I have seen both sides because I have a persistant disease which sent me to countless emergency room visits uninsured......
When the Doctor asks "why don't you have a primary care physician" and why can't you afford the medicine at full cost which you need to maintain your health in order to KEEP you from visiting the ER,
What exactly do you 'ER as a good replacement for health insurance' believe they should respond?
2006-09-14 04:07:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Everybody without exception gets free care in the UK and the standard is pretty acceptable. More to the point, the proportion of UK GNP spent on health is 8%. In the USA, without universally available healthcare, the proportion is a staggering 16%, way more expensive than anywhere else in the developed World.
So, without an increase in taxes (and theoretically with considerable savings to the economy) it would be better to go for a social model of healthcare similar to the successful schemes used throughout Europe.
Why doesn't America do this? Easy - the US medical industry and the doctors have too much to lose - and they're big and influential voters.
If the American public would stop thinking about the price of everything and look instead at the value money can bring, the US would be a nicer place to be ... especially when you're ill.
2006-09-14 04:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by speenth 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Without a complete revamping of our current medical system, the only thing I can tell you on your question, is that maybe the doctors at your ER could use a little more tact in how they ask their questions.
Yes its true that a large percentage of us do not have medical insurance because we can't afford it, due to the fact of the price of if. But the price of it is greatly increased because of the number of people that do not even attempt to repay their 'free' medical, and due to the vast number of erronious medical malpractice lawsuites filed each year (because someone wants to get rich).
Until, we can find a system that will include everyone, and not be soley supported by the goverment, the system that we have in place, though not the best, does help a great number of people that do need the care.
hope this helps you out -- have a good day -- :) - Zenas
2006-09-14 11:27:25 · answer #2 · answered by Zenas Walter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you asking "do we think free emergency room care " Should "replace health insurance for the masses"? Our govt. has given free medical to the poor and disabled for years thru public health clinics and medicade, and now they are working on offering it to the elderly, to help with the elderly that are not vetrans as they can go to VA clinics. I don't have heatlth insurance, and I have often gone thru health issues without doctors care I would be pleased to have free medical care yet our cou ntry is so far into a deficit that I get by with what I can do on my own and am thankful I live in the USA
2006-09-14 11:15:48 · answer #3 · answered by kimmie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Regulate insurance companies so that people can afford health care. Government regulates electric and water utilities so they don't charge whatever they want for services NEEDED by American consumers. How on earth does healthcare not fit into the NEEDED category.
Record profits for insurance companies mean that people are getting screwed.
2006-09-14 11:15:32 · answer #4 · answered by Franklin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to call a charitable organization such as Presby Care or your local baptist or Catholic Church. They will help you a. get on Medicaid or B. if you go through a hospital organization you'll get appointments for free. If not, they will help you find a "study" to be in where you get your care for free. There are good replacement for health insurance out there, the ER is just one of them.
2006-09-14 11:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by MEL T 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How is it 'free'? If no one pays the bill, prices go up. Anyone with insurance actually pays the bill due to rate increases. I am not saying those that need care should not get it. By no means I am not implying that. But those with insurance eventually do pay the price.
2006-09-14 11:12:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
So you think that raising your taxes by 20% or more will make it all better? You will still need the emergency because the free service will be so full you'll need to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. You aren't gaining anything. Nothing is free, especially when it has the government written all over it.
2006-09-14 11:12:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
What is MEDICAID for? I thought low income persons use that for preventative care and what not. Isn't there anything for low income people?
2006-09-14 12:54:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you dont have enough money to afford health insurance
2006-09-14 11:12:22 · answer #9 · answered by Pat 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