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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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This is for James from Huston
James I agree with you on a lot of issues.First let me tell you I have been watching some of the town hall meetings and I can tell you this is not the same system as in Canada.
In Canada there are probably some illegals,but they don't get all the benefits.They have to be ther legally and also pay because nothing is free,but when I say pay,I mean income taxes if they are working,if they are not they pay the same price as every Canadian for example in sales tax,higher price for their car tags,etc etc etc.
If I was American citizen I would be against this reform bill too.
#1 In Canada there is no screening for the elderly to see if they are worth getting the care they need to get well.
#2 All Canadians and LEGAL immigrants are covered,if some illegals slip through the cracks,when found out are deported.
#3 If by chance they go to hospital emergency,they will be treated because we have a no close door for anybody that needs care but they have to pay or face legal proceedures.
This is what I believe,if Americans still want to keep the health care they already have,why doesn't the government make the insurance companies tow the line and make it affordable for all Americans.Right now I am here legally and I tried to get insurance and I can't get anything less than $31700 a month with a 5,000.00 deductible,and very limited coverage.What if the government made the insurance companies lower their premiums to say 100.00 a month,and everybody would have coverage think how this would eleviate the problem.I am retired and also work part time,I pay taxes too and even ssI and medicare and am not eligible for any of this.This is what gets to me ,I came here legally,cost me big bucks of which I am not complaining,but I agree if I came here legally and am not elegible,then why the illegals are.
The insurance companies are milking the American people,not the average worker for the insurance companies but the CEO's and their big bonuses.Greed is the culprit here,Let me know what you think
Carmen
President Obama is very skilled! Did you notice how well today he first ducked and then avoided addressing these most important health care concerns!
With regard to the current health care debate, I have some important concerns that make a lot of sense to me and that I had not thought of until recently. I would like to know if you agree with these concerns, and if you do not, please help me understand why the following conclusions are incorrect.
First, we have been told that ~ 50 million Americans are without health insurance. I want to help these persons obtain the medical care they truly need, but we do not want our compassion to overwhelm and conceal our need for common sense. It is human nature to use more of anything when it is free, and health care, unfortunately, will be no exception. If we enact a program to include free health care for all these persons, or for people who make less than, say $30,000 per year, the system will be overwhelmed, we will not have a sufficient number of doctors or hospitals available in the U.S. to treat everyone, and it will take forever for any of us to get a routine office appointment or a hospital admission when we really and seriously need it.
Second, we have been told there are ~12 million illegal workers in the U.S. The current health care bill will provide these workers and their families with free health care. The reason they will qualify for free health care is because their wages are not reported by their employers and tracked on any W-2 Tax Statements. Consequently, these persons are considered “indigent” and in need of federal assistance. By including undocumented workers, we will provide them with free benefits for which they do not qualify. Also, these benefits will became a “magnet” for people from other countries to come to the U. S. where they can gainfully work, receive good, unreported incomes and obtain free health care for their families. The new costs of providing these free benefits to our future non-citizens will grow beyond all proportions.
Question comes as I'm watching Pres. Obama's townhall in NH. First, I believe that health care should be a public good and that all should have it. My concern is about the public health option's on health care spending in the US.
The amount we spend of GDP on health care is not all bad and waste. Many of that comes in the form of R&D and advanced equipment. Measures such as amount of MRI machines and modern equipment per-capita put us well ahead of most other nations. The US has been the world leader in the development and production of medical equipment and techniques for a long time, in part due to our almost entirely privately-funded health care system.
If a public health system is developed to compete in the market, it could very well crowd out much of the private market as public insurance is by definition taxpayer-subsidized. This could very well have adverse effects on the money devoted to improving how and with what tools medicine is practiced in the US.
How does reform reconcile the laudable goal of ensuring that every American get health care while preserving the world's most productive and innovative health care industry?
Something obvious just now occurred to me! If the Congress can't operate the Post Office, Amtrack, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac without losing lots and lots of money, what makes us think a Government-run health care system will be any different!!
This is for James from Huston
There is no one that can agree with you more than myself. I am a legal resident her in the USA and I had to pay to get here big bucks,however I am not complaining but I agree with you about all the illegals here.
I am agreeing with you that if I could get insurance at a reasonable cost say about $100.00 a month and if everyone could get it for that the insurance companies would not loose .
I am from Canada I am 66 yrs old and was there when we started the health care system. The reason was that Canadians were going through the same burocratic insurance policies and high costs as Americans are going through today .
Since then the insurance companies are still in force but are regulated ,NO BIG CEO BUNUSES AS HERE LIKE AIG.AND WHAT IS SO FUNNY IS THAT THEY NEVER NEED A BAIL OUT.
I am for health care reform so that all TAX paying Americans can get proper health care.
I pay taxes on my pensions from Canada and also work part time and pay taxes and SSI and am not even eligible for Medicare or SSI.
So how do you think I feel about Illegals?
Dr Gupta:
It’s is in my opinion that; when left winged democrats run negative emotionally charged Health Care Reform, Budget and Economic adds attempting to demoralize right winged republicans, and when right winged republicans run negative emotionally charged Health Care Reform, Budget, and Economic adds attempting to demoralize left winged democrats; that these congress people, are using dishonest negative emotional behavioral patterns, that are very imbalanced for, the health and well-being of our country!!!
These left winged democrats and right winged republican are just demoralizing themselves, by using the above dishonest negative emotional behavioral patterns. These dishonest negative emotionally charged Health Care Reform, Budget, and Economic adds; now how the public speaking out at town hall meetings, in a negative emotionally charged behavioral patterns!!!
Nice job left winged democrats and right winged republicans. The only people that you should be blaming are yourselves for, the emotional immaturity you promote. Grow the MUCK UP!!!
I for one would not vote for any of you that have this type of imbalanced thinking. I believe anyone that promotes and exhibits this type of negative behavior should be voted out of office.
I agree with General Powell, it’s time to cut the imbalance or fragmentation out for our Federal Government in order to become a more effective Government!!!
It’s my belief that; Mental Health, Emotional Maturity, and Physical Well-Being, must be on the first page, and the top priority of the Health Care Reform Bill!!!
Dr Gupta:
Do you agree with the above statements?
Peace Out!!!
Enjoy!!!
JMD
I am disappointed in the people who go to the town hall meetings in acting like bullies in the play ground. This is a shame that you can not discuss health care reform and learn something, with out shouting and bullying others. You can not get anything done by doing this is that what you want. who is paying you to look like children that do not have any manners. sit and listen and learn. and than go home and write your congressman , or even to Obama .
Dr Gupta:
Our Federal Government has set the bar to high for the American people to jump over. Our Federal Government can no longer afford to tax and spend our money, nor can our Federal Government afford to borrow and spend our money any longer.
The American people are making their voices herd and very clear that; enough is enough, when it comes to our Federal Government and their spending habits. Also, it does not matter whose fault it is in government.
It’s in my opinion that; President Obama needs to sit down and have a talk with the Governor of California. The Governor of California had no choice but to listen to the people of the state of California.
The Governor of California had no choice but; to cross train intergovernmental departments, layoff government employees, reduce taxes for corporations in order to keep them from moving into other states for economic reasons, in addition to setting up a Health Care Reform system that is working for the state of California.
The Governor and congress of the state of California had to balance their budget, stimulate economic growth, and deal with their health care reform, without taxing the people.
It is my belief that, these above changes in our Federal Government is what the American people want to see happen in our country; it does not matter what side of the fence you are on. We want our freedom to choose back!!! Our state governments are; setup to supersede our federal government, unless there is a dispute between state governments. Also, state governments that seem to be running in the black are, our right to work states.
I do agree that; trying to demoralize our President with a Hitler mustache, and a joker face should be, condemned by our news media!!! However, the anti-nazi posters were targeted at the left winged liberals, in addtion to the queen of the left wing liberals Nancy Pelosi.
It’s in my opinion that; our President needs to cut his relationship with these left wind liberals ASAP, or go down as another Linden B. Johnson President.
Cutting out the fraud in our government ran Medicare system; created by our government, insurance companies, and physicians; is 100 billion dollars a year. That is more than enough money, to reform our Health Care System without taxing the people.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Where can I find the answers to mine and others' questions?
