this administration has caused.
Edie Falco knows nothing about health care or the complexities of its reform. As for her 'struggling artist' without health insurance refrain, that was her choice. Both of my daughters are out of college and jobless at this point, but they have health coverage which costs all of $46 a month. How much cheaper need it be?? Oh, I know the answer. They want it to be free. Sorry, health care is not free. Never has and never will.
I am all for eliminating the absurdity of linking health insurance to employment, but I would approach the solution differently than Obama. When people lose their job and can't afford food do we seize the food industry to feed those who can't afford food? No, we give out food stamps, a relatively cost effective way to enable people to buy the food they need. Now some of you may argue that the government is not seizing the health care industry, but if there is a government option alongside private insurers, I don't think there is any doubt that government will overrun the private insurers because they don't have to watch costs. I think a "Health stamp" program would work much better than a government-run program, but we seem to be headed to a government-run health care industry. I look at Medicare and wonder how this can possibly work.
Remember when Americans used to stand on their own two feet? When did we turn into a nation of whiners and socialists?
When did it become one American's right to take money from me so they can have something that they didn't earn?
The government is, at best, a necessary evil. It is not the solution to all of your problems.
I don't know Edi, but I am tired of so called celebrities coming across as experts. It is amazing how many people buy into it. It is my understanding that the older you are in Canada the longer you have to wait for major surgeries and cancer treatments. Ask the Canadians,who can afford to winter in Arizona, why they get their medical care done here rather than at home in Canada. Will the President and the men and women in Congress have the same health care program as the rest of us, or will they make sure they stay on their Cadillac program that they all enjoy, now?
The "fix" for health care, is a complex one, and certainly not one that is in Obama's plan.
First, citizens have to quit using insurance for minor things. They also have to quit using insurance for pregnancies. They must shoulder the responsibility for colds, first aid, and other minor treatments, themselves.
Second, they have to shoulder more responsibility for their own well being. That means less obesity, and inactivity.
Third, the medical profession has to have some relief from frivolous lawsuits, but along with that, they also have to accept more modest income levels, in their occupation. Making millions as a physician, is something no one can afford any more.
Medical equipment manufacturers, must stop charging what the traffic will bear, as well, as much of that is being manufactured at highly inflated rates.
Lastly, pharmaceutical companies must have some controls placed on their charges, for medications, as it is common knowledge that US citizens pay far more than other countries, for the same medications.
There are many other "refinements" needed, but those are some of the main ones.
The first healthcare reform has to be, "HEALTH CARE WORKERS ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED TO BE THE SNOTTY JERKS THAT MOST ARE RIGHT NOW, ESPECIALLY IN THE ER!"
Hey Phil,
The American people's ideology is showing – they seem to confuse their political beliefs with BS spread around by their parties leaders, or simply put, those with the money to spread the BS on really thick. If they would spend any amount of time researching and trying to really understand what UHC is really about they might change their weak minds – but if they did that, they wouldn't be able to live with themselves after drinking the partys koolaid for so long.....
Great advice, i am for it, as long as i do not have to pay taxes
How about the Insurance companies? They hold the leash on us and the healthcare providers. Insurance companies getting so fat,
our pocket and healt going down.
First, health care should be universally available and basic coverage should be the same for everyone with equivalent rates. If we can do that with medicare for seniors we should be able to do that accross the board for families, single moms, singles, etc. No one should have to pay the outrageous rates to Cobra and no executive should be getting bonuses or excessive salaries/perks for managing health care. Those who are fortune to have extra cash could be given the option to upgrade their coverage and the private companies could compete for that share of the business.
On a side note...Victoria its obvious from your postings that you really don't understand...do your homework, we do not have the best system in the world or the best care.
I agree that everybody should have healthcare, but we have to be careful about how we go about it. Our government has proven that they can't run anything, therefore the politicians should not be involved in running a program. If we let them in, too many people will be making money for doing nothing.
Now if I become an emmy winning actor and star on a medical television show, does than mean I can write a special column, too?
