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August 5th, 2009
06:15 AM ET
Dr. Gupta: Send in your health care reform questions
Do the health care reform headlines leave you with more questions than answers? Dr. Gupta is your AM insider – and he wants to hear from you!
Post your questions for Dr. Gupta in the comments below or tweet him @SanjayGuptaCNN.
Programming note: Tune in this week to hear Dr. Gupta answer your health care reform questions LIVE on American Morning – weekdays 6-9 a.m. ET on CNN.
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I am am a grossly obese person with a condition called lymphedema that due to Medicare restrictions and living in a rural area I can’t get help for either contributes to why I am grossly obese. Yet even with this contributing cause if you compare my yearly health costs to EVERYONE of my “skinny” friends, my totals for my entire time I have been obese in any sense of the word for my entire life has been less than them. So why am I being blamed for higher health costs when that is JUST A LIE. I resent the racism that is implied in this topic just as much as if I was a minority being stereotyped. Yet it is ok to have that attitude toward a ‘FAT’ person and not a minority. And then a news station I trust starts in on me too without any consideration for the TRUTH. I have to live with daily prejudice maybe more than minorities right now – no one will hire me, yet I have worked overtime at every job I have every held without asking for extra pay – I work faster than anyone else in my workplaces and do a better job than most other employees and have gotten promotions to support that, yet because someone looks at me and sees my fat I am not even considered for what I have accomplished, just what I look like. Some people are healthy yet fat, some are skinny and very unhealthy. Let’s look at HEALTH not destructive terms like obesity for our solutions. Find out WHY someone is obese and how that impacts the costs and their HEALTH and then issue the statistics taking that into account. Report on that, the TRUTH please. Phyllis from Arizona
Why does no one consider healthcare costs being incurred by healthcare workers because of having to lift obese people?? I have been injured several times in my 40 year career and all of the injuries have been incurred from lifing very large people (even with the help of several other people) . These should be considered as "unnecessary" healthcare costs that are borne by the hospital I work for and Workman's Comp. I find myself resenting having to care for these people and hoping I don't spend my retirement being disabled and receiving care because of the back injuries and shoulder injuries that I have suffered trying to care for people in bad health because they have gotten so big. Sometimes it takes 6 of us to just change the bedsheet under someone. Obesity is a domino effect problem and I wish someone would just take the time to bring this to the attention of the public.
The Obama Health Care Reform.
Why is that lackey, Obama, fighting so vehemently for swift passage of an Act which nearly no one had a chance to study in depth? Reasons are the fact that he has sold out to special interests, his insatiable clamor for raking in popularity, and his Administration's dire need for a victory in the legislative arena. The so called REFORM is a blatant scam which caves in to the Pharma industry, the HMO's, and certain medical groups. Touted to reduce health care costs, it actually perpetuates high prices for drugs and medical care. Mandatory coverage will assure greater profit for all the special interest sectors and usurpers of the system. Contrary to the well organized system of numerous SIngle Payer Health Care in industrialized nations throughout the world, this plan is designed to continue extracting a large chunk of mal persons in our country. Phony, scare tactic videos, advertisements, and prevarications have given the already confused American citizen a false and alarming understanding of what is actually being offered. Government, in collusion with these avaricious industries, have concocted a sinister, rapacious, and relatively clandestine attack on the sleeping, misguided, public. It is BUSINESS AS USUAL with amplification, to keep the money flowing into greedy coffers. And the cost of this experiment is atrocious, as recognized by some wary and astute individuals. While the majority of congressional regurgitators sing their morbid, parroted, tune, a handful or so awake officials see the handwriting on the wall even before anyone had a fair chance to evaluate the entire scam. The price of this undertaking goes a long way to put another nail in the coffin of US fiscal responsibility. This spendthrift DEBTOR NATION, or should I say Government Administrations, in their irresponsible throwing of funds after capricious and unproven exercises, are creating second thoughts in those nations which have been keeping us afloat to this day, primarily on pure, unsubstantiated, faith. The Social Security System, Medicare, and the VA Administration are mild examples of what we are in for, should this Frankenstein be approved, voted in, and signed by the prime lackey. These, consistently teetering on the verge of running short of funds, are a look into the future. If you envision, and study, their track records, you will know of what I speak.
I am a middle class teacher. My husband is a pharmacist. Our insurance premiums are out of control and continuing to rise. In addition to that, our coverage has sunk. My co-pay has increased for every procedure I have done. I have multiple chronic illnesses and my medications (out of pocket) expense has tripled in the last year. We need help or we are not going to be able to retire until we get carried out in a box. Healtcare reform now...Please.
Dr Gupta:
WELL DONE!!! I like the new insider program!!!
It is in my opinion that; Mental Health coverage is the top priority. When an individual is well mentally, it will promote emotional maturity, and that individual will take care of their body physically. PROMOTING WELL-BEING!!!
As far as that expert panel of 12 physicians, it is in my opinion that; they base all of there information on quicksand, and ignore the facts. Also, they can all go jump in a lake as far as I am concerned.
Why is it that; this panel of 12 experts physicians do not promote healthy people?
What are they afraid of?
Peace Out!!!
Enjoy!!!
JMD
I don't understand why the government run programs that are enjoyed by members of Congress and military families can't be expanded. This leads me to believe that the primary concern by most opponents is the loss of insurance companies' invested income and/or the impact on the stock market, and that most arguments against Obama's initiatives are red herrings.
My question does not really involve health care issues, but I hope you will read it anyway, because I have not been able to discover any other way to contact you. I am a patient at the Cleveland Clinic satellite offices in Solon, Ohio 44139. Accent Health videos that you narrate are shown in waiting areas at this location. The videos are NOT captioned, meaning that patients and visitors like me who have hearing loss are denied access to the information and discussions on all these Accent Health videos. Accent Health refuses to respond to my complaints. I assume that you are not aware that your videos are not captioned. CNN and Turner Networks believe in providing equal access to all, and the lack of captions on Accent Health videos is a very serious violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. What can you do, personally, Dr. Gupta, to remedy this problem? Any advice, suggestions, or assistance would be greatly appreciated. All other accommodations are made by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to provide equal accessibility to ALL patients and visitors, regardless of their disabilities. Why are we deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and visitors being denied access to all the excellent information presented on Accent Health videos?
