Is universal health care in America just a nice dream? Obama and Hillary both making impossible promises.?

Question

Is it just a nice dream to picture an America with health care for everyone? Both Obama and Hillary were saying they plan to make it their top priority while in office. Do you think they are just making huge promises they can't keep? Or is it possible?

p.s. Canada has healthcare for all their citizens.

Answer 1

I think health care for Americans would be a good start.
Let the Universe take care of itself.

Answer 2

Yes, it is just a dream. The first priority is to have universal health care for children, not everyone else. Then we need to shore up medicare for the elderly, and prescription drug costs needs to be under some price controls because the costs are astronomical. That's why a lot of elderly in the northeast US cross the border into Canada to purchase cheaper and more readily available drugs. Plus the lobbyists will be blocking any serious efforts made to alter any existing medical plans because in all likelihood they'd lose their clout with congress. Competition hasn't been able to drive down the cost of medicines and drugs, that's another problem. I think Clinton has been at it the longest. She has been a universal healthcare advocate since she was first lady of Arkansas. I'd have to read in to Obama's plan before making comments. As of now, I think it would take a huge, long effort to make it work.

Answer 3

While Canada has health care for all, look at their tax structure. Their dollar is worth less than ours, and has already been pointed out, if they really want an operation, they come south to the US.
The proposals being given by HC and Obammy sound nice, but are you willing to pay for others who just flat will not take care of themselves, and have the medical care of your family suffer as well? I'm not in favor of it. Yes, I have been there as well where I did not have health insurance. My only plus was that I am a veteran, but even there I do not have full benefits. What HC and her co-horts will not tell anyone is that most hospitals are aided by Federal and state money. They HAVE to help what ever comes through the door in the ER. Regardless of what a person is told about needing insurance and all of that, the bottom line is that non-private hospitals have to assist ALL who come to them. How long you wait is a different issue. There are also public clinics that have been around for years to help those in need of medical aid. There is not as much lack as we are led to believe that there is. The biggest issue is that the "have-nots" want the quickness of care that the "haves" are able to get. Even then, it just isn't as nice as people who don't have medical insurance would like to believe that it is. HMO's are set up to make money. They won't pay for everything you want. Most doctors do work in some way for a HMO.
The biggest thing that everyone can do is to take responsibility for their own health. Living in an unhealthy manner is their own fault. No, I don't want to pay taxes for them to eat up my money while they do as they please expecting someone else to bail them out when they get sick. That may seem harsh, but I have fended for myself before. If I can, then others can as well.
While the health care thing is possible, it will cost us money, raise taxes, diminsh care, and just make more votes for the Democrats. That is all they really want any way, is votes. Take a popular issue, make it an issue, or take something that some people may want, make promises for it, rake in the votes, and then dump the blame on someone else when it falls through. I truly hope the people see through this scheme, and say NO! I also hope the people come to their senses and put the Senate back into the hands of true Republicans who really do have our best interests at heart. I am 55 and I have seen a lot over the years. If you want a socialist/communist country, then the Democrats are your people to have in office. They'll be the modern day Robbing Hoods taxing everyone alike to do what they think is right, whether it truly is or not.

Answer 4

No I truly believe that the Former First Lady and now Senator in New York, and of course an astute attorney as well, will be able to draft with the help of the others in the House and the Senate, a completely good plan, with options of change, because there always is change. Canada had to adjust their policies to fit the needs a few years back as well. But after being in politics for most of her life but on the legal end, Hillary Clinton will do it. This woman has been in the White House for 8 years, and i do believe she always planned to run for the office of President. People like Hillary have a plan, and I believe her with Obama or without Obama will make a fine President and will diligently keep her promises to the best of her ability. I think she is one tough Lady and cares about the children and all the people in America or she would have crumbled with that scandal. I also believe the scandal was to blame her as well, and stop her from being in politics with any weight? She was the target of the White Water investigation? And when they could not get her there they dug into the only thing they could find on her husband the President, which of course he has to be extremely clean, if all they could find was an infidelity problem? Come on 85 % of the world is guilty of that at one time or another we are human. So really the Republicans are very afraid of her, but now with Obama even more terrified, so watch their smear campaign come the election. I would vote for her no matter what there is no other way to make this country repair itself. She is the answer.

Answer 5

There seems to be some major misconceptions about Canadians seeking medical treatment in the US. The way posters are putting it, you would think that we would have to pay for US treatment. The bottom line is if timely ( I personally have never had to wait more than 2 weeks for surgery and I have had two operations) care cannot be found in Canada. The GOVERNMENT PAYS NOT the PATIENT. The government will also reimburse reasonable out of pocket expenses. If the US wants universal health care, you better be prepared to have higher taxes. That is how we pay for ours.

GP Ontario 2000/2001 165k
GP US 200/2001 142k

Answer 6

well... other countries do it... so it COULD BE DONE...

the real question is... does America want that...

and I think as prices continue to rise... and fewer and fewer people can afford health insurance and health care... that people will want it...

the market isn't working in health care... markets should set a price... but you can't put a price on good health...

so it keeps going up trying to find that price where people will say "eh, I'll keep my money and be unhealthy"... but I don't think they will find it... and they will price themselves basically into universal health care...

if the people want it... they will get it... and anyone that opposes it will be voted out... it may not happen in the next 5 years... but unless SERIOUS health care changes are made... it will almost be impossible to avoid... I think...

and talk to a few people from Canada before you believe the hype about "universal health care" that the conservatives talk about... 9 times out of 10... no waiting... heck... if you want to see a specialist in America and he's "popular" you have to wait to get an appointment and for surgery...

Answer 7

Yes and Canada doesn't have any rich people. People come to American from Canada to become rich. Lower taxes, especially in the over $100K brakets.