Looks to me like Victoria Nikolov works for an insurance company. I have never seen anyone respond to one post so frequently, almost like a lobbyist....
America can't afford universal healthcare like western European nations because they socialized their university system as well. France, Germany, etc. can keep healthcare costs down (compared to the US) because they regulate how much physicians earn. You can't expect someone to spend 10 years and $500k going to medical school and then tell them their pay is capped $100k/year. Imagine adding another mortgage to your monthly expenses and see how much you have left to spend.
For those complaining we should be more like Europe, trying living there. Personally, I'd rather not live in a shoebox with a bathroom in the closet while paying 50% income tax. Housing is cheap because they regulate the price, so it's only cheap if you can find a place to live. And forget about owning a car. I'll take the US standard of living any day.
Phil, you do understand that healthcare differs between provinces, eh? I got to console my ex many times as she left the doctor crying her eyes out because they wouldn't send her to a specialist. Then, she got hit with a bill from the government for unpaid medical insurance taxes or whatever they called it. She then had to go back and find pay stubs and tax documents from 8 years ago to justify her position. Canadian healthcare has its problems.
By calling Canadian Heathcare "Socialized medicine" you posters simply prove how uninformed you are. ALL GPs in Canada are in PRIVATE PRACTICE, running their practices like any small business. The main difference from the US is that they get reimbursed by the PROVINCES instead of private insurance companies. EVERYONE contributes to the healthcare budget through paying taxes, something that young healthy people don't like – but they also get sick and have accidents, so they're covered. You DON'T LOSE YOUR HOUSE in Canada when you get sick or have to go bankrupt, like you commonly do in the US. A few downsides are that you will probably have to wait 3 months for your gall bladder operation instead of getting it next week in the US. On the other hand, Canadians live 2 years longer than Americans, they have a higher cancer survival rates, and infant mortality is much lower. So the question is, why do you uninformed Americans think we're dying like flies up here? We're healthier than you are at HALF THE PRICE!
Victoria Nikolov – NO, SHAME ON YOU !! I am a US Born Citizen and VERY PROUD OF IT !! In addition, I do have affordable Health Care Coverage through my employer; HOWEVER, a couple of years ago I had to undergo Spinal Fusion Surgery for an ultra-severe case of sciatica. If you don't know what sciatica is, look it up. It is an awful pain that keeps you awake night after night. For some, pain management therapy works, while for others physical therapy may do the trick. For me, NO THERAPY and NO PAIN KILLER, NOT EVEN OXYCONTIN HELPED !! My so-called 'wonderful' privatized Health Care Provider WOULD NOT APPROVE SPINAL FUSION SURGERY even after my Primary Care Physician and Surgeon Both Forwarded Them Documentation I why I need to undergo such a drastic procedure. The Insurance Company was MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR STINKEN PROFITS THAN THEY WERE ABOUT MY WELFARE !! So DON'T EVEN GO THERE !! I have yet to meet one retired elderly individual who has something HORRIFIC to say about MEDICARE !! Guess what folks, a public, government sponsored option would be NO DIFFERENT THAN MEDICARE and there is absolutely NOTHING WRONG WITH MEDICARE !! My 84-Year Old Father is EXTREMELY GRATIFIED there is such a thing called MEDICARE !!
WAKE UP AMERICA – WE NEED HEALTHCARE REFORM LEGISLATION AND WE NEED IT NOW...If you think the current economic crises is bad, well, let's just say that this so-called economic crisis is NOTHING compared to what it's going to become unless we get HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION PASSED !!
And for GOP / REPUBLICANS that have nothing better to do all day long than to slam President Obama's plan, referring too it as SOCIALISM – Well, like I stated before – WAKE UP AMERICA !! Just what do you think Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Public Education, the Police and the Fire Departments are? It's all socialist, and there's absolutely NOTHING WRONG WITH IT !! For Your Information – SOCIALISM DOES NOT EQUAL COMMUNISM !!