With regard to the current health care debate, I read some important concerns yesterday that make a lot of sense to me and that I had not thought of until now. I would like to know if you agree with these concerns, and if you do not, please help me understand why the following conclusions are incorrect.
First, we have been told that ~ 50 million Americans are without health insurance. I want to help these persons obtain the medical care they truly need, but we do not want our compassion to overwhelm and conceal our need for common sense. It is human nature to use more of anything when it is free, and health care, unfortunately, will be no exception. If we enact a program to include free health care for all these persons, or for people who make less than, say $20,000- $30,000 per year, the system will be overwhelmed, we will not have a sufficient number of doctors or hospitals available in the U.S. to treat everyone, and it will take forever for any of us to get an routine office appointment or a serious hospital admission when we really and truly need it.
Second, we have been told there are ~12 million illegal workers in the U.S. The current health care bill will provide these workers and their families with free health care. The reason they will qualify for free health care is because their wages are not reported by their employers and tracked on any W-2 Tax Statements. Consequently, these persons are considered “indigent” and in need of federal assistance. By including undocumented workers, we will provide them with free benefits for which they do not qualify. Also, these benefits will became a “magnet” for people from other countries to come to the U. S. where they can gainfully work, receive good, unreported incomes and obtain free health care for their families. The new costs of providing these free benefits to our future non-citizens will grow beyond all proportions.
These are some very serious concerns that need to be addressed in the current legislation. We need to ask our congress members these questions and see if they have even considered them. I have a feeling they have hot!
To Merilee Walden,
I don't know what province you live in but he lives in Quebec.They have no fault insurance and it was the SAC quebec no fault that paid him.This is part of the plan in Canada I believe.All I know that is his car was totaled and he and his wife both were paid by the SAC,and his personal car insurance covered his car .The difference is that here we pay $50.00 for 4 years for our car registeration and in Quebec they pay $262.00 for 1 year .A small difference for all that coverage don't you think?
The point I am trying to make is that the American people don't understand how it is to be worry free and know that you don't have to wait to sometimes it's too late to get medical coverage.A lot of people here in Vermont don't go to the doctors even for free mamograms and cancer screenings because they fear that if there is something wrong they won't be able to afford to get the treatments,I know because the lady I work with is in that predicament.
Thanks Merilee for letting others know that the system does work.The Globe and Mail published a survey and 92% of Canadians are happy with the system.
This response is for Carmen. Carmen, believe it or not, we agree on many things. For example, here is the letter I have sent my congressman that lists crucial changes to our health care system that most senior citizens would probably support. Note the current bill, as a cost savings measure, does not even mention medical malpractice insurance reform!
"Dear Congressman Green, as a concerned citizen, I respectfully request that you please vote against the Congressional heath care bill as it now exists and help us draft a new one that is not so expensive and not so onerous.
The new bill should include, as a minimum, the following provisions and common sense cost controls. First of all, let's get rid of junk laws uits and make sure we have medical malpractice reform. That will save some money. The money our doctors pay each year for malpractice insurance coverage, even though they may never be sued, is passed on to us in the form of higher treatment and office visit costs.
Number two, let's ban or prohibit insurance companies from ruling out people from being insured because of preexisting conditions. Let's make sure we have insurance that's portable, that you can take it from job to job or circumstance to circumstance. Let's incentivize e-prescribing and e- medical records to create efficiency.
Number three, let's create pay-for-performance, rather than pay for volumes of procedure. If you pay for volumes of procedure, you're going to get more procedures.
Lastly, let's fix our tax code so that if a person buys health insurance individually, they are not at a disadvantage compared to people who buy it through their employment circumstance. Let's allow people to buy insurance across state lines or form risk pools across state lines, and purchase it through these new insurance pools.
Thank you, Congressman Green, for allowing me to contact you and express my suggestions for a better health care bill that is much less expensive and much better for our seniors than the one now proposed. "
To Carmen,
I am not sure, but your sons disability wages were probably paid for by his employer insurance plan, not his medical plan or the government. This is common in Canada. I am not aware of any Canadian Provincial Plan or Government Plan that covers wages. However the good side is that being non-taxable, your take home disability pay is often higher than your regular wages.
Dr Gupta:
It�s in my opinion that; Americains should have the opportunity to grade Nancy Pelosi on how well of a job she is doing as the Speaker of the House, and on Health Care Reform.
Dr Gupta, it is my understanding the Nancy Palos is the person that sent out a memo to all congressmen on how to talk with the public, regarding Health Care Reform, and how to cram her idea of Health Care reform down the American peoples throats.
Dr Gupta; did Nancy Pelosi send out a memo to are congressmen on how to sell her idea of Health Care Reform to the public?
Nancy Pelosi needs to be reminded; that our Government is not above the people, our government is equal to the people. Government has no business going into competition with the public. Our Federal Government is there only as public servants, and to settle disputes between states.
It�s in my opinion that; when Nancy Pelosi sent out that memo to congress on how to sell her Health Care Reform plan attempting force her will on the people; that people went out to the meetings at city halls all over this country, and let their voices be herd that they are over, the (TAIL WAGING THE DOG) in our Federal Government!!!
Maybe it�s time to vote Nancy Pelosi out of office. I am sure she can find a nice share the wealth job in some other country.
Dr Gupta, who is leading this country anyway Nancy Pelosi or President Obama?
Also, this Health Care Reform bill needs to written so that anybody can understand it, not for the lawmakers that wrote the bill.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Jim we all pay taxes and for what ? Lately all we seem to be doing is bailing out banks and car companies.Don't you think that the people of America deserve a better health plan. The insurance companies are way out of controll.Example I pay taxes on my dwelling and also pay taxes because I work part time. I am a retiree and frankly I have a hard time to think that the lowest insurance I can get is $317.00 a month with a $5,000. deductible.If the insurance companies would reduce their premiums to say about $100.00 a month with no deductible everyone would be able to afford insurance. Don't you agree.?
I agree with Carmen Chatterson. There are a lot of postings and media blather about the Canadian system that are inaccurate or untrue. My husband and I pay $96 a month for our Provincial Medical Services Plan for BOTH of us! This covers everything. Visits to the Dr., X-rays, scans, lab work, surgeries, vists to the ER, – EVERYTHING. Old people are covered for everything. There are no pre-existing conditions. The Dr.’s set the priorities, not a HMO. Sometimes you have to wait for non-urgent surgeries. And yes, while sometimes people do slip through the cracks, on the whole, the system works. We never have to worry about losing our house or being overwhelmed with payments or being refused treatments because we are not covered.
This response is for Carmen. Carmen, I very happy your son has recovered completely and the tax payers paid for his medical care and his long term disability payments.
I believe it was Margaret Thatcher who wisely said, "The problem with socialism is you eventually run out of other people's money!" Please check this out: Very wise comments for our congress members indeed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okHGCz6xxiw
This is in reference to James Comment
Tell me if you can answer this one.
MY son lives in Canada and he had a bad car accident in March 2007. He was off work for 9 months and he received compensation from the gov't 90% of his salary non taxable.His medical was covered 100%. He is now back to work and never had to pay anything back.
I think you are very bias and don't try to see the whole picture.What I am telling you is from real life experiences not from the media.
This response is for Double A. Double A, you are correct. Her "support allowance" has nothing directly to do with the health care she has received.
However, the two plans are indirectly related because when we are recovering at home from a serious injury we can collect unemployment compensation that is directly paid for (long term disability payments) by our employers. If we go with a Government-run health care system, the next thing in our lives they will want to control and distribute from Washington are the long term disability payments we collect while we are injured and cannot work.
This is exactly what has happened in Brittan. It's the preverbal "camel's nose under the tent" problem that eventually leads to more and more “one-size-fits-all” government control over our lives!
This Blog is nothing but a complaint column. No matter where you live there are always those who complain.
I just watched a news piece on CNN about universal health care in Cuba.C'mon guys Cuba is not on any way to be compared to the USA.It is and has always been a poor country.
Why don't they do something on interviews in Canada,UK or France and othr vountries that are rich countries like America. Frankly CNN only puts on tha bad side of everything.
I agree with the person on this blog that said that the only true source of news is FOX News. I challange CNN to go and interview Canadians Brittish and French among all other countries that have a health care system and put every person on ,not only the negative ones,because there are many negative people even in the US.