That's the trade off you make.

I don't know what a General Surgeon makes in Canada, but in the US they are getting between $5K and 10K to do a hernia repair and can do 3-4 per day easily. That's upwards to $40K per day. Of course the doctor has to pay malpractise insurance and have an office and a receptionist but for a surgeon this the office and receptionist are minimal expenses.

Anthesiologists can work out of their homes and write off 25% on their taxes. But they make less money $500 to $1.5k per surgery and they also do 3-4 per day.

Doctors won't make that kind of money under any National Heath Care program.

If we had a MAXIMUM fee law like India has, we wouldn't have any doctors unless that MAXIMUM fee law is like $100 for an office visit.

In India it's lke $2-5

Doctors in the US have made that kind of money since 1959.

Answer 8

I am so sick and tired or you snobs and SOB's "my property taxes are going up" (or what ever tax it is) BOO- HOOmaybe if the bussiness owners would pay there "low income" familys better people like me wouldnt have such a hard time going to a doctor or dentist! its not fair that because my father was "low income" and couldnt afford insurance and we didnt "aprove" for medicade i have 17 fillings in my teeth and had just got them last year when i was pregnent and was able to get medicade.) and DOCTORS dont care about about the people on medicade now! all they care about is the people they know there getting there money from! its wrong and i hope god brings the rath down on everyone one who cares only about there money! and what might happen if a few more lives can be saved or helped i thought that was what doctors are for

when a child says mommy i want to be a doctor when i grow up do they say that because they want to be noble or to make alot of money?

i wish hillary will become president we need a woman in charge! if other countrys are making it work i beleave we can and hope we do!! no matter how long or how much money it will cost!!

the billions and billions spent on NASA! how is it justified! you would rather spend your tax money or sending someone into outerspace then helping sick people that are in NEED of help!

I HAVE been turn down for treatment because i had no medicade and i couldnt pay cash, the hospital in this city no longer BILLS you, you must have cash or medicade, or insurance

also why sould my brother have to worry about owing the hospital 20,000 for his apendix being removed i know to "some People" thats not alot of money but when a "low income" person only makes 10,000 a year and that person also pays taxes this is a huge berdon on someone, some times people shoud think befor they speak we low income familys DO not appreciate you "upper class" citizens just because you make more money does not mean your better people. the lord does not care how much money you have or what you job is! your just like me and everyone else! when can we live! this is "he**" to us not knowing if we will be able to pay rent (keep a roof over our children heads) {just because were not rich doesnt mean were not allowed to have children} by our babys cough medicine, not even afford toilet paper. think about starving it happens here in america too!! not everyone aproves for welfar

so yes its a great DREAM

martin luther king had a wonderful dream and it came true! why cant this work!

the people who need this are low income familys and they ARE the ones who hold america up! not the stock office ( etc) we are the ones working ( and i mean work! not just sitting around talking and giving orders) who will bring you your newspaper, who will check you out at the store. who will do your drycleaning? who will clean the room you stayed in when you go on vacation! most low income familys will never be able to know what it feels like to have a vacation.

i know i have writtin alot but it turn into a very sinsetive subject to me im only 20 yrs old i know i dont know everything about the way the government works but i do know the difference between right and wrong and its wrong for people who have more money than you can spend in a lifetime and not help some one in dieing need. i just wish people would look up and see we are destroying oursleves, ether way it wont be long untill judgement day rather you belave in the all mighty or not

Answer 9

You need to go to Canada, England, France , Belgium and experience their care. I have.

It is a good idea on paper and as a russian friend in Moscow once told me it is a dream just like communism was. I have worked as an ex pat in countries who have socialised medicine. The best comparison that I can give you is the worst HMO's in the USA.
I know people who have needed operations in Canada and England and were put on wait lists. Some died and some got much worse. In HMO's , capitations are negotiated for all levels of medical professionals. They settle for so much on the dollar. while in government run health programs those figures are set. So if you are doctor , will you work for a socialised system as lets say a G8 level payscale that is $45,000 per year? or take a job in a practice where you can make $75,000 per year?

Also, look at the kind of people who work in government run businesses such as civil service - monkeys in all colours, creeds, races, religions - and if they screw up you can not sue them....you really can not on an HMO either. if you are a government employee you literally have to commit murder three times in one week to get fired....look at who usually works for the government - and the caliber of "most" of them....minorites rule in most government positions - and they are there just because they are a minority. Minorities in private practices usually have to really scrape their way to the top...my physician is black and the best I have ever had....and he loathes the idea of socialised medicine just as I do..

Answer 10

Canada also has tax rates twice as much as us, so there are trade-offs. I think its unfair to just say that without the other side. I think Obama's theme of "Hope" that he announced the other day as his campaign ad is a positive one that will allow him to discuss things like better health care that he's already driven home in Illinois.

Answer 11

Universal health care isn't all what its cracked up to be. I need a thoracic surgeon to repair a bone deformity in my chest. In the US I called a doctor out of the phone book and had an appointment within 2 weeks. In Canada I would have to wait at least 8 weeks to see that same specialist. For the surgery I need, I can be on the operating table in less than 60 days in the US; in Canada I would have to wait at least 6 months.

Universal health care takes away competition and doctors have no real incentive to actually appeal to patients. Doctors have no real bedside manner in many cases and start to treat their patients as numbers rather than people. As a child my husband had a cleft lip and palate repaired by military doctors and according to my mother-in-law many of them just didn't care about their patients. Being members of the military (paid by the government), they did not have any incentive to provide any level of care beyond the very basic.

Universal health care is a bad idea! If we implement this quality and standard of care will go down the toilet! I personally would opt out of such a system. This idea is purely socialist to me. What's next? Collective farms?