Thank you for listening. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email. Oliver101@roadrunner.com
When people compare our health care system to the nationalized health care systems of other western countries, the unconsciously omit one very important distinction. These other countries (for example, Finland, the Netherlands, England, Canada) have very small defense budgets compared to ours. If we were willing to significantly reduce our defense budget, then we too could easily afford a nationalized health care system that included everyone. But I don’t believe the citizens of our county want to do this or are willing to make these unwise, dangerous trade-offs.
Democrat and Republican Members of the House and Senators should both be Ashamed! They have Excellent Health care, and can take a month for Vacation! Just like the Big Corporations with their excessive salaries, they could care less about Americans Out of Work with no insurance. I think their insurance should be canceled until America Gets Health Reform!
I am very appaled that US citizens don't check further about Canadian,France and UK health care. It is not free ,but we don't pay the Insurance companies BIG money every month. It is paid by a little higher sales tax,and part of the lottery in each province goes for health care.I fail to see that if an individual has to pay minimum of $300.00 a month with a dudectible of $5,000.00 is going to pay this in sales tax.
Try going on the site http://www.theglobeandmail.com and read the article
Canadians happy with primary health care .
This will also clarify the lies that the people that are PAID for commercials how bad Canadian health care is in Canada.
The better solution for controlling and paying for our Health Care Costs would be to have all illegal workers register and obtain legal work permits so they will pay payroll taxes whenever they earn an income. The medical care they and their families receive in the U.S. would be tracked by their assigned work permit numbers and reimbursed by their countries of origin. Otherwise, they all get free medical care and pay no school taxes or income taxes while they are in our country.
Dr ,Gupa:
It's in my opinion that; President Oboma should have a meeting with (PRISON HEALTH SERVICES.INC.COM). I do agree withe the medical text books that if, a person has been pre-disposed with a bio-chemical problem, alcohol/drug problem, and through environment learned negative emotional patterns that promotes racism, amd other taken for granteded perspectives on life; these people will end up in our justice system. IT DOES NOT MATTER THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN!!!
(PRISON HEALTH SERVICE,INC.COM) Provides mental health, drug/alcohol, and medical treatment and programs to 23 states; in local, state, and ferderal correctional facilities. It's working; the inmates are learning new skills and through a new perspective that the world is not flat.
The Sheriff of Santa Barbara, California has just contracted with Prison Health Service, Inc saving Santa Barbara county an estimated $500,000.00 this first year; while providing much needed service to inmates. Entergrating all services under one roof.
Prison Health Services, Inc.com
105 Westpark drive, Suite 200
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone# 800 729 0069
or 615 373 3100
Fax# 888 729 0069
Peace Out!!!!
JMD
I'm a 20 year old southern University student, and as I watch the recent plans for healthcare I feel Obama has clearly overstepped his bounds. His message has been presented clearly, and that message is "I'm going to do this no matter what the people have to say about it, and you can't stop me". As a president who encouraged the country to "use their voice" to get himself into office, he sure is taking that voice away now. The poll on facebook about whether or not this should happen clearly says it's not the people's voice Obama is speaking with.
dr.gupta hello big guy....look this is my delema
my doctor and dermatologist isn't on the same page with me
I believe there is something in this universe that
disolve...clear these disgusting lesions on my skin
I hv lupus..found out in 1998...had a blood clot in my chest
for 2wks an didn't know it..my subclavian valve stuck
to a bone in chest an my arm blew up like a balloon
no brain anurism/stroke....say halehulah...if you hv any
knowlege of something unknown in this new discovery
green world I need a direction something this is
embarrassing an sickening it's bad doc
Dr Gupa:
Healthcare Reform reminds me of these gems:
Our government is not above the people it is equal to the people
The Titanic was built by experts and the Ark was built by amateurs
Peace Out!!!!
Enjoy!!!!
JMD
Dr Gupa:
Why is it that ; our (FederalGovernment) is so hard pressed not to promote MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL WELL-BEING and ignoring these EMPIRAL FACTS as follows:
1. Proposition#63 ( THE MENTAL SERVICES ACT) Enacted into Califorinia State Law November 2004
2. Federal (MENTAL ILL OFFENDER TREATMENT AND CRIME REDUCTION ACT): (JUSTICECENTER.csg.org ) In addition to The (CRIMINAL JUSTICE/ MENTAL HEALTH CONSENUS PROJECT WEBSITE)
3. What AMA says: HEALTH REFORM MUST INCLUDE PARITY, SUBSTANCE COVERAGE
PSCHNEWS: (PSYCHIATRYONLINE.ORG)
FULL TEXT: 44/14/4-b AUTHER: MARK MORGAN
4. CSG Justice Center Guide Translates Research to Improve Community Corrections Supervision (NEWS & NOTES)
PSCHNEWS: (PHYIATRYONLINE.ORG)
FULL TEXT: 60/6/857
It's in my opinion that; Oboma needs these Empirical Facts in order to resolve the issue with the professor & Law enforcement agencies.
How can Congress reform the health care system for us taxpayers when they have their own government plan that takes care of them?
I say to Congress and the President – BEFORE you tell us what we need, you need to terminate your special priviledges government employee health care plan and join the rest of us in the health insurance marketplace! If your reform is good enought for the "goose" (taxpayers) it darned sure better be good enough for the Gander (Congress).
I first thought health insurance for illegal immigrants was a bad idea; but I am changing my mind. The problem is that they can get free health care without paying anything for it. Therefore, I am FOR allowing (requiring?) non-US citizens to pay for health insurance while they are in the U.S. Why can't we have a private health insurance program that utilizes local welfare/social service organizations to evaluate the family's ability to pay based on income, and subsidize only a portion of the insurance premium costs. It seems like today taxpayers subsidize 100% of the costs for the uninsured. This approach would spread the cost of health insurance over a broader base, and possibly lower premiums for those of us that pay now.
The question of whether or not non-citizens should be eligible for health CARE without paying for it is a different question. On that point, I vote NO.
I know of someone who is not eating right and does not exercise and has been diagnosed with diabetes. At least 10 percent of all patients with diabetes over 65 years old will experience a stroke. In fact this person mentioned that in the middle of the night said she could not move temporarily and had chest pains. She said she did not want to make a scene and did not call 911.