August 5th, 2009 9:08 am ETYour comment is awaiting moderation. Dr Gupta:I am appalled by, the people that put the Joker face from the Batman movie on our President face. This type of behavior just shows how ignorant, mentally ill, and how uneducated some people are in the great country. This type of behavior needs to be condemned by the new media that have respect for themselves and our country.As for the magazine companies and new medias� that promotes this kind of behavior, shame on you, reducing own self-respect by demoralizing our President also shows your ignorance, social mental illness and uneducated perspective as well.It�s in my opinion that if we should put a Joker face on something; it should be the insurance, banking, and credit card, lobbyist that hide behind antitrust laws; out there trying to buy votes from our joker faced congressmen.Some news medias� have shown their ignorance and social mental illness by trying to demoralize our President through name-calling.Furthermore; Our President has to deal with left wing socialist and right winged capitalist every day. It�s in my opinion that; putting a leash on insurance, banking and credit card industries is not an act of socialism, it stopping these industries from misusing how they have influence over our daily lives in this country.As far as I am concerned our President is young, is human, will make mistakes, and if people just back off a bit our president will do the right thing. You know, the jury is still out on the President on whether he is a communist, socialist or capitalist. So, as for the news media, quit demoralizing yourselves, and showing your own ignorance by calling him names.Moreover; all we have to do is believe in our country with hope and faith. We all believe in freedom that�s why we are the greatest country on earth. Its time for all of us in this country; to grow up in this country, and set great examples for other countries, that are still fighting for their freedom. Roven, I do agree with you these minor gang members would have to comply and conform to great moral values and direction, and if not back to prison for them. Thank you for serving our country and you are an honorable man. Best wishes to you and your family!!!Peace Out!!!JMD
Hello James from Houston,
What is this letter to the British MP got to do with health care? It is more about the job welfare. She seems to have no complaint with the medical care.
The lady has got her leg properly taken care of. Probably for no money.
In USA at 100$ a week the lady, if she has insurance, would not be able to afford her copay or deductible.
Hey, Guys, here is an insightful, informative letter that a wonderful British acquaintance of ours had to write to her MP (Member of Parliament).
"I am writing to you out of total frustration with the recent changes to our health benefits system! I am a self-employed gardener and have been working as such for many years. At the beginning of July, I had a fall (not work related) and broke my left leg in three places. I had an operation to put a rod in my tibia and recovery has been as slow as expected. The tibia is the slowest healing of all the bones in the body, and mine was a particularly bad break.
With no other means of support I was forced to turn to the benefits system and I then found out that all the individual benefits have now been lumped together under the Employment and Support Allowance.
It took Jobcentre many weeks to process my initial claim and I was
forced to borrow from friends in order to eat. Finally my claim was approved, and I am now in receipt of the princely sum of £64.30 a week which is all I need to live on, according to the government, despite the fact that I live in one of the most expensive parts of the country.
Two days after receiving the award notice, I was sent a huge booklet to fill in. This apparently was to assess my physical limitations, which might be stopping me from working – the medical assessment will no doubt follow. I had no choice but to fill it in, a process that I found both insulting and pointless. My "condition" is not permanent, it will get better and then I will go back to my job.
That went into the post yesterday and today I received a date for an interview with a Personal Advisor to discuss the support available to me through the Pathways to Work service. Once again, I have no choice but to comply. Every single piece of literature that came with this demand makes the assumption that I am unemployed. I suppose that, technically, I am, but I have a job, I have a business and at no stage has there been any acknowledgement of this! I do not consider myself to be unemployed,
I have never been unemployed. I can't do my job at the moment because I have a badly broken leg and all I need is a bit of financial support whilst my fractures heal.
I do not need advice "managing my condition", I do not need an Employment Coach, I do not need my CV updated or "confidence building". I certainly do not need the patronizing leaflets that read like a badly written self-help manual! The only help I need at the moment is from doctors and physiotherapists as I slowly learn to walk again.
Why on earth should self-employed people such as myself, who are recovering from an injury and have a job to go back to, be lumped together with the long-term unemployed? The very fact that we are self-employed should demonstrate that we are not lacking in application or will. It doesn't take a genius to work out that a gardener with a broken leg can't do gardening until said leg has healed. It is a total waste of my time and the time of the "advisors". It is also a total waste of resources at a time when they would be better focused on those who have never had a job at all.
I also know, anecdotally, of many people in my position who have run up huge debts rather than get caught up in this appalling system. It is to my great regret that I am not in a position to do the same – it is infinitely preferable to being insulted, patronized and FORCED to attend these pointless interviews, always with the threat of withdrawal of benefits hanging over my head.
I would suggest that the government have a serious re-think about their attitude towards people such as myself. They are very fond of describing us small business people as the backbone of the economy. I have always worked hard, paid my taxes and NI, and now, because I was unlucky enough to have an accident, I find myself being treated like a work-shy moron!
I would be grateful to receive your thoughts on this matter."
Yours sincerely,
Rebecca Walters
James I have a son that lives in Britton and again the media has stretched it a bit. This is in no way waht really happened.
The media have a way to turn things around to make people think things are so bad every where else in the world.
The US is a really nice place and I live here and love the people but I get very angry at the comments that the media especially CNN make on other countries.
Hi Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
I have a question what is the treatment to psoriasis?
This response is also for Carmen and Joan DeMott. Carmen and Joan, I ran across this article today, It is very enlightening about the impersonal nature of the oversight "health councils" in Britain.
Mom in U.K. Fined for Grieving Too Long at Baby Son's Funeral
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
A grieving mother in Britain was fined $173 for spending too long at her son's coffin before it was taken away for cremation.
Terrie Rouse, 32, said her grief turned to shock when officials told her she had taken too long to say goodbye, The Daily Mail reported.
"The vicar had asked if I would like to spend a bit more time saying goodbye," she said. "I sat by the coffin for 10 minutes, telling my son how much we loved him and begging him not to be scared."
Officials at the crematorium, run by a local English council, impose an extra charge if any funeral runs over its 30-minute slot.
However, the couple's funeral directors said there was plenty of time for the next funeral which was not due to take place for another 50 minutes.
Rouse’s partner, Lee Smythe, said the fee was "sick and disgusting.""Terrie was weeping hysterically," he said. "She just wanted a few extra minutes to say goodbye to our much-loved little boy."
The couple’s son, Zane, died at five weeks from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome on April 9.
The family waited three months before they could have a funeral to allow for tests to be carried out.
"It was distressing enough having to wait for the funeral because we were left in limbo, but this has just made it all worse," Smythe said.
Jim
This is to Myra Mills
Cnn does tell the truth of the Political News I think you have differant opinions on what is News. Cnn are on opposite sides its only what you want to hear. and I pick Cnn
This is in answer to James,
I agree I would buy generic too but unfortunatly there is no generic for Nexium or Celebrex I have inquired from places like Walmart and Walgreens and they said that there won't be a generic for these drugs. So what are people to do in this case.
This response is for Carmen. Carmen, I saw a in recent CNN report that the reason our drug costs are so high in the U.S. is because the pharmaceutical companies have to recover the research and development costs that are required to produce them. These costs result from lengthy FDA trial and testing guidelines to make sure the drugs are safe and effective before they can be introduced into our commercial markets. The drugs they sell overseas do not include these high R&D costs because they are instead absorbed by the American consumers.
Also, in the U.S. we can buy “generic” drugs that are about one tenth to one twentieth the cost of the brand-name drugs. For example, I can buy Atenolol, a very effective generic blood pressure medication, for $4.00 for a one month’s supply.
.
Instead of referring to "those people" as angry hecklers. They should be referred to as angry American voters!
PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY CNN TRIES TO HIDE THE TRUTH FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. YOUR RATINGS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP AS MORE AND MORE AMERICANS REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. THE ONLY STATION THAT TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON IS THE FOX NEWS STATION. I AM A RETIRED SCHOOL TEACHER AND I HAVE SPENT MONTHS CHECKING OUT ALL STATIONS--AND I CAN TELL YOU NOW THAT I WILL NOW ONLY WATCH FOX NEWS--THEY TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE TRUTH. WE DESERVE TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
I have been reading all these blogs,and I have to agree that this reform plan is not what people need. This is in no way like the Canadian ,Uk France or the Netherlands plans. The insurance companies will still be the ones to run this reform. I feel sorry for the people that are not insured because of health issues as some have quoted Obese,don't work and have no income and senior citizens that are not getting the care and cannot afford their medication.Seriously I would like to know how it is justified that in the USA ,a prescription drug called Nexium is $187.00 for 30 dyas and without insurance in Canada you would pay $83.00.Why the added expense.Somebody is lining their pockets.Another prescription called Celebrex is $157.00 for 30 days in USA and $ 38.00 in Can.