Lastly, in closing I just want to express my sincerest opinion towards the US CONGRESS – You can afford to shell out billions upon billions of dollars for an unjust war in Iraq, bailing out crooked CEO's and their corrupt organizations such as AIG and Bank of America, in addition to helping out third-world impoverished nations. Now, you are going to start crying about how expensive Health Care Reform Is? Who the HECK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE FOOLING?
Why do people against a public healthcare option so often criticize the US Postal Service? I just don't understand it. I've been sending mail for many years, and nothing I've sent has ever been lost–even when mailing to recipients thousands of miles away. And not only is this service reliable, it is very cheap as well.
Truth of the matter is: the healthcare system in the US as it now stands is terribly broken. Even for those who do manage to get themselves covered (almost seems like a miraculous feat), the insurance companies do all they can to deny payment and/or drop coverage as soon as any claims are put through (even after the claims come after years and years of paying the premiums). Such stories are numerous and easy to find–not to mention truly shocking and disgusting. Shameful, shameful. Something really must be done about this, and soon.
Okay, let's try this from the other side...let's pass health care reform, cap and trade, and a third stimulus bill. Let's bail out bankrupt states, send $100B to each 3rd world country, and feed the world. Don't worry about how this will all be paid for...we're going to raise taxes on the top 5%...families making over $250,000 per year. The rest of us making less than $250,000 per year will all get government jobs, eat government food, wear government clothes, go to government schools, drive government cars, and see government doctors. I certainly don't see any problem with that approach, do you?
I am amazed at how many Americans are simply ignorant – ignorant of reality, ignorant of plans, and too ignorant to realize that we won't suceed as a nation unless we survive as a nation. I have a BCBS, of which I pay 1/2 half of the cost and my employeer who I work for pays the other half. Am I getting it for free? NO. Do I have the same coverage as the sorry a$$ congresspeople who respresent special interest, take lobbist monies and say they work for me? NO. Would I like their socialist type of coverage? YES. Who pays for their coverage? WE the AMERICAN PUBLIC.
Are they any better than I am – me the person who actually works for a living? NO- but they think they are.....
If so many of you are against paying for some other peoples healthcare, may I suggest that you start with you congresspeople and work down from there.... As for knocking the profits out of insurance compaines who routinely deny coverage for a multitude of reasons – go for it.........
"We have a plan that makes health care affordable to individuals, families, and businesses."
I suppose that's true if we ignore the trillion dollar price tag. If we sweep that under the rug, then, yes, healthcare will be affordable for all.
I'm trying to figure out how our current healthcare system flies in the face of democracy. I'm sure the person I speak of is far from a political science expert, but I don't think you need to be to understand that government healthcare is what flies in the face of democracy.
Maybe if the drug companies weren't spending billions every year pushing their drugs onto doctors and their patients the cost would drop. However, if you try to limit their ability and right to make money, they will have no incentive to invest in R&D.
I was engaged to a canadian woman who spent almost 8 years being told that she was a hypochondriac by every doctor she went to. Now, she has finally been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease after it has been eating her alive for 8 years.
Not just that, our government has shown itself as completely incapable of managing large programs. Look at FEMA. Look at the Federal Reserve. Do you really want the government making decisions of what IT thinks is in YOUR best decision? I sure don't.
Yeah, why should we listen to her? She's just an actress who apparently isn't in tune with us people who don't want to waste our tax dollars. Just because they lost their jobs, or maybe are terminally ill or perhaps have a child who insurance companies won't cover. Just because people are dying every single day, what's the hurry? Why shove a Government-run system down my throat just so we can show that we care about All Americans?. Why should the rest of use pay for it? The Canadian and European health systems suck. It must be true beause we see the ads on TV all the time...AND politicians and insurance companies also say those systems are inferior. Those are the people who really take care of us. We need Rick Santelli to tell us all what "losers" people are who want to take advantage of everyone else.
See she's not relevant. She doesn't know the real truth, does she?
