There are smarter people in this forum than me, but I'll add my .02 worth anyway. The article was kinda funny. They promote the concept of "universal coverage" as though that will solve the problem.....then later in the article they tell the sad story of the retired couple on medicaid. Hmmmmmm......isn't medicaid "universal coverage" for the elderly??? Having the government run our healthcare is NOT the answer. Even in lovely Canada there is a 2 tiered system of people that have health insurance besides what the government covers. (correct picard?) Ask anyone what happened with TENNCARE. It has nearly bankrupted the state of Tenn. Now, what can make it better...Kill all the lawyers!!! (sorry lawyers) That's why the there are so few companies willing to produce vacines in this country. Drug companies know that even if they didn't know a drug would produce an adverse effect they'll get sued for millions of dollars. Another thing to do is introduce competition into healthcare. Do you know what you paid for your last doctor visit? Oh right, the $20 co-pay. lol There is no "price shopping" by the consumer. They just go where their insurance is accepted. The other problem with our system is that the insured pay for the uninsured. What do I mean? You show up at the emergency room, they have to treat you. There are many uninsured that use these as their "primary care physicians". Who do you think pays? You and me the responsible people who have insurance. Now....is private insurance affordable? Depends on your what you call affordable. Me, as a single male 46 pay $330 a month for my insurance. No group etc. Is that cheap...expensive...kinda depends on your income. But, I have a choice. Do I spend that on my heath insuance or do I use that money as a payment on a motorcycle. (which I would like to do) I could ride a nice bike for that kinda money. lol However I think my health is a little more important. (hmmm riding a motorcycle could be contrary to that statement) So, is it an easy fix? Nope! There are even more factors that I believe are involved if we want to fix our system. However the politicians don't have the will to fix them.


Steps down from the soapbox and sits in the recliner.