Now if you have insurance in Canada for example Nexium would cost $18.00 and Celebrex $17.00 Thats if your not a senior it is cheaper if you are a senior you pay up to a certain amount and then it is free.
Don't you think that Americans deserve this kind of release from paying so much high prices. I have a co-worker that had a sinus infection and Medicaid wouldn't cover the priscription she needed and she did without because it cost over $200.00 for a nasal spray.I think this is an abomination.
Michaels reference to gang members serving in the military is an interesting tact under the guise of health care. And James from Houston: Even if gang members were to serve they would not make a difference. Like everyone else who joins they would either meld in and conform or be kicked out! But lets get back to health care. I am a 23yr. Army Vet.. My wife just had a major operation & then her arm scoped. The medical care that she & I receive is excellent and to this date her operations have cost me $5.00! Maybe this is a point to press for military service, because without it I and my family would be going crazy like many others.
With the healthcare reform, would employers have to provide basic healthcare for part-timers? Thank you so much!
Can any of our members tell me what this sentence actualy means? This information is one senrtence long, and it is included on page 20 of the current health care bill. The people who actually wrote this bill for Congress each need to take a required writing course in "Plain English!
SEC. 112. GUARANTEED ISSUE AND RENEWAL FOR IN4
SURED PLANS.
"The requirements of sections 2711 (other than sub6
sections (c) and (e)) and 2712 (other than paragraphs (3),
and (6) of subsection (b) and subsection (e)) of the Public
Health Service Act, relating to guaranteed availability and
renewability of health insurance coverage, shall apply to
individuals and employers in all individual and group
health insurance coverage, whether offered to individuals
or employers through the Health Insurance Exchange,
through any employment-based health plan, or otherwise,
in the same manner as such sections apply to employers
and health insurance coverage offered in the small group
market, except that such section 2712(b)(1) shall apply
only if, before nonrenewal or discontinuation of coverage,
the issuer has provided the enrollee with notice of non19
payment of premiums and there is a grace period during
which the enrollees has an opportunity to correct such
nonpayment. Rescissions of such coverage shall be prohib22
ited except in cases of fraud as defined in sections
2712(b)(2) of such Act."
James from Houston:
Thank you for your insights. However, what I am trying to explain here is; that no adult individual should be allowed by law, to misuse a minors’ growing mind. In addition to, recruiting and manipulating the growing mind of a minor into committing acts of gang violence. These minors are the victims here!! There is reform already going on in our correctional facilities that address these issues. Check out the empirical facts at (justicecenter.csg.org). These adult gang members are using the same techniques that the Taliban use to corrupt minors, there is no difference here!!!
As for the ACLU Liberal media they can all go jump in a lake as far as I am concerned. It’s in my opinion that; these Liberals have always been a big part of the problem and never a part of the solution, when it comes to the above issues. These Liberals need to take a good look in their own mirror for a reality check.
Peace Out!!!
Enjoy!!!
This response is for Michael. Michael, I don't believe we want hardened gang members serving in our armed forces. We have enough problems with them in our high security prisons! Also, can you imagine the problems we would have if these gang members were sent to fight in Afghanistan? The ACLU and liberal media would have a field day with the atrocities these thugs would commit, although they would certainly end the conflict and destroy the Taliban and their extremists followers much more quickly! Check this out for some interesting reading:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/07/new-taliban-battle-rules-not-so-new/
HEALTH CARE BILL
(Actual Document):
Want to actually SEE the Health Care Bill?
Take some time to check through it. Our leaders say they don't have time...... 🙁
This is scary stuff! Get past the first few pages, it will open your eyes.
Our private insurance is fixing to end........see page 18.
No new applications will be allowed other than on a gov. plan!
Just paste this in your browser or click on it:
http://edlabor.house.gov/documents/111/pdf/publications/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdf
Becky
Dear Bob (NC),
You are so right.....Maybe Dr. Gupta has too many concerned folks to answer. We need to re-direct our concerns to our U.S. Legislators.
Let's join the groundswell of alarmed future health care reform victims NOW.
LEGISLATORS FEAR NOT BEING RE-ELECTED THE MOST!
TELL THEM YOU ARE WATCHING AND THAT YOU VOTE!
Say "NO to Gov. controlled health care."
Urgent....... CALL and EMAIL them at BOTH their Washington AND home state offices for your state. Find and go to town hall meetings this month, if possible. It's easy. Do it soon! Our very lives depend on it!
Contact your U.S. Reps. and Senators at these links below!
Cut and paste if you need to:
.
U.S. Senate Offices:
http://www.senate.gov/
Representatives Offices – U.S. House of Representatives:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml
Becky
Dr Gupta:
Subject: Are Gangs a Public Health Issue?
It’s in my opinion that; gangs are not only a public health issue, its a mental health issue as well!
Also, it’s in my opinion that; any gang member that is convicted of gang violence that is a minor, should be drafted into the Armed Forces serving not less than four years. When a 14 year old can be tried as an adult, they can also be recruited into the Armed forces.
Not only will the Armed Forces instill Self-discipline in these minors, though cognitive training these young adults will learn professional disciplines as well.
As for the adults gang members that, recruite and manipulate the growing minds of these minors to engage in gang violence there must be a law enacted that hold, these adult gang members responsible for all gang violence, that these minors commit; that is equal to murder one charges.
The adult gang members’ are responsible for the minor gang members’, behavior and must be held accountable for their actions.
Look; removing the draft into Armed Forces, also removed the right of passage of young adult s' into adult hood. It’s my belief that; 40 years later it truly has damaged the young adults within our country.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Dr Gupta:
Is Congressman Dodd; going to have that new non-evasive prostate surgery that is cost effective, and safe. That insurance companies and Medicare consider experimental?
Or is Congressman Dodd going to have I am going to gut you like a fish surgery, that can lead to serious infections like staff infection?
Why is it that, this new non-evasive prostate surgery, that is cost effective, safe for the consumer, considered experimental and dropped by insurance companies, and Medicare alike?
I do agree that one size does not fit all when; the consumer is shopping around for a physician that is an expert in his/her professional discipline. However; if you as a consumer get a gut feeling that, the physician you have chosen, is not meeting your needs mentally, emotionally, physically and sometime spiritually, that is a red flag that, this physician you have chosen is not for you.
If you have any doubts about what I am trying to explain here, why is Michael Jackson dead?
Gems for Physicians’ to live by:
CAUSE NO HARM!!!!
It’s in my opinion that, this gem applies to CONGRESS AS WELL!!!
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Will this healthcare reform bankrupt America as Tenncare nearly did to Tennessee?
This comment is for Ronna,
Maybe you should read more on the reports from that incident ,She was offered to go to the hospital and she refused and said she was ok. When she started to feel bad her husband opted to have her flown to NY. If she would have taken the opportunity to go to the hospital she would have been sent to the Montreal Nuerological Institute she would be alive today.The news media says that Montreal has no trauma centers but they are not telling the truth .They have the Montreal General and The Royal Victoria (Montreal Neurological Institute).They are world renown and these people that talk down the Canadian health care are paid high money to do so.Weather you are in the USA or Canada if you refuse to go to the hospital after and accident they can't force you .
I wish anybody that thinks Canadian health care is no good would educate themselves a bit more instead of listening to the media.
Before we fall in love with Government-run health care, let's remember it will not and cannot reduce health care costs as many people hopefully believe!
The reason it will not reduce costs is very simple. If fact, the "public option" health insurance program under debate may turn out to be more expensive than advocates suggest is that in this country, unlike in Europe, we are unlikely to put up with government restrictions on what sorts of care will be available, especially for our seniors. As Dr. Stephen Carter has suggested (see below), a board of experts might decide to limit access to hip replacements, for instance, but there is little chance Congress will let them get away with it. Without serious and effective cost controls, which members of Congress will not have the stomach to implement, the "public" option will be just as expensive as our "private" options.