It's so easy for people who have health insurance to try to scare others into believing that health care reform is going to "ration" care. I have news for you, the care we receive now IS rationed! If you have good insurance you get reasonably good care. If you don't have insurance you get NO care. My husband just lost his job and we cannot afford the $1200.00 a month COBRA. He was told by his endocronologist to come back when he gets a new job, they don't see "private pay" patients, even tho he's already an established patient! Is his Diabetes any better? He's the SAME patient, only now without health insurance, so now he's untouchable. What happened to the Hippocratic Oath the doctor took? First, do no harm is the first line of the oath, but now he denies him care because he doesn't have an insurance card? Wake up, America! The insured pay now for the uninsured. Wouldn't it be cheaper if we ALL had affordable insurance? He's had triple bypass, is diabetic and 54 years old, who is going to insure him? The President said those who already have insurance will keep it (as long as they still have a job in this economy) and those who have lost thier jobs will have an affordable option. THAT is a President who "gets it". We MUST pass health care reform NOW!
Thanks, Christine, for saying what I was thinking. From some of the comments of these posts describing what was 'said' last night, I can see why we have such a problem in this country. Apparently, no one on the right listens very well. Or they hear what they want to hear. Goodness.
Did anyone else find it telling that of the 164 people present in the audience....republicans, democrats, independents, doctors, nurses, business owners, patients.....not ONE person thought our system should stay as it is. 100% believes it needs changed. Obviously, the problem now is how.....
Unfortunatel, with so many people eager to jump on the bandwagon to spout untruths to spread panic, and so many people willing to take what they say as absolute truth without researching it themselves.....this needed change is going to be tough going.
I wonder how many illegal aliens she is meeting with , since they seem to be the ones who are actually getting free health care from our government. I love the way these Hollywood liberals do not mind at all how they spend the money of the hard working Americans. If you want to save money on health care then why not start with Tort Reform? If the government puts an end to all the bogus law suits with the ambulance chasing lawyers the savings would be significant. I don't see that happening , since the lawyers have the democrats in their pocket.
Why should society pay for healthcare (or anything for that matter) for a "starving artist"? They wouldn't exactly be starving if we gave them food, housing, and healthcare would they. A person chooses to forgoe a normal, practical, paying job to follow their dream to be an actor/musician/artist. If we paid everyone to pursue their dreams, we wouldn't have garbage men or sewer plant administrators.
I'm not paying for healthcare for "starving artists" just like I'm not paying for someone to drop six figures on a master's degree in Art History .
The problem with our society.... is a reliance on celebrity opinion to dictate complex public policy decisions. These people aren't trained or cognizant of the complex issues involved- and why do we care what they think? My local barista has better points than said celebrity.
The factor most influencing health care reform is COST (which I predict will lead to a watered down version – to save political embarrassment- but ultimately won't change much). How are we going to pay for 40+ million Americans that are uninsured? The only conceivable answer is a) raise taxes 2) restrict (ration) care. Technological saving? Ya right!
Ultimately, natures full substantive realities are what carries our health, with all do respect to all. Insurance plans are a speculative cultivatonal endeavor. Dependending on just what is allowed, it can be a realatively risky or wasteful endeavor or a helpful undergerding one. What I see in the present endeavor, besides an attempt ot perhaps push it with a terrible economy that is ignoring our trade balance >[a charity tarrif going to help underpaid foreign labor may be a fair way out]<; is the likelihood that stock speculators will work the health care/insurance industry into a frenzy of byouts and then leave it broke also. Where does all the money go? You can guess, They sell out before the wave breaks upon the shores of reality.
I would say, if the Federal government is going to help these health care entities it ought to at least require that the users can vote to make it user owned. We have an electric company that came out of the depression era developement, that is user owned in our area. The California energy mess cannot happen in those entities very readily.
As I see it the bottom line of money is that there needs to be noted at least two diferent type. Resource fund: one cannot work with negative resources. And cultivational funds. One can work in the realm of IOUs forever in that realm. Sincerely, greg.
Just heard obamas time on tv was in last place and that includes people rather watch re runs than hear his bull. Insurance companies will not be able to compete with the government health care and they will be put out of business. After all if the government health care runs out of money, obama will just print more which is his solution to all our problems. How is change working out for you so far.