Recently, I read that Canada has an 811 number for patients. Patients can call 811 for health information that may not need (or the patients do not want to make a scene) emergency care. According to one web site, Canada’s 811 personnel are staffed with nurses, dieticians and pharmacists 24/7. Canada’s 811 numbers is also used for mental health calls as well.
In Des Moines, whenever there is someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, the city will send a crisis intervention team. This team will include crisis psychologists and/or social workers, in order to calm the situation. Surprisingly, many elderly may need mental health care, however, patients and their love ones also may not want to make a scene by calling 911.
Our 811 numbers is to call before you dig. My suggestion is that we (the US) should create a new 811 number similar to Canada’s 811. This number could be used for non-emergency health information for patients and love ones. This may be used for patients and love ones who do not want to make a scene, yet may save many lives at the same time.
How do you feel about this country establishing a new 811 number to be used for non-emergency health questions for patients and their love ones?
Tell me, Dr. Gupta
Is Sen. Christopher Dodd going working for me, the citizen for health care, or for those snakes called, lobbyists???:
If you, Dr. Gupta end up working for this administration, will you remain independent for the citizen as well?
Not going to enter one of those corporate revolving doors on the backs of us citizens too, correct?
meaning, do your business in govt, then end up working later for some health care or health insurance industry as some lobbyist later?
Educate us viewers, your opinions of healthcare reform in this nation and how to ensure the citizens do not get the shaft in the end
Dr. Gupta,
Will you provide any insight to potentially permit that ex-Cigna CEO, Wendell Potter to discuss his views on CNN, to better assist our nation to not get the shaft from the insurance and healthcare industry,as this nation gets closer to not wanting our lives worse from healthcare jerk lobbyists
I am concerned that these lobbyists are going screw us all, then we citizens will vote OUT OF OFFICE each and every politician that does not heed their votes for us.
if these industries continue to blackmail our polticians we need to have all shown in the media for our review.
If you are chosen to lead this nation in healthcare, do not screw us over.
Congress' & the president's idea of healthcare reform is to completely take control of our lives.
The fact that when asked if the president and congress would have the same healthcare, the president dodged it. Why? If it's good enough for the People why isn't it good enough for our government employees.
This pretty much tells it all. We'll have no choice and we'll be rationed. Not to mention that we do not have enough doctors, nurses or hospitals to treat everyone if they all will be insured. It will cost us a fortune when we can ill afford it with so many out of work and the deficit spiraling.
The president is pushing the healthcare through fast, just as he had for all the other bills, ie. stimulus, cap & trade. Why? So we don't know what's in it and can't do anything about it.
We cannot trust the president. He won't even show his birth certificate. He's spent over $800,000 to try to keep his past a secret. Why? The one on line would not be accepted if you wanted to get a passport, driver's license or a business license. How can he be president when he won't allow anything about his past records to be realeased. From birth certificate, grade school info, high school info or his college records. Why? What's he hiding? Isn't that a little scary?
The other scary thing is that everyone he has appointed is within his little click of Acorn and his community organizing days. All of his associates are in favor of socialism on a large scale. Aren't you scared?
Everything he has done is against the constitution. Bailouts, corporate take-overs and now a total nation takeover with healthcare reform or as I like to call it – human bondage.
Wake up America, your country is on the line. Your freedom and everything America stands for is on the line.
Don't listen to cnn and the other mainstream media, They have all been bought and paid for. They wouldn't tell you the truth if their lives depended on it, which it does. They don't realize that they will be in the same boat with the rest of the people once Obama gets finished with his agenda.
Beware and question authority. You life and your children's lives depend on it.
Even the russian newspaper on line, Pravda is warning us that pretty soon we will be what they've left behind. We don't need outside terrorists to destroy America, we have and insider, Obama.
Search the internet for the truth. Don't be blinded. We're headed for hell on earth with Obama and congress.
It's in my opinion; that we must inact into federal law Proposition #63 (THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT) That California inacted into law in November of 2004. Also, inacting into law intergovermental cross training programs, that includes the reform that is taking place in The (US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE):
PLEASE NOTE: ( JUSTICENTER.CSG.ORG. ) for facts
Also, including suggestions made by the AMA Concerning Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage at the Annual Meeting in June of 2009
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Dr. Gupta,
Some of the best medical treatment I and my wife have received was while we were in the Military (USAF).
President Obama wants a cost effective professional medical care program for all citizens, and one exists today – at all military bases, not only in the US, but around the world.
Yet we keep closing bases and the military hospitals on these bases.
Why not keep these hospitals, keep them manned with (very cost effective and professional) military medical staff?
This program could be expanded to train more medical personnel who would be like reservists, helping the civilian population, training needed medical staff for other civilian hospitals and being ready to help the military in time of need?
A little inventiveness by our congressional members could take this idea and probably meet the nation's requirement for a public health system that would be both professional and available to all citizens.
Respectfully,
Ed Tate, Sr.
757-898-0238
edtate@aol.com
We have VA, SS, in Texas Chips + and if your poor you can get Help !!!
So how many of us really pay for our own Insurance.People don't
want to pay for Ins. I live in South Texas and the amount of people that
get it FREE is SAD, and I'm sorry but I don't want to pay for these
young girls to have their babies that we (people that work) take care of for the next 18 year's and those babies have more babies,and I'm still paying for those..... IT NEVER
STOPS !!!!!! Something has got to be done about this, if they would
take away all the FREE health care to them maybe it would make
them KEEP their leg shut !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marsha
Dr. Gupta.
Please explain to us how the current health care bill will affect senior citizens. We keep hearing the bill under consideration by the House and Senate will reduce Medicare funds for the elderly by billions and billions of dollars over the next ten years. In what specific areas will these cuts be made and what services will we now be denied?
It's in my opinion; that reform is needed within our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. A law must be enacted that law enforcement agencies must have training, and be certified in mental health and general health symptomology, like they are trained in drug smptomology.
Law enforcement agencies are in place to protect and serve the public. More often than not when people can not respond to the officers orders; it's my belief that that it is do to some type of illness.
This loophole in law needs to be closed, do to misuse within law enforcement agencies. You read about this type of misuse in law everyday in the newspapers. Mental illness and general illness can no longer be ignored by law enforcement agencies.