Private insurers, by contrast, will cut whatever they can. This puts them at constant war with regulators and patients, but beneath this tension is a certain useful discipline. We want health care to be cheaper, and the for-profit health-care industry has every incentive to make it so.
For our friends who still insist Government-run health care is the answer, please check this out:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072902626.html
OBAMA SAYS HE WILL MAKE HUGE CUTS TO MEDICARE AND TAX OUR INSURANCE BENEFITS. Seniors will be first to be DENIED AND TOLD WE ARE TOO OLD FOR treatments, procedures, or tests and will wait in long lines due to huge cuts the government dictates!!!! This bill is a nightmare from hell when you read the fine print! Seniors will be required to schedule "DEATH CONFERENCES" with their doctors! In other words, "SENIORS, DROP DEAD."
Page 18 of the bill states that if want to change companies, I MUST go onto a government plan. No move private choices!
My personal insurance will be squeezed out of the market because the bill forbids private companies from accepting any new applicants, but forces them onto government insurance.
Since only 10-15% of Americans don't have insurance, let's just find them some. We don't need another DMV-type beauracracy pushed down our throats. WE ARE WATCHING and WE DO VOTE!
Becky & George, Arizona
I want a singlepay health program like they have in England.
health care is great. 80 %of american need to loss weight.
I can explain it in writting but give me a call. it all in the head.
do not adopt a canadian style health care in 1998 i complained of chest pain seen a cardio doctor he said i looked to healthy to have heart problems for the next 6 years constant chest pain when ever i walked finally they set up a stress test and other tests well i have a blocked has been for a long time i also have had a heart attack they dont know when a part of my heart will never work i also had 8 stents in my artery the last stent they put in they told me if i have any more problems ther is nothing they can do for me to go some place else for help since the stents where put in i have heavy sweating at night have to change my sheets its that bad again nobody can help me
Dr. Gupta, do these thoughts of the American people get to Congress in any way, or all we all just venting our frustrations to CNN and watching it evaporate into the "ether"???
How can we get the word out to someone that might do something? We don't even get a response from you! Why does this exist?......just to defuse our frustration?
please tell me where the "value added" is for a health insurance co. is compared to a single payer system.
Dr Gupta:
I too agree that there needs to be a close look at health care financing, but I do not feel that the federal government should be in charge of our health care. I have several points to make: 1) Treating trauma and chronic illness in most cases will be expensive; 2)Preventative care requires that we, the public, participate in our own health by changing our lifestyles becoming responsible for ourselves; 3)The goal of medicine is to prevent and treat illness which means that we will continue to develop new therapies and procedures which will be expensive and of course we will all live longer with the onset of chronic illness of aging; 4) Health care will be rationed by the federal government to control costs.
If a government plan is to be in the future why not just lower the requirements for Medicaid? Why develop a completely new layer of federal health care administration? Having medical decisions made at the state level, as with Medicaid, would allow patients and physicians a realistic chance of making necessary appeals and perhaps changes to fit the needs of the patients of a particular state.
The old saying that one size does not fit all is very appropriate to the practice of medicine.
Health Care Coverage = Decline of the American Empire
Big touble ahead. Anyone care to doubt this prediction in a short logical manner? I did not think so? Get ready for DRASTIC SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS. The information age? Is your Iphone going to change your Depends/Atends? Don't stay on hold too long?
starski
Phyllis from Arizona, The obese people are a huge problem. The government targets smokers why cant they target people that cant PUT THE FORK DOWN?? Obesity is a choice, it starts by not eating when you are bored, it takes a change in thinking there is no magic pill to fix it.
Why do they not put in a regulation to block illegal immigrants from receiving this new healthcare if it gets approved? Will this not just add tons of extra cost to this if they let 12-40 million more to abuse this system?
This response is for Ronna.
Ronna, you are absolutelt correct! The healthcare bills currently in consideration by Congress are designed to contain costs, while extending health coverage to everyone, yet they target certain vulnerable groups including the elderly, the pre-born and the disabled. These bills create a system in which care is denied, delayed and rationed.
Per Betsy McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York (who has actually read the bill), “One troubling provision of the House bill compels seniors to submit to a counseling session every five years (and more often if they become sick or go into a nursing home) about alternatives for end-of-life care.The sessions cover matters such as “the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration.”
The Obama Administration is proposing a new federal health board to decide whether healthcare services are “effective” or “appropriate”. Tom Daschle has pointed to the British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as the model to be used. NICE has adopted a rule of thumb that health expenditures are inappropriate if they involve spending more than $22,000 to save six months of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 25,000 British cancer patients die prematurely every year because of these restrictions.
Look only to those closest to this administration to determine how they plan to ration care for these bills. Zeke Emmanuel, brother of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, wrote an entire article on advocating allocation of health care resources in order to maximize collective life years. He justifies denying care to the elderly patients in the following way: “The complete lives system discriminates against older people . . Unlike allocation by sex or race, allocation by age is not invidious discrimination ... “ Further Z. Emmanuel has said health services should not be guaranteed to “individuals who are irreversibly prevented from being or becoming participating citizens.” He continues: “an obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia.” It is clear his influence is conveyed throughout many provisions of the current pending legislation.
I would like to discuss out a few important highlights for our wonderful chat room members:
Pg. 30 Sec. 123—There will be a government committee that decides what treatments/benefits individuals will get
Pg. 239 Lines 14-24-Reduces physicians services for Medicaid. Seniors, low income, poor affected.
Pg. 268 Sec 1141 Government will regulate rental and purchase of power driven wheelchairs
Pg. 354 Sec 1177 Government will RESTRICT enrollment of specials needs people.
Pg. 425 Lines 4-12, 17-19 Government mandates Advance Care Planning consultations regarding living will, durable power of attorney among other provisions. .
Pg. 425 Lines 22-25 and Pg. 426 Line 1-3 Government provides approved list of end of life resources
Pg. 427-430-More end of life restrictions
These actual sections of the bills not only endanger the elderly, the poor, the unborn, the most helpless of society—they actually allow government bureaucrats to determine the value of their lives!!!
As a concerned American, I believe my first and foremost responsibility is to try and protect our elderly parents, the weak and infirmed among us and to preserve the sanctity of life.The current healthcare reform bills in consireration before Congress in no way, shape or form do any of these things.
Dr. Gupta:
Posttraumatic stress disorders and Co-occurring disorders:
Its in my opinion that; when a individual is traumatized that individual will go into survival mode using impaired cognitive IQ, resulting in high risk behavior. Mental, emotional, and physical trauma occurs everyday within individuals.
I do agree with Army Amy that; bio chemical mental trauma needs to be properly diagnosed, in addition to, emotional and physical trauma needs to be treated through cognitive therapy using a learning perspective educating that individual, and their traumatized family members as well. The truth is a traumatized individual also traumatize their family members. This is a family illness and the whole family needs treatment and education on how to keep this illness in remission as a family.
Thanks to individuals like Army Amy; that truly understands the definition of trauma, it has given me new hope and faith in our country.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
I am a 75 yr. old widow on a Medicare Advantage health care plan.
Will that plan be changed with Pres. Obama new plan and what will this do to me financially. Will this cost to me more out of p[ocket expense? Right now with Medicare and my plan I am only responsible for the co-pay. for hospitalization, medications or proceedures. I have many medical problems under control at present which are being treated under new prevention theories. Thank you. You are doing us a great service. Joan
Dr. Gupta –
Is there anywhere in this health care reform bill that allows my doctor and me to be in charge of my health care? After all, he/she is highly educated and knows me better than an insurance company.
I see no reform happening as long as the for-profit insurance companies are in charge of dictating our health care.
Is it true on page 245 of the proposed bill that health care will be denied to people on Soc. Security? Is it possible that the government is proposing clinics for people over 65 to have mandatory meetings every 5 years to learn how to "end their suffering"? Does the bill have information saying the help will be withheld from older people even if they have the cash to pay for it? Either that bill is written by some total idiot or a horrible lie is being spread through the internet as a quote by "Fred Thompson"! I hope our government doesn't intend to view our older population as some old pet they should "put down" instead of help have a productive, happy life!
Please explain this as it is most disturbing to lots of people. Please – we need help understanding this!!!
SENIOR DEATH WARRANTS
>
> The actress Natasha Richardson died after falling skiing in Canada . It took eight hours to drive her to a hospital. If Canada had our healthcare she might be alive today. In the United States , we have medical evacuation helicopters that would have gotten her to the hospital in 30 minutes.