I'm tired of hearing people say that Canadians wait for care when they have no personal experience but just repeat what they hear. I live in Canada and NEVER waited to see a doctor or treatment. I repeat NEVER had to wait to see a doctor or get treatment. If Canada was so bad they'd be crossing the borders in droves. Instead you see many Americans going to Canada for care since it's much more affordable and quality is top notch. So please don't speak for me or any other Canadian. We have excellent care and never have to worry about having someone dictate which doctor you can see or what network you will be covered by. I can go to any doctor I want in all of Canada and will never see a bill, that's a fact. I'm tired of hearing people say the gov will dictate what doctor you can see. These air heads are clueless, aren't the insurance companies doing that now, don't they tell you which network of doctors you can visit? Come on, get over it, stop listening to the propaganda from the insurance and pro business stooges.
Christine Caudill, you need to do some reading yourself and stop just drinking the Obama-aid and chanting "yes we can". Okay, you watched the infomercial last nite. You should now recognize that although Obama has a desire to see an improvement in health care, he has absolutely no idea how it will work. No specifics – none! He's depending on Congress (lol) to come up with a plan, and he's just offering "guidelines"...but in reality, he doesn't care about those silly little details...he wants to say he signed a bill. I fail to understand how all you libs can support this man...he has no experience running any business, he has very limited government experience...he's accomplished nothing other than getting elected to higher and higher office...his only credible skill is giving good teleprompted speeches. He is unwilling to allow for a debate. He's ruined our economy with endless spending, and you think he's wonderful! God help us.
As a Canadian please allow me to say that Victoria Nikolov is an idiot. Has she ever read facts or discussed cancer treatment with a Canadian woman? She obviously believes every old womans tale she hears. I have been treated for cancer and that treatment was immediate and complete. I am a 15 year survivor. Breast cancer is no more deadly in Canada than it is in the USA – GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. The treatment is simply more available to more women, rich or poor.
In Canada our taxes are slightly higher than yours. We all share the cost of health care, educaton and low cost housing. Bit. I also know that if I am ill medical treatment is immediately available. Do I wait? Well that depends on what my aliment is. A strange rash does not necessarily get the instantaneoud care a heart attach will.
Our childrens hospitals and cardiac specialty hospitals are world class.
Sure, the american medical system is one of the best in the world – the world of people who can afford hundred of thousands of dollars for care, but not for the middle class everyday person.
Health care should be a universal right – especially in a country which pats itself on the back as being "the best" in everything.
I suggest all the bleeding heart hollywood stars that advocate "healthcare for all" be the ones that pay for it. Apparently, they have excess millions that they're not doing anything with.
So the government's job now is too reduce everyone's worry? You know what would keep me from worrying? $1 million. Maybe we should just give everyone $1 million dollars so they don't worry about anything.
Is Edie going to pay for this? True health care reform will also address the malpractice issue, not just the initial monetary outlay. Certain specialities order tests that are unnecessary to minimize the chance of a lawsuit. We are already deep in debt, we cannot afford more national debt.
yes we need health reform, no we do not have the money to finance it.
@ TERRI –
Healthcare is not a right; it's a privilege. True, in theory, it would be nice for everything we need to be bountiful.....but, if you look around this country there are far too many that could provide better for themselves, and are far too lazy. I spent time in the military and experienced it's medical system...that's exactly what we'll get...poor coverage, long waits, and higher costs. Employers will start dropping coverage to raise their bottom lines, we'll lose medical and technical talent overseas...it's just the wrong thing to do, and the only reason the democrats are pushing it is for political gain.
I think the real crux of healthcare is the insurance system. If the insurance system were fixed, it wouldn't cost the uninsured double of the actual settlement cost because insurance companies and health providers have to play the dumb bartering game everytime a bill comes in.
Also, in response to a couple of the other comments, yes, when it comes to my healthcare I am selfish. Everyone is selfish and just wants the best possible situation/deal for them. If you think otherwise, you are probably not looking at reality.