Coking a abulance driver and giving a professor of Harvard a hard time indicates to me; that mental illness is alive and well not only in public form, but in law enforcement agencies as well. Check the (empirical facts) out about the above subject at: (JUSTICECENTER.CSG.ORG)!!! US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE!!!
This is not a profiling problem. It is a mental health and well being problem between the law enforcement agencies and public.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
How can we grant vaccine makers total legal immunity from any lawsuits that result from any new “Swine Flu” vaccine? This is an example of how a blast of fear can lead people to rush into presumed help without thinking through the potential complications and consequences of actions. If we allow this to happen we are being irresponsible, loosing more of our freedom, and surely heading for more trouble. Also, if we tax payers foot the bill (billions) to make the vaccine do we also get the profits of forced vaccination of the US population and what we sell to the rest of the world? Who will own the rights to this vaccine?
form the time the house passes this health bill ,how long before it will make it to the desk of the Pres. Obama to be signed?
Concerning the swine flu vaccines: back in 2007 the US FDA staff issued their report that both Tamiflu and Renleza had real bad side effects.So why are they now approving and worse,letting the testing begin on humans this week in Autstalia and then later this month in the US ? I realixe that the companies that make these vaccines are now protected by the signing of the bill for no liability.....but realy.
This will be the next big health issue. Alot of people know of the testing done in Japan and the horrible results.
Canadian Health Care system : U.S.A. Insurance companies probably trying to tear down the your system!! our insurance really is all about money not care about the human being they are a business, they do not want goverment to get on their turf. They run health Insurance to us like pawns. our own system is run like a goverment program. You pay out of pocket and than your dropped for many years this can happen, ITS JUST A BUISNESS. USA IS ALL ABOUT MONEY. THIS IS VERY SAD. CONGRESS SHOULD GIVE UP THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WHICH I AM PAYING FOR. OR JUST GIVE US YOUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. YOU ARE WORKING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE I THOUGHT SO GET AT IT OR DROP YOUR OWN.
Dear Dr. Gupta,
Why is socialize medicine possible in many countries but not in the USA?
If you look below the surface there is no conceptual differance between Medicare and the New Public Insurance Option. Having gorged on Hapless patients all thesed years, many Doctors have not been signing up with Medicare. Looks like we are more concerned about ourselves than our parents or grandparents. Thus in this me me society are we willing to consign the elderly to care which we consider substandard for us?
I'm wondering how they will enforce everyone to have insurance. I've read that if your income is above a certain level & you don't have insurance, you will be assessed a penalty at income-tax time. But what about the illegal immigrants who don't have Social Security numbers, are paid in cash, & don't pay taxes? How will they be "forced" to have insurance, and when they don't have insurance, who will be paying for thier medical expenses? ANd who pays for the medical expenses of those below that certain income level? I agree with nscott above and share the concerns of the above sharon.
You know when you license your car you have to prove you have liability insurance on it. Some people cancel thier liability after 3 months, then when they have an accident they're not insured, and the person NOT at fault ends up having to pay! Couldn't this same thing happen to persons who have insurance at tax-income time, but then cancel it??
PS. I'm glad to read the above comments from Canadians who claim thier system works. AFter seeing the commercial of the woman who comes to the US for medical procedure that she couldn't get in Canada... I'm just glad to know that was just hype!
It's in my opinion, that the insurance companies, government, and expert physician panals have been removing competitive competition between physicians. Until physicians have to compete with eachother to earn our business; our health care system will never reform or work. Competition between physicians would lower costs and give the us more bang for our buck. The way I see it, the insurance companies and our govenment broke our health care system; they can fix it without taxing the people. California fixed their problems without taxing the people in the state of California. The people in California stated enough is enough; it did not matter if they were rich or poor. Also, it is getting to the piont that the rich can't afford medical insurance and can not afford to do with without medical insurance. When the rich say enough is enough, it's in my opinion; the insurance companies will be looking for a bailout, or will have to go outside of the USA to find consumers.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
What is to stop the governemnt to spend billions or trillions on a "public plan" but if it pays providers at reimbursement levels that they won't or can't accept if we get a public plan that has 40-50% provider participation how is that better?
We can't force doctors to participate. That is something that's not being discussed. We could do all these changes, all this cost, all this reform but unless doctors are compensated well enough for their time and costs then it will all be for naught.
It's a shame that when it comes to health of a nation,politicians whom were voted into office to represent the interest of the nation are dragging thier feet because of cost.There is no price tag on the health of a nation .AS a nation,how do we properly function if we cannot even have wellness..How can peolple go to work or school without a good health care system.Why delay.Politicians need to know that ,this is no joking matter.Enough with the politics .
To Darrell C:
I agree with your sentiments completely. If look up my post kind of answers some of your questions. The reason it to so long from Truman in 1948, Ted Kennedy in 1978 and Clinton in 1993 – notice all democrats, is because the Health Lobbies in concert with their proxies in Congress managed to Sabotage any Health Care Reform. When times were good, the voices of the voiceless were conveniently ignored. With the economic meltdown, many more have been affected. It looks like we might yet get this reform. The Care Providers, Pharma/Eqpt Comapnies, might be dragged in albeit reluctantly.
As for not hearing back, I too have not heard from any news people, politicians etc. The only exceptions are my two California Senators and my local Congressman. Darrell, best thing to do might be to look up one of the activists groups like standwithdrdean.com
I just now saw a chart that shows health care costs going through the roof under the Dem's plan after 2012. What is the cause of this rapid increase? Is it new enrollees, new more expensive procedures, or people living longer?
I just now saw a chart that shows health care costs going through the roof under the Dem's plan after 2012. What is the cause of this rapid increase? Is it new enrollees, new, more expensive procedures, or people living longer?
For those fools who think health care should be free….wake up and smell the roses…..you pay for insurance for your homes, cars, motorcycles, boats….etc….why would you believe the rhetoric from non medical democratic representatives…who didn’t fix the economy with all the Pork bills he signed without reading it….that has been a miserable failure.
Americans want it done right….not in two weeks….not by August... that’s obscene.
We want the final draft scrutinized with a magnifying glass….publicly debated in front of America….not with medical lobbyist invited to the white house.