> > In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.
> >
> Obama wants to have a healthcare system just like Canada 's and England 's.
>
> Most of you know by now that the Senate version (at least) of the "stimulus" Bill includes provisions for extensive rationing of health care for senior citizens.
> The author of this part of the bill, former senator and tax evader, Tom
> Daschle was credited today by Bloomberg with the following statement:
> > Bloomberg: Daschle says "health-care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be
> more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them." (Pretty sad statement) CSP.
>
> If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that our esteemed Senators and Congressmen have their own healthcare plan that is first dollar or very low co-pay
> which they are guaranteed the remainder of their lives and are not subject to this new law if it passes.
>
This response is for Pat.
Pat, you are absolutely right! It's amazing how much power community associations who enforce the residential deed restrictions have over their residents, to the extent they can foreclose on your home if you are late paying your community association dues.
Also, did you see where the Hollywood police department is in trouble again for conspiring to blame a citizen for running into a police car when it was actually the other way around? Three of their officers are involved this time.
Is the US government getting too involved in all aspect of our life?. In the case of the healthcare reform, I have not seen any one openly speaking of (1) the trial lawyers lobbing efforts. The amounts awarded in the many frivolous malpractice suits is skyrocketing and by limiting the amount of money involved. (2) the abuses by some individuals that are beneficiaries of the Medicaid program are enormous; just speak to doctors that are aware of many recipients of medicaid's benefits that people received those benefits and they have business, property and well paying jobs. (3) Insurance companies that are getting richer and richer, at the expenses of increasing premiums to the insurer, while cutting benefits and paying less and less to physicians and hospitals; just look at the many merger and acquisitions of those companies; those mergers are not to streamline operations and savings cost, there are being implemented because of greed. (4) Last but not least is the fact that many good MDs are not practicing any more due to the exorbitant insurance premiums. All of these factors increase the cost of healthcare that is passed on to consumer. Historically we know that the government is the worst administrator that in the long term wild add to the fiscal deficit. By reducing the malpractice awards and dismissing frivolous law suits, looking deeper in the health insurance company affairs (as we are doing with the banks), looking closer at the beneficiaries of Medicaid, thousand of billions of dollars will be saved, spearing us from a well intentioned government controlled healthcare system.
In the interest of discussion, why is there no discussion of a luxury taxation on unhealthy foods/products: the kinds of foods that contribute to health conditions like diabetes and other very expensive medical conditions?
Of course, figuring out what is healthy or unhealthy is a huge beast, and will continue to be explored over time. Of course, those corporations whose "bread and butter" are highly refined foods with lots of sugar and corn syrups as well as fast food industries would be hit. It'd be incredibly easy to start with tobacco, candy, soda.
But what about people who "don't have time" to cook supper? Groceries do carry ready-made meals. Surely one of these days groceries will figure out that a drive through for quick meal items (fresh produce, salads, prepared deli items) would be a boon.
The point is that we should be taxing consumer behavior that increases the country's health care costs... .NOT taxing behavior (like carrying private health insurance) that is responsible.
i am sceduled for two procedures, but since watching you in the or. and the man was given pro po fol and he stopped breathing, I am very concerned, as my dr. said thats what i will be given. Is this drug safe? Does everyone stop brearhing with this drug> I do not want to end up like Michael Jackson. I am so nervous over this that i am considering cancelling my surgery, its not worth my life. Please help me be at ease. Sandy
After this morning's report by Dr Gupta , I was appalled at the high degree lack of responsibility of people in America who believe that they need tobe taken care of and sit on their behind while a good worker is doing the job for them. We have become a nation of selfish and lazy individuals who believe in having children especially when they can not afford them and have us the hard working people do the work for them and pay for their children since they all know that America will not let the children down even if they have no money to support them.
Responsibilities start at home and that is the reason that China had to work drastically to reduce their number of children and now they are lending us money to take care of the children that we can not afford. What an irony!!!
I will happily as I now do, help needy families who are struggling as a result of nothing of their fault. They loose their job , they lose their homes due to the economy or due to the greed of the companies who never care about the futue of the country anyway thus creating another socil disaster.
Dr Gupta:
I do agree that reform is needed in the insurance industry. Insurance companies have affected everyone individual in this country in a bad way. Insurance Companies must comply and conform to the same regulation the utility companies have to comply and conform to.
Utilities have to supply the people with affordable energy, pay excise taxes, and are only allow to make 10% return on their investment. In addition to, insurance companies must ask the public service commission for permission to increase pricing as well.
It is in my opinion that; insurance companies fall under public utility regulation just because they are a monopoly. It’s time to create this type of regulation for insurance companies, because it affects the health of every individual in this country. This type of regulation will not allow insurance companies to pass taxation on to the consumers.
Look; Americans rich or poor can no longer afford, for out government to tax and spend or borrow and spend our money any longer. Our government must cross train and integrate governmental departments. This will create a more effective government that can produce, and the money saved can, and will be used for health care reform, budget, and so on.
When cross training and integration of governmental departments occurs; some job loss will occur within our government; well to produce a more effective government this is harsh reality.
The honeymoon is over, it’s time for Obama to stand up and be a leader for this country, and make the necessary cuts in government spending without taxing the people.
Peace Out!!!
Enjoy!!!
JMD
I do believe it is time in this country for a Government provided health "insurance" option. But, I do not agree with the current proposed legislation where a lot of the Americans being asked to help pay for the "insurance" plan do qualify to be covered under that plan. Why can't Congress come up with an "insurance" plan where every American helps pay for it through a consumption tax, then every American is just covered under that "insurance" plan?
Dr. Gupta, please point out that our health care is already managed–only one mammogram/year, for example. Under HMOs and PPOs, reimbursements are higher for doctors in the plan you have–if you go outside the plan you pay the full cost. In my view, we already have managed care to some extent. I don't believe the public option will change these rules that much, what do you think?
BTW, my husband and I have taken to asking our doctors when they prescribe a test, say an MRI, whether there is a cheaper way to accomplish getting the same information. Example, the doctor was going to send hubby off for an MRI on his knee. Hubby asked if an x-ray would give the information the doctor needed.. In hubby's case, the answer was yes. And an x-ray is a lot cheaper.
Dr. Gupta: I must honestly say that I cannot understand the majority of this mess, and why there are so many against any kind of change. I consider myself extremely fortunate in that as a retired Army Vet. My family and I have had Excellent, Quality, care from Ft. Bennings Martin Army Hospital, and in dealing with Tricare. Without this benefit I also would probably be in dire straights!
Where is the Tort Reform in Health Care Reform??? This is what has been driving up insurance cost yet Obama won't even discuss it!
Obamacare will destroy Health care.
WHEN YOU SHOWED THE COST OF GOVERNMENT INSURANCE BASED ON INCOME LEVEL, IS THAT BASED ON GROSS INCOME, ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME OR SOMETHING ELSE?
THANKS,
DANNY DRECHSLER
Dr. Gupta, when you post the annual costs for a family of four's health insurance costs under any plan that is being considered, could you also post the average insurance costs for that family that is there actual cost now? Your information tells us what the annual cost under the public option would be for the insured, but would you compare that to a low cost and a high cost for insurance from private insurers? Then, what will be the cost of insuring the now-uninsured that will be spread out among all of us, on a family basis, who have insurance?
Dr. Gupta, I appreciate the information you provide us. There's very little straight forward available information available–our members of Congress are in the pockets of the health care providers or maybe big PHARMA ( e.g. Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, who was the recipient of seven fundraisers by health-care companies and lobbyists (WashPost today)), so we can't trust our elected officials.
Dr.Gupta and everyone on TV are talking about what will be covered, how it will be covered and what happens to our current coverage. Why don't they talk about who will pay for all this? Having a universal coverage is a noble idea, but it's a zero sum game. To cover the uninsured someone would have to pay and that means someone will lose out. I guess it's not a popular topic to discuss in these semi-socialist times.