Why not place limitations on malpractice suits? Why should someone be able to live well beyond their means because a doctor made a mistake? Sure there are some situations where individuals are incapacitated and require a large sum of money to live, but this is more the exception than the rule. We live in a society of lazy "I want something for nothing" leeches who as soon as they see an opportunity to take money, try to do so. If you place limitations on litigation, drug and care costs should decrease dramatically.
Hi, I'm Edie Falco. I play a nurse on TV...
Need I say more.
@ Victoria Nikolov –
Love the passion; stay strong....being from another country, other than mexico, you can see why the lazy liberals of this country want health care provided....they're spoiled and have been turned into entitlement slaves by the democratic party. The Party of D'oh has an agenda to keep the downtrodden and desperate, poor, and they like it that way. Occasionally, they'll sprinkle some hope on them, usually right before an election...but yes, cowering down to the 20% that isn't covered, is ridiculous...and again, it's all a power play by Obama to get control via his Saul Alinsky's rules........
Healthcare can't wait. Our country is being devestated by the costs and many people, like myself, just don't go to the doctors because of this. My husband and I figured out his medical costs before he died, and it ended up about $17,000 a month for 4 years(partly insurance, partly what we had to pay). He was fired for his condition and we ended up bankrupt, but he found work about 6 months later. . He worked until 10 days before he died.
True health care reform is certainly required in America! It is important to get to the core cause or our health care issues and not the symptom. The core issue is our legal system! It is amazing how this PROBLEM continues to get overlooked by the media. John Edwards is an excellent example of how our legal system has devastated American health care. Look at all of the frivolous lawsuits that have cost the health care system billions of dollars. I believe if a health care provider or a health care facility was negligent then action should be taken. However, having a "legal system" that allows for the malicious slander and sue at every opportunity approach as resulted in high insurance costs and a plethora of unnecessary test to ensure the doctor/facility has sufficiently covered them in the event of a lawsuit. Furthermore, health care is not a human right. It gets too paid for just like food, utilities, and shelter. However, it is a reasonable expectation that the system will be fair to all concerned and truly concerned about providing health care instead of making excessive profits.
One last comment...it is a deeply sorry state we are in when the Left gets another actor to speakout hoping the sheep will follow in lock step demanding something for nothing!
I find it interesting how people, as long as they are healthy and have a job that the status quo in health care is fine as it is. Problem is, things change, what happens if one loses their job AND their coverage, gets sick, needs insurance and finds out they can't get it because of NOW pre-existing conditions. That is ONE of the dilemma's Americans face and with an aging society it will get worse, ESPECIALLY with the enormous and skyrocketing cost of chronic care, hence, record bankruptcies. The lobbyists are relentless in their misinformation about other countries programs and how they work(especially the nonsense about lack of choice) AND discouraging ANY change in the current system, because it would take an enormous amount of money out of their pockets. Insurance companies are in the business of maximizing profits, it just happens that health insurance is what they sell.
If these "corporations" are so adamant about the so-called "superiority" of the current system, WHY are they amongst the largest contributors to the campaigns of influential Senators and Congressmen? Of course, it is done out of the "goodness of their hearts" with "no strings attached".
For the record, in a recent WHO report the average lifespan for Canadians is NOW two and a half years longer(and widening) than their American counterparts with an infant mortality rate more than a third lower than the US. AND COST? Canada spends 11% of GDP while the US spends 18%. I suppose Obama and others are asking, do you want health care to be just another business or a right for all its citizens? Despite "some" drawbacks, all the countries in the industrialized world have chosen the latter. This is done by directing some of their taxes to universal coverage rather than the "bottom line" of an insurance company.
Interesting that someone that knows little about going without anything can swoop in and tell us she knows what our nation needs. Why not have the hollywood stars pay for it. Where do you people think we average tax paying working people are going to get the money for those that want it all for nothing.
The only way to make changes in this country it to NEVER VOTE FOR AN INCUMBENT!!!!
