How do you feel about the U.S. having universal health care?

Answer 1

I think it's a wonderful idea -- if it's all voluntary.

Anyone can pay into the system, and if you pay into the system then you are covered.

I don't think it's a good idea to force people to pay into the system by making it part of a mandatory tax scheme.

Answer 2

No thanks! think of your Drs. Office being run with the same efficiency and personal concern of the DMV or the Post Office. Just ask a Veteran how wonderful and smooth a visit to a VA Medical Center is. Yes, the same bureaucrats that couldn't handle the Katrina aftermath will be running your hospitals!

Unfortunately, people have it in their heads that if it'll be "Free" it will be wonderful. The truth is, countries with "Universal Health Care" have provided poor service and limited treatments to people. To the point of people dying while on waiting lists to see a specialist or other Dr.

Just think, why is it that Canadians that live close to the U.S. come often come here to the U.S. to see a Dr.? If Cuba's healthcare system is so great why did Castro have Doctors from Europe come to Cuba when his health was in poor shape?

I'd rather see our system fixed and make provisions for those that truly cannot afford it, than have a bureaucrat decide whether I can have an operation that could save my life.

An interesting tidbit caught my eye recently. The mother that gave birth to the identical quads just recently is Canadian but came the U.S. to give birth.

If the Canadian and other "Universal" systems are so great, why did she feel the need to come to the U.S.? It kind of tells you something, don't you think.

Answer 3

We do not want the government running another messed up program-like SS and Medicare. I like the Mass plan-everyone pays what they can afford and everyone gets the same care. It is less expensive than people going to ER for problems that are not an emergency. It would eliminate the need for Medicaid programs which are run by the states and are also poorly administered. Too many fall thru the cracks. I volunteer in a local clinic which treats those without ins and below a certain income. These people have multiple problems and no money. AGain the Mass plan would care for them in the mainstream health care system at less cost.

Answer 4

Well, since we don't wish to fund Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, nor to maintain our nation's infrastructure, it's irrelevant how I feel about it. The only way it can be accomplished economically will be with draconian restrictions on access to medical care (read: "Oh, Ms. Johnson, I'm so sorry to hear that you have a small hernia. Don't worry, though, we've scheduled your surgery - in 18 months."!!)

I guarantee you that every American that today has adequate medical coverage is going to be enraged if they find themselves in the situation that European (esp. British) nationalized health care recipients find themselves. (read: "Oh, yes, Ms. Johnson - there IS a new drug that is very efficacious for your condition; unfortunately, though, you don't qualify as your life is not threatened. You see, it's TOO EXPENSIVE and so we prescribe an earlier generation medication for patients in your circumstances. What's the difference, you ask? Well, Ms. Johnson, the earlier generation drug takes much longer to work and it has significantly more side-effects. But, don't forget, Ms. Johnson - we all have to pull together now that we're living in the brave new world of socialized medicine. Why just last week I found out that the chief mechanic at my auto repair shop makes more money than I do and I got my medical degree at Johns Hopkins and have been practicing for 21 years! This is just the way it is now, Ms. Johnson - we just have to accept it.") NOT!!!

Answer 5

Many people are under the mistaken notion that Universal Health Care would be free. It would not. People would be taxed much like they are for Social Security, but the cost of the premiums would be significantly lower than they are now for people who pay for their own coverage privately.
The exorbitant cost paid by employers to cover their workers in employment based plans would no longer be part of the cost of doing business. Wage increases are smaller and smaller as the cost of providing insurance skyrockets.
Our infant mortality and longevity numbers are lower than most places in the world that have Universal Coverage. These numbers nullify the opposing view that this type of medical coverage is inferior to ours. The facts simply don't support this notion.
The number one reason for bankruptcies-even for the insured- is medical bills.
"Health insecurity is at an all time high. In a time when thousands of people lose their health insurance every day, when health care is becoming elusive to even well-to-do Americans, and when any person is just one pink slip away from becoming uninsured, it becomes clear that health care for all is not just important to achieve, but imperative."

http://www.amsa.org/uhc/CaseForUHC.pdf

Answer 6

The Medical Association and insurance lobbies will continue to fight it tooth and nail, so it may take a while, but it is inevitable.

Every other advanced country in the world has it, and as the number of personal bankruptcies rise and the costs of health insurance become prohibitive for businesses, support of the public will overwhelm the opposition.

It will probably borrow the medicare model rather than the local free clinic model, only because Americans like to have choices. As in several countries, doctors may be able to provide additional services for an additional cost, which will placate the rich, who can afford to pay triple the price for faster service.

Answer 7

I would be all for it ... as long as it wasn't like Canada's system. I have very close friends who live in Canada and they complain endlessly about their system of healthcare. The mother of one of my friends in fact was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and I swear she's going to die just from lack of treatment! I cannot believe how long she has to go between appointments for her cancer treatment just because there are so many other people getting treated too! Many of my Canadian friends have turned to home and herbal treatments for things I wouldn't hesitate going to see the doctor for simply because they know they aren't going to be able to see a doctor for weeks. If that's what you mean by Universal Health Care, forget it!

Answer 8

It all depends on the details, but I am not against the idea. I think those that spew venom at the thought and cry socialism to the rafters are silly and reactionary. I think people that are full force behind the idea without having any thought as to how it should be constructed and carried out are equally silly and short-sighted.

Answer 9

If it were truly universal and free, I'd be in euphoric. I don't like what they did in Mass. namely, requiring everyone to purchase their own form of insurance. That's cfap! The government should provide 100% full coverage for all health care, absolutely free of charge!

Answer 10

I think it is a horrible evil.... that we do not need.......
poor people are a scourge to this country and need to die... it may be cheaper to have universal health care, but fox says that it is not good..... and those damn liberals..... anything they want must be evil, with all of that loose sex, and drugs that alter their mind,,,,,