The only way I can see this being financed is by screwing doctors once again, and again, and again... Not only doctors were the only professionals with diminishing incomes, while insurance companies are squeezing the reimbursements, but now Obama wants them totally screwed on both ends. The universal healthcare will create a monopoly which will dictate how much doctor is reimbursed (and we know that the Big Brother is never fair). On the other side he wants to tax high income individuals to pay for this plan. So doctors are getting screwed again. I don't know why the public have an ax to grind against professionals who are saving their lives and making them live longer and healthier, but I can guarantee that this will have very negative long term ramifications. Talented individuals just won't select medicine as a career. It is already almost not making any financial sense to take $200,000 in loans, study for 12 years (college, med school and then residency) and start making money at the age of 30. The new plan will have the brain drain effect. I guess the investment banking will have a boost with all the smart people going into it. After all nobody minds if an investment banker out of MBA makes $300,000 in the first year, but everyone is unhappy when a doctor makes $150,000 after all the studying that they did. So next time you are having an emergency try to go see your investment banker. Maybe they will cure you.
And after a few years we'll have a Canadian quality system where there is a shortage of doctors and government rations health care. So, if you have breast cancer, but it's not yet in advanced stage you will not be eligible for an operation. Just sit and wait for cancer to spread and only then you will be operated on. How do you like that? Why doesn't anyone talk about these problems evident in the Canadian system?
Smart change is good, but a change for the sake of a change is dumb...
Why does it always have to be one big, all or nothing, bloated, special interest fest.
Why can't the politicians break it down a bit. Pass a bill that eliminates insurance companies from discriminating preexisting conditions ONE BILL.
Another bill that helps fund medicare /social security PERIOD
Another bill that helps fix another problem PERIOD
They are connected sure but NOTHING will get better if this doesn't pass and I am no sure I want a big fat bill go through than a lean mean efficient 'don't tread on me' bill.
Am I naive well maybe but if this goes down in flames, as it were, my medicare at my age of 42 is still gone and if this 1TRILLION might still be a bit much too.
I can think for myself and I have seen the GOVT say too many things and think they can to many more, cynical sure but when it comes to DC can you blame me all that much?
People are worried that the government option will undercut the private insurers...that sounds just fine to me! Maybe it will finally force the insurance companies to be competitive with their rates and we might see some reasonable premiums. I support the government option not because I need it, but because so many Americans do need it, and hopefully it will encourage competition in the marketplace to the benefit of all. We see this same situation with the USPS and FedEx/UPS/DHL/etc. We've got a government option and several private options and it helps keep choices open for everybody.
Read a physician's open letter to the President – An analysis of Healthcare Reform.
http://www.pennydoc.com/index.php?env=-Blog:m36–1-2-s-
CNN has missed the point completely and that is the norm for CNN. the following points are as follows.
1. The president of the united states is suppose to be colorless, But he said in 2 words he was not. He proved he represents the Black race of America. You missed the boat completely.
2 Every one of your so called Professors have been black your station. How in the hell does a Black man know anything about how whites are treated in America. Such as the only the people that have been required to say I am sorry has been white.
Bottom line the president is racist and has shown one than one time. Do a story on that and trying to be white in America I as one would consider that news worthy instead of the trash talk I have been listening to this morning. It's sad you miss the point completely so your news people trash Palin. Leave this Person alone and try start doing your job which I thought was true reporting.
I am not a state, I am a person. In the argument of state's rights versus federal rights, individual freedom is almost always forgotten. From what I have seen, state and local governments are just as likely to abuse personal rights and freedoms as the federal government (if not more so).
The next time you see politicians at the state level arguing for state rights, maybe you would be best served to stand up and argue for personal rights.
Dr Gupta:
The news media has turned Michael Jackson death into a joke. This behavior; is not healthy for the Jackson family. Maybe it’s time to back off and let the Jackson family morn the death of a family member. The living Jackson family members need; no more grief from the new media!!!!
Peace Out!!!
JMD
This response is for Frank.
Frank, please listen to this radio interview discussion with Fred Thompson and Betsy McCoy, Chairman of the Committee to Reduce Infectious Deaths. It is very enlightening!
http://outbound.afa.net/track?type=click&mailingid=alert_thompson_072509&messageid=alert_thompson_072509&databaseid=1234&serial=1181236835&emailid=coyalcupp@yahoo.com&userid=20422150&extra=&&&101&&&http://action.afa.net/webcast/fredthompson_072509.m3u
Okie Dokie here is the Main problem with the Healthcare reform issue. In the early 1960's Public schools were intergrated and we were told now everyone will get the same education in America. What acually happened is that the rich put their kids in Private schools and the public school system went down the drain for poor and middle class Americans. I had to spend 24,000 dollars for my daughter to go through grade 8 because we had her in a private school. What I am getting at is this. If the rich were made to use the Public school system it would be the best in the world right now and it is the same with Healthcare. so the way to have a great Healthcare system is to throw medicade, the VA healthcare, the government employees healthcare and private healthcare all into the same basket. That is Not what is happening. And while you are about fixing the Healthcare system combine Public schools and Private schools and make the education system all one system. Boo Yahhhh. It is time to make this country truely equal for all Citizens. The rich keep putting the middle class and the poor at each others throats so no one notices that there is a 2 class system in this country.
Dr Gupta:
The homeless; this is a Medical and Greek tragedy. I know; whatever country or state gets the most of New York City, NY homeless; should also receive the STATUE OF LIBERTY, paid for by the mayor himself. I haven’t seen this type of incompetence since I was a child.
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Dr. Gupta,
Tim Pawlenty (Governor of Minnesota) has concluded in a recent interview that the short version of what happened in Massachusetts is they did succeed in expanding access to health care, but the cost of that program is now out of fiscal control. And the federal government, in many respects, is patterning what it wants to do after that Massachusetts model, and that would be financially devastating.
The Governor has listed a number of common sense things that we could do on a bipartisan basis to move this country forward on much-needed health care reform. They include these things. First of all, let's get rid of junk lawsuits and make sure we have medical malpractice reform. That will save some money. The money our doctors pay each year for malpractice insurance coverage, even though they may never be sued, is passed on to us in the form of higher treatment and office visit costs.
Number two, let's ban or prohibit people from ruling out people from being insured because of preexisting conditions. Let's make sure we have insurance that's portable, that you can take it from job to job or circumstance to circumstance. Let's incentivize e-prescribing and e- medical records to create efficiency. Let's create pay-for-performance, rather than pay for volumes of procedure. If you pay for volumes of procedure, you're going to get more procedures.
Let's fix our tax code so that if you buy insurance individually, you're not at a disadvantage compared to people who buy it through their employment circumstance. Let's allow people to buy insurance across state lines or form risk pools across state lines, and much more.
But everybody, liberals and conservatives alike, should at least be able to agree on those things, and they would save us a lot of money. That would be real reform.
Dr Gupta:
I do agree with Oboma; when our health care costs are no longer set by that panel of 12 expert physicians, insurance companies and our federal government; it will promote competitive competition between physicians.
In addition to, looking at each medical care program in this country case by case, that is working, and backed up by empirical facts that lower health care costs.
Again when an individual is healthy mentally it will promote emotional maturity, and that individual will take care of their body physically, through their primary care physician.
Healthy people are more apt to be productive and inventive within our country.
When our lawmakers crunch these numbers, through empirical facts, the money saved by these medical care programs; our government will achieve their goal and reform our health care system without taxing anyone. The money is there our lawmakers just need to look at it through a new perspective that, our world is round.
Lets take a look at our insurance companies. They are a monopoly and like any monopoly rules apply, because if affects the well being of the people. Utilities have to keep costs affordable to the public. Excise taxes are involved and they are only allowed to make 10% return on their profits.
Furthermore, I do feel for the physicians, they do know where to ping the hammer. However, the greed of attorneys on malpractice issues also needs reforming as well.
It wasn’t that long ago in history ;that business owners would have to pay thugs to insure that nothing would happen to their business.
Through fear the public is betting on the (WHAT IF FACTOR) anyway. The public is betting that they are going to have an accident, and the insurance companies are betting on that, the public isn’t going to have an accident. These odds are in the insurance companies favor, and the insurance companies only pay out a small percentage when an individual do have an accident.
Also, the only people that do not seem to be moving forward on the professor and cop issue, seems to be the media. Enough about profiling; you keep trying to feed the fire with that issue. STOP IT!!! You are all adults act like you are!!!!
Peace Out!!!