I'm sick of these 'actors' putting their two cents in about political issues.....they seem to think they are 'gods' and that their opinion should carry some weight......why don't they stick to their lucrative profession and keep their mouths shut......or why don't they run for office if they are so full of advice?
Thank God we have Carmella Soprano working on this. Maybe we can get Horshack from Welcome Back, Cotter to get North Korea to lose their nuclear weapons program.
Why in the world do comments from moronic actors and acresses carry any weight? Their comments carry disproportionate weight because they are well-known but most of them are uneducated people who ACT!!!! They don't do research or manage businesses...they ACT!!!! Dare I say it again...they ACT...CNN...you should be ashamed!!!! What purpose does this serve?
Yes, everyone needs healthcare but not the plan that is being proposed. It's easy for these celebrities to voice their opinions and say yes do this now since they will not be affected by the taxes like the middle class Americans will be. They are rich enough so that they will not feel the burden 90% of America will. They can pay out of pocket for the best care , pay to get to the front of the line while some poor women with breast cancer will have to wait months before she can get treated.(that's if the government deems her worthy of if she is a lost cause).
This is a great example of how out of touch the upper class is with the common American. The sound of health care for all is great, makes them feel warm and fuzzy but the repercussions are never felt by them.
Another clueless actor that thinks they are somehow important.
Dr. Harrison,
Have you been asleep for the past 5 months? Are you not aware of the crippling debt this administration has already heaped on our future generations? Are you not aware that this socialist movement has taken over the media industry, the finance and banking industries, the automobile industry, soon the energy industry (via cap and trade) and now the health care industry? I gotta tell you, I for one didn't volunteer over a decade of my life in the Marine Corps to defend our country just to watch some "know-it-all" community organizer convert it all over to socialism.
Get a clue and quit just drinking the cool-aid while chanting "yes we can". Go and actually read a book and get past the 30-second sound bites or 1-hour ABC-sponsored infomercials.
Victoria Nikolov – You are ridiculus! You say we have the best health care in the world? Are you FREAKING kidding me??? Why don't you go to the World Health Organization's website and see exactly where we rank.... yeah... ranked 37th in the world... AFTER Saudia Arabia, Isreal, Costa Rica and many other countries WHO ALL HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. You should definitley do som research before you go running your mouth. What? Do you work for Fox News? LOL!!!
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html
Victoria Nikolov – You are ridiculus! You say we have the best health care in the world? Are you FREAKING kidding me??? Why don't you go to the World Health Organization's website and see exactly where we rank.... yeah... ranked 37th in the world... AFTER Saudia Arabia, Isreal, Costa Rica and many other countries WHO ALL HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. You should definitley do som research before you go running your mouth. What? Do you work for Fox News? LOL!!!
Fortunately I don't make decisions based on a television actress's opinion - God save us all from these actors and actresses who really want to lead us by our nose instead of entertain us.
I will make my decision based on my years of living, going without insurance, having generous insurance, and now with Medicare - I haven't spoken with one doctor who thinks he will care for me better with Universal health care. In fact, one of my doctors is in the process of closing up his practice before BO gets his plan passed.
Government healthcare leads to healthcare rationing 100% of the time. It is not working in Canada or Europe in countries where they have it. Costs have become so oppressive that all these countries would like to find a way out of it.
People who live in these countries say that the quality of their healthcare has declined. Universal healthcare brings everyone's care down to the level of indigent care.
Concentrate on the small percentage that don't have healthcare.
Face it, the government has just about never done anything right, yet you want to trust them with your healthcare. You want them to determine appropriate treatment based on low cost and then dictate treatment or no-treatment to your doctor?
Do you want to be 60 years old and denied a hip or a knee replacement because you are too old? Why do you think so many Canadians come to the US for treatment?
Wake up America.
Ms Falco's opinion is as valid as that of any other citizen. But, if anyone believes that, just because she plays a nurse on TV that she is more qualified that a plumber, a fisherman, or a farmer, that opinion is all wet.
My only hope is that I am able to have the african's daughters be tied directly to the "savings" achieved by letting me die while you "new americans" celebrate your god (allah).