What is the cost of a life? How much money do those people have to make before they acknowledge you can not put a price on life as it was in slavery?
I have three questions. If President Obama gets this nat'l health care package through, will doctors, nurse's and medical executives give up their SPECIAL insurance coverages and "use" the nat'l health care system, or do the health care professionals not trust the President and his plan for their own well being ??
My second question is: In order to "help" the cost of health care, why is it NOTHING is ever mentioned of Doctors, Nurses, and medical executives taking a cut in pay like 90% of all Americans have had to do ? I know a nurse, an RN who works weekends only and she makes $47.00 an hour, which sums up her working 16 hrs. and getting 40 hrs of pay. Also, she gets full benefits, paid vacation, etc...........whats wrong with that picture ?? Just imagine what the doctors are making if a nurse makes this much.
My final question is: why did it take the country going into a MAJOR recession for health care officials to do something about costs ?? Why didn't they do it freely and willingly before health care got out of reason and kept sky rocketing. Nothing was done, until people couldn't afford anything................could it of been avoided had the health care professionals done something before gov't stepped in.
I imagine my questions will go unanswered as I've written several news people before this, and I NEVER get a reply and my questions is never mentioned.
If the 'Government' gets involved in our health care, WATCH OUT! Your choices are going to disappear in many instances. Just as in Medicare, if the government determines which treatments and which medicines are appropriiate for certain situations, private insurance companies are going to take note and only cover those same treatments and medicines (except for those in Congress and government employees of course). Make no mistake, it has happened in Medicare; if your doctor suggests a treatment or test and Medicare sees fit not to cover it, do not expect your supplemental insurance to cover the cost either.. Our Congress and President are not serious about wanting the best for us. You will notice that they did not address tort reform, limit money spent on drug and medical procedure advertising and make illegal the payout of millions of dollars by the medical and pharmaceutical lobbys to our Congressional Representatives and Senators. who support their agendas not ours.
Everyone is talking about the cost of health insurance, yes it is in dire need of fixing however, has everyone forgotten the cost to just go to the hospital?
Are hospital truly doing their job when they are charging $13 for a single aspirin or sending someone a bill for more than $600 for an emergency room visit to get 3 stitches on a finger?
Here are my questions....
What is in the bill? Obama obviously didn't know....I don't want rhetoric...I want facts.
Who specifically is writing this bill....names?
Did they stick Pork in the bill?
Will Congress and the Senate reps be given the time to read it...and then have a public debate.....this should be a requirement? If they are not given the time to read it....everyone should vote no.
Will it be posted on the internet and the appropriate time be given to American to read another 1200 pages of crap.
i think its obvious we need reform but everyone should pay something ! Ten percent income tax ! Wonder if that will cover everyone who is unemployed ?
I am a Canadian living in British Columbia. My husband and I paid $1150 last year for our ANNUAL provincial plan for BOTH of us. I have had Cancer (Lymphoma) 3 times since 1987 and received prompt, excellent care. Yes, there are wait lists for non critical/elective surgery and sometimes to see specialists. Emergencies are treated promptly. And yes, sometimes people do slip through the cracks. On the whole, the system works well. But your place on the queue is determined by the doctors, not the HMO.
I am opposed to Health Care reform at this time. It will add too much money to the deficit and has not been thought through well enough for such a quick plan.
The President failed to explain to me how this plan is going to affect me.
Each month $97.00 is held out of my social security check to pay for my medicare. Will I now be required to pay an additional $300 a month for health insurance that I don't need?
I am rated by the VA 50% service connected. With that rating I don't pay anything for neither my health treatment nor prescription drugs.
Is this health plan the death of the VA and Medicare?
Vernon Cole
Wyandotte, Oklahoma.
I have seen ads by GOP telling us how the presidents health plan won't work, how your choice of plans will be run by the government but....I haven't seen any reporting on the present private health plans that deny services to patients. We all know that this happens but according to the reports, they are all perfect and not expensive What is the true story? I understand that the French health services are ranked #1 in the world. Why?
Dr. Gupta,
Im 63 I was denied Dissability for lac of medical evidence
because I could ony go to free clinics
I was told that wasnt credable evidence beause they were not specialist
Any They put me on early social security but I can't get any medicare
until i'm 65 I have heart problems,ulcers,nerve damage in both left
And right hands !
It looks like all I can do is try to live until Im 65
What else can I do!
Health Care Option.
I have been a corporate risk manager for a number of years for a large casualty (auto) insurance company.
As most auto companies were unable to insure all auto risk, the state government required the companies writting business in that state to for Joint Underwriting Associations. This assocaition was formed to accept those individuals with little income and or high risk exposures.
All companies writting business in the state were required to accept a percentage of those low income to high risk exposures.
Rather than form some government program which would only address 25% of those uninsured, why not form a Health Joint Underwriting Association, where all health insurance companies would be required to take some of the very poor risk (little income) or the high risk (terminal cases) ?
The current insurance system is in place, we need to just modify it to insure the uninsured. By taking this approach, all of us participate in assisting those that cannot afford or cannot purchase the insurance.
The Health Care Insurance Industry maintains it's programs, however at lower profits due to the added expsoure.
If the Health Care Insurance Industry and US Government would set up a National JUA, where all health care insurance providers were required to participate, I sure they would still reap large profits as they all would be spreading a percentage of risk amoung the the industry based on the written premiums each company produces.
All would share in the insured, the low income and the high risk, just a thought to the madness!
George Pink
I am Canadian. Have read more comments, Agree with
Carmen Chatterton completely. Suggest CNN / Fox news come to Canada and conduct a poll rather then getting one or two paid for hire slugs to bad mouth the Canadian Health care system.
Dear Dr. Gupta, My Fiancee has been suffering for many years with a swollen neck which is painfull. She underwent operation but no solution. Please can you give advise or refer her for any possible solution? We live in Cameroon and we will be greatful to send pictures of her neck and details about lab results. Thanks very much
I know what I am not willing to give up in health care reform. Mental health and Substance abuse coverage. I do believe that this above service is the first service this reform bill will drop. This is why some lawmakers want this reform bill to passed; without reading the devil in the details. Not having the above coverage in healthcare reform; will fragment reform in our correctional facilities that the department of Justice has developed. Check it out at(justicecenter.csg.org.)