JMD
Why isnt the American Public being told about a simple fix for alot of ailments. The use of Digestive enzymes as a daily supplement, It is not what you eat as much as how you digest what you eat. Doctors have to know this simple fact, You can eat all the fiber and veggies you want but if you are not digesting your food your body is not getting the nutrients it needs to live. Over half of the diseases that people in this country contract could be cured with Digestive Enzymes and doctors know this. If they were added to every food we eat there would be no need for a Public healthcare plan. Oh wait Digestive Enzymes are not a drug put out by drug companies so there is no Lobby for it.
I have a statement on Healthcare reform. Will Disabled Veterans be able to drop their VA Healthcare if we are not satisfied with it and get Public Healthcare instead. I for one am sick and tired of the scocialized VA Healthcare and would love to try the scocialized Public healthcare. Also why isnt the news telling the American Public exactly How bad the VA Healthcare system is. I have been told for 5 years I cannot get tested for Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome because it cost too much and I am not worth it. I have been told there is no cure for this so we dont care to diagnose you. Many cancers are uncureable yet people are tested and diagnosed for it everyday. If you really want to know how bad American Public Healthcare will be dont ask someone from England or Canada, Instead ask a Disabled Veteran
This is a response for Bob from N.C. Bob, I agree with you completely! If Medicare is not broken, then leave it alone! Given the plan by the liberal Dems, if Medicare is not broken now, it soon will be after they pass this ridiculous health care bill.
Also, did you see where one of the liberal Dems (John Conyors, Detroit, Michigan) actually admitted he did not understand the bill he was supporting and now needs two competent lawyers to explain it to him so he could explain it to his constituents!
This is a response for Carmen Chatterton. Just because a few countries have provided ground troups for Iraq and Afghanistan doesn't mean they have large defense budgets. If fact, their defense budgets are very small. If their defense budgets consumed as large a percentage of their GDP as ours does, they could not afford to provide and fund a universal health care system either.
Before people fall in love with the idea of a universal health care system for everyone, then need to carefuly look at and learn form the universal system that was implemented several years ago by Massachusetts. It started out wilt good intentions, and now its implementation costs are beyond control.
re. Chris from Seattle: My wife and I are 70 years old and on Medicare. We pay for an AARP medicare supplement plan with Rx coverage. We are very pleased with our health insurance coverage, options, and choice of providers.
So, WHY DO THE DEMOCRATS SAY THE MEDICARE SYSTEM IS "BROKEN"?
I don't understand, and I darned sure don't want Congress messin' with anything that works.
Dr Gupta:
I do agree with General Powell; once in the armed forces they don’t care if you are black, white, or green. The armed forces only care about productivity. Like in any theater of war; it’s about removing fragmentation in government, providing a more effective government in that arena, with the least amount of interference from our government. Also, providing wellness and a sense of well being within the people of that government.
We have an army of lawmakers that must take General Powell’s advice. It’s not about who is right or wrong it’s about fragmentation in government. Integration and cross training within intergovernmental agencies, is a must for a more effective government. These intergovernmental agencies would have to put their differences aside, and would learn from each other on how to build a more effective government. Proving wellness and well being within the people of our country, is the top priority of our government. This way of cognitive thinking applies to healthcare, budget, etc.
As for the media: look up the word abuse; all it means is MISUSE.
The media has abused that word for years and that very word is a labeling system that causes hopelessness among the people.
It works like this; hey you are abusing that pocketknife and the pocketknife is taken away without a lesson learned OR
Hey you are misusing that pocket knife it’s a tool let me show you how to sharpen it for its intended use as a tool.
GROW UP people: if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
Gems to live by:
A small thorn can stop any traveler
A journey of 10,000 miles starts with the first step
Peace Out!!!!
JMD
This is in reference to James from Huston about the defense budjet. There are many Canadians and Brittish soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting alongside of the American soldiers,This only shows that some people fail to see that their soldiers are not the only ones there,I also know that many people in Vermont DON"T have health insurance because it cost too much and when they do get care it is sometimes too late,and it costs the government more in the long run.
Also Doctors in Canada The UK and other countries that offer health care can't sue doctors therefore doctors don't need to buy insurance at incredible premiums.If there is a malpractice suite it is taken to the Board of Physicians.And it is very well taken care of.The patient if he or she has a claim of malpractice will get justice without sueing.
Carmen from Vt.
To: Jim in Green Spring, WV – Yes, The congressional plan should offered to all Americans, or else the priviledged elected officials should be required by the legislation to terminate their special government plan and join the rest of America!
I don't think the arguments against "Obama's Plan" (which really isn't his plan – its 1,100 pages of congressional staff and lobbists plan that our elected officials generally admit they have not read!) are red herrings. I believe that the American people truly want an informed vote by their congressional representatives and they are not getting straight answers!
On another point – can anyone explain how the reformed health care plan will cost more and increase the national defict? If, as I am being told to believe, the idea is to make health insurance more affordable for everyone and, therefore, "45 million" uninsured Americans will be paying something for health insurance (spreading the costs – right?), AND the legislation will be effective in attacking waste and efficiency (Ho, ho ho!, Virginia)....... Then how in the world can the reform plan cost Trillions of $$$ more ????????? WHY should it cost the government anything?
The President was gracious in admitting that he did rush to decision in the case of professor Gates (and rightfully so).
But please do not try to minimize something that is so real in America; ie, Racial profiling. In my opinion, had Professor Gates been a middle- aged white man; the situation would have taken a more amicable course.
By all means do not use this situation as an attempt to down play a reality that "people of color" face today.
The entire situation is not about President Obama; rather it is about changing mindsets. Because of Professor Gates' notoriety; racial profiling is now up close and personal.
Why is it that health care reform is so cost prohibitive? I can't imagine any person in the US that wouldn't mind spending a few extra tax dollars to insure a healthier happier America. But it seems to me that the focus is on how much money President Obama is spending and whether or not we can afford reform. I think every American has directly or indirectly been impacted by how inefficient our health care industry is and how money hungry it is! I would think that Americans would jump at the opportunity to do what almost all developed countries have managed to do for years and that's provide health care for their citizens. I heard a very interesting analogy that your average Medicare recipient is fairly happy with the level of care they get from their government provided healthcare. Are our heads so stuck in the honey bucket that we as a country can't collectively and affordably cover our citizens "for free if need be"?!?!
As an employer of 7 people, my business offers my employees what I think is an OK to good medical plan. There is a lot of talk about a surcharge tax on "Cadillac" plans but I don't see any definition of exactly what that is. Some say a dollar threshold, but what would the threshold be? As a "small group", a family policy under my plan is about $3000 a month. Will it be considered a "Cadillac" plan? I don't think I could afford it if this is the case and they tax those plans–my employees would get a sub-par plan. There are a lot of things my plan does not cover, and we have a relatively high prescription cost–our plan was truly in the bottom half of what was offered.
I was really surprised to hear Dr Gupta and the AM host wondering about the value of extra preventive screening and who should make the decision as to what tests should be performed as if there was no research on the subject. There is enormous body of literature on "Evidence based medicine," which is high quality research that looks at the "number needed to treat" (i.e. how many people need to get this procedure before one person benefits) and the "number needed to harm" for many common tests and procedures. Many of the common tests we do don't improve health- the example of annual Pap smears is one of these. The college of OB-GYN officially endorsed a less frequent schedule for most women.Only some women need annual exams- many are just as healthy with an exam every 2-3 years. The rest are unnecessarily inconvenienced at extra expense with no associated benefit. When we know data like this, it is irresponsible to pay for things that don't add value.
I wish CNN would pay more attention to the option of single-payer universal coverage, and question the President and members of Congress about why this approach seems to have been written off with no consideration, despite its approval by the public (2:1 according to a NY Times survey in January) and physicians (59%, according to a survey published in JAMA). Essentially it would involve fixing what many regard as current problems with Medicare, but operating much like Medicare does - using private insurance companies as intermediaries. Although listening to some you would think Medicare is administered in a terrible way, CNN recently reported that 92% of beneficiaries regard the care and service as good or better. It seems to me one of the big problems with Medicare is that some parts of it (Medicare Advantage, for example) leave a lot of money on the table as additional profit for insurance companies. Holding this to a reasonable level, by itself, would be a good start toward controlling Medicare expense.
Has anyone looked into changes to the malpractice insurance that the doctors has to pay, because most of the cast is being passed on to us. Also that has a lot to do with the shortage of doctors in Las Vegas
because there was a big exitidus of doctors after the malpractice insurance went up
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