I am a Canadian living in USA.I wish you would interview some REAL canadians that have had very good care with the Health Care in Canada.I see these ads from so called Canadians that run down the system and am appalled because I can tell you from experience myself and a friend that just spent 7 weeks in intensive care for an anurism surgery and he is 72 and got the care as if he was 20.He is out now and walking around after being on life support and not much hope for a recovery.I myself have had experiences and the best of care.PLEASE take the interviews from reliable people.
Unlike my husbands recent stroke in the USA and a 4 day stay that cost $30,000.00 and because he had no insurance was put in a ward from a private room as soon as they found out he had no insurance..We have no insurance nor medicare because we do not qualify because we don't have enough points so we are without insurance.To buy a private insurance plan it would cost 500.00 a month or more with a deductible of 5,000.00.
My friends stay in Canada after 7 weeks never cost him a penny.Yes we pay for it in a little extra sales tax and part of the Lottery goes to this.
The sales tax in Quebec is 14.5% but it would never equal 500.00 a month for insurance that would cost here.
Thanks
Carmen Chatterton
PS if you would like more info please don't hesitate to contact me
I am on medicare now , thank heavens for many years i did not health Insurance since I am a diabetic. I did have Insurance when i got to be a diabetic, they put me in a differant group and i had to pay more 300%, no they did not drop me but hoping i would could not pay which i could not. so for many years i had to pay out of pocket it was a struggle. I didnt go to the Drs. as much as i should have.
I do not think Obama wants us to be with out medical, the private Market has many victums whom, they did not take care because of cost$. They have a Board that determines who gets medical care. Just think You MIGHT NOT GET HELP EVEN IF YOU ARE PAYING FOR IT.
How would government select the councelors who talk seniors into letting themselves die. If they have mental problems and can't legally decide for themselves will the government decide for them.
The solution for Obama Reform is for the providers to realize that the payments need to be reduced. During boom periods the high costs worked worked. Now that America has to get used living a simpler life, the Providers need to as well. And the problem is not with the low income uninsured alone, the middle class is also stretched painfully thin and many of them go bankrupt because of high costs. Cost curve has to be bent and. it won't until the people are going to sacrifice together. Obama has been catering to incompatible demands of too many interest groups. Prevention and Well Care will some time to root. Most people will take time to break old habits just like President's struggle with smoking. Thus their impact on costs will be negligible as the Bill goes into effect. And comforting folks with promises of a bright future is like showing a mirage to a thirsty man. Trading the present for future is wrong headed because people are dying and going bankrupt today.
Hello, what happened to my comment??
Why are medical equipment companies charging nearly quadruple the price to the insurance agencies for equipment? Example: You can buy a glucose tester for 30 dollars in a pharmacy, but the equipment company charges the insurance 300 dollars. Reform that.
What amazes me about the elected officials is that they would be unwilling to give up their medical benefits to come under a national health program or their lucrative retirement program to accept social security benefits in lieu thereof.
This comment isn't about the current health situation in America, but it is a question of need. My mother completely severed 3 of 4 major ligaments in her knee and needs reconstructive surgery. The major problem is that we can't afford the $50,000 surgery – is there anywhere you know of with doctors that can help at prices we can actually afford? My father is thinking of shipping her off to Thailand or NZ for the surgery, since air fare+operation fees would be cheaper than just the hospital fees in America, but she's scared to go.
Please, any advice would be helpful. Thank you so much.
im a canadian who has health care , 5 years ago i had 2 surgerys 3 years apart i did not have to take out a loan to get the surgery done i did not have a long wait period for surgery as people report . in canada the sickest people go first . i resent the comments about our health care , we at least do not get shipped out of a hospital in the middle of the night if we cant pay . as to the canadian woman who had a brain tumor and went to the us to get treatment i believe she only had a cyst , read her file at the mayo clinic cyst not tumor . we may wait a little while to see specialest but the sickest go first that is ok with me .i would not live in a country where big business is in charge of my health care . they are into making money only . the more they deny claims the more they make . thank god for canadian health care . we all pay for it so we can all use it , from the rich to the poor . all americans need to watch sicko , you denyed the claims of the 911 helpers who game to help clean up the site , shame on you all .
Dr Gupta,
The president has repeatedly said that if you have private insurance now you'll still have it after reform.
The belief that everyone is going to end up on a government health plan is a lie propagated by the people who want to maintain the status quo.
You can buy private insurance now, and you'll be able to buy private insurance after reform.
Plus, dealing with a private insurer, even now, is no picnic either.
And to some working people, health insurance is something that they can't get because their employer doesn't offer it, and the insurers refuse to sell them any because of a pre-existing condition.
How, it at all, do any of the bills link publicly sponsored health care to current, federally funded medical research programs, in an effort to save dollars by combining programs? This approach would also probably increase the quality of care through greater use of prevention and recognized standards of care.
Do any of the bills look to expand current federal models such as the National Health Services Corp (part of HRSA), which aims for broad access to healthcare?
Here is another example of the folks in government trying to 'fix' something from the top down instead of from the bottom up. The cost of healthcare needs to be addressed from the aspect of restructering the cost of goods and supplies as well as the cost of procedures. Tongue depressors and the like are too expensive. Housing has undergone a 'correction' because they were overpriced for all of the reasons we have seen over the past year. That still has not addressed the cost of two-by-fours, sheetrock, nails, etc, which also need a price correction. Another puxxler for me is; who was the 'Einstein' that allowed insurance companies into the healthcare system as owner/director/management? That sounds like the fox guarding the hen house. (Stoopid is as stoopid does, sir.)
If our government is unable to enact an affordable healthcare plan for all Americans, why should the American taxpayer continue to subsidize the healthcare of all federal employees especially the Congressmen and Senators who don’t seem to be smart enough to develop a plan?
We all know how frustrating it is to deal with social security, the registry of motor vehicles, dept of revenue, IRS etc. Do you want to fight another government office? Especially when your really sick. It's time for the government to say the gravy train is all but crashed and burned. If you have two arms and two legs, go to work and earn some benifits. Notice I say benifits. To working people health insurance is a benifit. To freeloaders it's a "right". Go Figure!
Drugs in Canada are cheaper because the government negotiates with the pharmaceutical companies to allow extended patents on their new drugs. It lets the new drugs be sold in Canada for longer periods without any generic competition.
In exchange for the extended patents, the pharmaceutical companies agree to sell their drugs in Canada at lower prices.
Here is my Honest Question. No fighting no debate no sarcasm.
I watched 2 relatives die from cancer. Both had insurance, one only survived for a year the other had it for 14 years. If the government gives health care, how hard will it be for some one to get in to see a specialist? Will private insurance companies say well the Government plan wont let you see this specialist because it is too costly, we will deny you for the same reason.
One relative had a brain tumor, will the government and insurance companies say that is a fatal type of cancer so we wont treat you? Or 14 years is too long to treat lung cancer sorry we are stopping your treatment?
sir- each and every news cast coming from your co-workers pertaining to healthcare reform seems hell bent on denigrating the canadian health care -sir i live in the province where medi care was born saskatchewan -sas -kat -che -wan unfortunately i never met the father of our system but each day i give thanks for his attitude of to hell with critics finally dear doc there have been several government s of the opposite party of Tommy DOUGLAS but none has the gut to mess with our medi care system americans should do their thing the conundrum is each and every commentator seems to feed from the same garbage and then have the temerity to regurgitate it on cnn thank u doctor
I want whatever health insurance option is available to the president. If it is good enough for him, then it should be good enough for all americans. We pay for food, shelter, etc., People provide the service, and people should be reimbursed for the service provided. The better the service the more it should be reimbursed. Do you want 1 star health care or 5 star health care? The cost is not the same.
Will the Health Care Reform allow insurance coverage for those individuals who can't afford insurance?
As an insurance agent I work in the insurance industry and I have some serious concerns about the impact the health care reform will have on us, the insurance agents. I have a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and I have been working in the Insurance industry for the past 5 years. The healthcare reform talks seem to indicate that insurance agents will start getting pay cuts,layoffs because the government will be handling the health insurance. I feel concern for the people who don't have health insurance, but not all insurance companies are out to take money away from our insured's. I am sure Medical Doctors are concerned about the potential for lower pay as well. Is there any way we can all meet in the middle? P.S. I am also a facebook fan of Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He is really handsome.
I was wondering, Mr. Dr. Gupta, do you suppose Mr. Preident Obama should stand in the same room as every congress member and ask/respond to their questions, suggestions, and reasons for why they are saying what they are such as Republicans claiming it will not work, well nothing has ever before, Democrats need to realize that in order to help Mr. Obama they need to find level ground with each other hold a NEWS gathering in Madison Square Garden with everyone in Congress, the president, the doctors, specialists regarding the reform. Mr. Dr. Gupta I was wondering should their be a law in effect to STOP advertising sweets, drinks, and ANY unhealthy product on the market (bad for your health=negative impact). Sexual Intercourse is technically healthier for you than a soft drink or any product fried in grease to which would damage your insides so shouldnt we stop showing underage children what they should invest in food wise.
If Obama was NOT President I would have probably have NO reason to live. Obama is doing what he can with people with MONEY & Power. six months vs. eight years do the MATH Americans, if you can after watching BUSH & Cheney, how many years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds difference there is. I mean come on as long as he is active and trying to show who should be in control, not reading school books to children or on vacation after being warned of future attacks on the country, he should be given a little more respect. CNN I am losing respect for you as a whole because you are showing polls, its NOT even election time ANYmore, get over it PLEASE. I want to start seeing things such as Technology hour on how its changed and its effects on people such as children's ability to listen and make decisions. http://www.tehnologyreview.com. I mean if bush is allowed to spend millions on a war that was NOT for the right reasons then allow Obama to make a chioce that has a chance to make a positive, especially since Bush destroyed the concept of retirement for the elderly. If the news wants to make our United States of Amercans President look bad before he has a chance to be the fault of then why should we even be considered the United States instead of the seperated states of america?
dr.gupta it seeems to me this health care debate isn't serious concern for the american people it's a contest who can stop obama it's not as if they don't know poverty stricten people need health care but that's on the back burner presidents hv tried to pass reform to no avail and the fact that obama is president it seems that it's all about defeat obama the american people sit back so that when we defeat his package we can boast about how he didn't know what he was doing as for as your health care is concern tough luck that's the way it is only the the strong survive i'v never seen a president get this much resistence and criticism is it his race dr. he's been called racist names life been threatened i mean just critized left/right all day
I was wondering why Obama has not said to congress if they do not get something done what would he do to congress. If BOTH parties just complain and allow time to go by and get nothing done, what could Obama do to them anyways, cut their pay by 50% and use THAT money to help people who need it? Congress already gets FREE health care(as many check ups as they see fit) with NO cost to them, so the money they do NOT spend approx. $160-$180 a month(what I spend now when in 2004 it was $80 a month) may go to whatever OBAMA thinks would be best. Without Obama, I would NOT have EVER trusted or have faith in ANY President in having interests in helping people ever again. Stem Cells ARE the key to helping diseases because that is the main part of how a whole human being is created into existance. Bush did NOT support it so therefore he does NOT care for human beings as a whole, he cares for the rich that keeps their money to themselves. Look I know not ALL rich people are cruel, some want to help mankind by finding solutions by donating themselves everyway possible. If I was rich, Id donate my time on learning how to help the human brain in EVERY way.
well, I was wondering, why since I was 18 I suffered from severe head/neck/back pain to the point that I believe a chainsaw being used to cut my head off would be less pain. Im 23 now and ever since these pains begam I gone to and asked doctor after doctor what may be ausing it so I may fix the PROBLEM/SOURCE of ALL the suffering and they all seem to just give me medication after medication to help with the pain, I never wanted to spend money on "Painnkillers" and use them like the character on the game Max Payne, I wanted to find the issue to STOP it. I have been told many different things and one visit to a specialist cost me $2000 with insurance and she said that I might have this one thing,scholeosis, however she was not sure. I have spent not hundreds, but thousands of dollars on medication/doctor visits over five years of having health insurance. In the past few months I have NOT had insurance and my headaches have started to mess with vision, speech, memory, and also focusing on tasks. Due to ALL of this I ended up in hospital two-three times while not insured and owe plenty, however I hold those to whom have not found out/or made my pain worse responsible. I have for five years wanted to KILL myself due to how my pain gets such as 20-30 on a scale 1-10. Because of doctors NOT helping to find the cause I WILL more than likely end my life VERY soon because Im 23 and feel like my grandmother who is 76 and many family members think Im acting like my biological father and just complained too much when he was around. So my main question is: "Is it possible to pass down some of your pain that you have to your children?" I feel like that may be the worst question, I just need to know, sorry for the trouble and have a GREAT day!!! P.S. when my neck pain is REALLY becomes intense I get a knot on the side of my neck that hurts to the touch, as well as vomiting. I become an easily angry person for NO reason. The last doctor asked me about tumors, MRIs and CAT scans, I know nothing about them I know I can not afford to help my pains ANY more the next time it happens it might be the last. PLEASE HELP or at least someone who WILL find a solution I may not be around to see 2010. Thank you for your time and have a GREAT life/future, I appreciate it.
Is there a way to have a system in place to have financial incentives for a healthy lifestyle, so people can feel that they can individually help out?
If so I think this would be an integral step to health care reform.
I'd like to know when congress and senate are going to start paying for their health insurance and social security. Surely this can help to make a dent considering they receive these benefits for LIFE!
If I can choose between government health care and what I have now, can I choose whether or not to contribute to the coffers that will support it? Maybe we should look first evaluate whether socialism is right direction for the country on many fronts rather than ram it down one "initiative" at a time.
They want to tax the "rich" to pay for new insurance benefits. The majority of our politicians easily meet the criteria. Do any of you actually think that any of the politicians will actually pay the tax? They will enact a loophole that will exempt them.
Dr Gupta
In addition to the taxes for healthcare reform and the new government plan, will the American people need to pay a fixed premium if they decide to use the new public insurance plan
Dr. Gupta,
Let's say Obama's health care reform passes. How will this affect a Physician or Surgeon's salary?
I have been listening to CNN News re the Canadian Health Care System.
I have the experience of using medical services in the US while travelling in Florida.
Sorry our hospital appears much more modern and better equiped – I We receive top notch service. Unless something is life threatening – yes there can be a few week delay – better then going across the border to pay thousands.
Further you should be asking yourself the questiion why Americans clamour to get cheap Canadian perscription drugs.
Unfortunately Americans are very misinformed re the Canadian Health Care System. It makes me laugh to watch the one side view in the US.
I would like some help clarifying if the Health Care reform will help autistic children get the help they need through health insurance coverage. Right now, most states do not require it to be included in health insurance coverage. Please help!
I agree the cost of health care is expensive as a medical student I currently am only offered the minimum insurance given by my school which barely covers anything. With the cost of tuition already escalating Im wondering if I would ever be able to pay off my loans by the time I am finished med school with the new extra tax that has been assigned to those who are making above a certain income. My question now is will the cost of medical school be affordable to students who only look forward to one day being able to pay off the loans because of a stable income which will now be reduced because of the tax for health care. I am very worried that i should change my carreer path.
My problem with the Obama proposed changes is that is does not involve the consumer and market place enough. Healthcare should be purchased with the same consumerism that you and I use to purchase groceries or car repair. We shop, compare and know the costs and save money. The govt should subsidize the users....offer a $5000 yearly voucher that is used only to buy health insurance or medical services .....motivate the consumer to spend wisely, as any unused portion is rolled over into a retirement account. Finally, liberally open up health insurance to national competition and other innovative ideas . Car and home insurance is relatively inexpensive due to competition.
Dear Dr. Gupta,
Because I am hypertensive and have serious reactions to salt intake,I decided to start using salt substitutes.My husband didn't like them. He too is hypertensive,so I inquired as to why he didn't like them.He casually mentioned that his drugstore information sheet stated not to use potassium chloride. I noticed that when I used the substitutes my feet would swell severely,but I had no reason to associate the swelling with the substitute. However,when he said this I decided to read the content on the back of the substitute label. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!! I was floored!!!! I remembered an episode of Law and Order wherein potassium chloride was used to shut down a murdered victim's heart. immediately went on the internet under "salt substitutes/potassium chloride and my heart is still fluttering at what I found!!!!!!. One of the articles stated that Dr.Kevorkian injected this potassium to assist with his assisted suicides. All I could think of was the damage I possibly have done to myself and the sudden swelling of my feet during the time I was using this product. Think of the people who have not made this discovery and who think that they are helping their hypertensive state by taking this poison!!!! Please help them!!!!!
Aren't illegal immigrants driving up health care cost (especially since they usually use emergency facilities)? How will they fit into the new health care plan? Also, for those of us who have decent health insurance, how can we be expected to support a new plan without knowing the details. This is a bad time to ask Americans to pay more for anything. We are being nickle and dime to death.
Great, let's have a discussion. There so much to talk about. Access, quality, usage, rationing and health care value. How do you see these variables stacking up? Which needs to be addressed first? Should there be a 'first?'
Audrey
It sounded like I could keep my current plan, but if I change companies or quit I would be forced into public system. True ?
Best way to show us reform is worthwhile is for Congress to abolish their healthcare and go with reformed plan.
Wouldn't it be much cheaper to provide health care to those of us that are uninsured ? Isn't the current system of using hospital emergency rooms much more expensive?
Please share YOUR dream for healthcare with us. Pretend there are no limits – then talk reality – then share your dream again. Please.
If this health care reform is so great for us then why did Obama dodge the question and wouldn't answer it when asked if he and his family would participate in this free health care? Also why is congress now saying that they won't be in this program either? So if they don't want this for themselves then they have to know it is not going to be that great yet they want us to have it. Is that fair? They all should be made to be in it since we do pay them their salaries. If they think this is good for us then they should prove it by being first in line for the free services if not then they shouldn't even try any reform.
Cindy..Ga.
If we do not pass a health care bill, what will American health care look like in 3-5 years? From what I have observed, our health care system is a mess, sick people are under-served, preventive care is hit or miss and only the insurance companies are happy.
Why are precription drugs from Canada/Europe so much cheaper than the same products in the US?
How can members of Congress, all of whom receive taxpayer-financed health insurance, claim that health care reform is too expensive?