NORAD tracks Santa....

[Fred98]

You're comment about cross border insurance is odd.

Are the insurance companies that insure cars and houses, national, or again is there a cross border problem?

-

[Andrew Williams]

hmmm... It sounds like you go to the wrong doctors, hospitals and have the wrong insurance... I guess you can do it that way if you really want.

I'm happy not paying anything.

[Andrew Williams]

Circling back to the expanded pool of people who will be joining Medicare (and whose procedures are reimbursed by the government at less than cost), doctors and hospitals will find themselves with an ever growing number of patients for whom they are getting less than cost for each procedure. The doctors/hospitals will either have to pass on the cost to private insurance carriers, or decide not to accept Medicare patients, or simply decide to retire/get out of the business. More patients will be seeing doctors & visiting hospitals, but will find less doctors & hospitals to visit. Therefore, most patients may find themselves standing in waiting lines and waiting for surguries & procedures that they do not have to wait for now.

Please send a link to where I can get a crystal ball like yours... any tips for this weekends races?

[JWW]

ORIGINAL: Andrew Williams

Circling back to the expanded pool of people who will be joining Medicare (and whose procedures are reimbursed by the government at less than cost), doctors and hospitals will find themselves with an ever growing number of patients for whom they are getting less than cost for each procedure. The doctors/hospitals will either have to pass on the cost to private insurance carriers, or decide not to accept Medicare patients, or simply decide to retire/get out of the business. More patients will be seeing doctors & visiting hospitals, but will find less doctors & hospitals to visit. Therefore, most patients may find themselves standing in waiting lines and waiting for surguries & procedures that they do not have to wait for now.

Please send a link to where I can get a crystal ball like yours... any tips for this weekends races?

I think he is right about that part of it. A link for some information.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/200 ... clude=Juno

I know docs who are older and going to retire before all this starts hitting, and others who are not going to take medicare patients because they will lose money on them.

Medicare is a big problem in the US. It is an important service, yet it is financially unstable and is going to start running huge deficits. Adding more patients while decreasing reimbursements is not going to help things.

And remember, from earlier, I generally support a single payer system for the US. I'm on the far left side of the issue. But the cost issues will have to be addressed.

[Chijohnaok2]

ORIGINAL: Joe 98

You're comment about cross border insurance is odd.

Are the insurance companies that insure cars and houses, national, or again is there a cross border problem?

-

Insurance (cars, houses, health) is generally licensed by each state. Each state therefore regulates the insurance companies that do business in their state. This setup results from the powers that are alloted under the US Constitution.

While there are "Nationwide" insurance companies, they are merely an umbrella company, with individual, state-licensed subsidiaries. Therefore, State Farm, Allstate, Travelers, while "nationwide" companies, each would have 50 auto insurance subsidiaries, 50 health insurance subsidiaries, 50 homeowners insurance subsidiaries, etc.

While insurance coverages and policies from one state to another may have many things in common, many states impose requirements that may be unique & different from requirements in other states. That may be part of the reason why auto insurance/health insurance/house insurance in one state may be much more expensive in one state, than in the state next door. State "A" imposes alot of additional requirements on insurers than state "B" does. Not surprisingly, insurance premiums in State A are higher than in State B.

The minority party in the US were pushing for cross border competiion, however the ruling party voted those efforts down.

[Chijohnaok2]

ORIGINAL: JW

ORIGINAL: Andrew Williams

Circling back to the expanded pool of people who will be joining Medicare (and whose procedures are reimbursed by the government at less than cost), doctors and hospitals will find themselves with an ever growing number of patients for whom they are getting less than cost for each procedure. The doctors/hospitals will either have to pass on the cost to private insurance carriers, or decide not to accept Medicare patients, or simply decide to retire/get out of the business. More patients will be seeing doctors & visiting hospitals, but will find less doctors & hospitals to visit. Therefore, most patients may find themselves standing in waiting lines and waiting for surguries & procedures that they do not have to wait for now.

Please send a link to where I can get a crystal ball like yours... any tips for this weekends races?

I think he is right about that part of it. A link for some information.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/200 ... clude=Juno

I know docs who are older and going to retire before all this starts hitting, and others who are not going to take medicare patients because they will lose money on them.

Medicare is a big problem in the US. It is an important service, yet it is financially unstable and is going to start running huge deficits. Adding more patients while decreasing reimbursements is not going to help things.

And remember, from earlier, I generally support a single payer system for the US. I'm on the far left side of the issue. But the cost issues will have to be addressed.

What he said. [;)]

[darken92]

[font=calibri]I started to write a meaningful piece about the different health care systems and the choices people make. What’s the point.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]US health care is a second rate system, that charges far to much money and the American people have a made a social choice to only help some of their citizens then so be it.  It comes down to the culture and social values you have.  You help other people or you tell other people they need to help them selves.  You either view health care is business that makes money first, and happens to help people at the same time.  Or you view health care as an industry that provides health care and that happens to make money as well.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]In the US you pay taxes in order to have a Military, in order to have a legal system, police, fire departments etc.  You have all those government provided services except health care.  For some reason people should not be entitled to a decent system that will provide for them.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]Here in Australia we have a public and private health care system that provides for all Australians regardless of your income or background.  Working in the Travel Insurance industry and dealing with health care systems from all around the world I can say I am happy that we have the best.  We are proof that other models exist and work.  At the end of the day it is a moral / social / cultural choice you need to make.[/font]

[06 Maestro]

I am not so sure that breaking down State borders for insurance companies will help that much. Look at what happened with banking deregulation and airline deregulation-neither seem to have worked very well in the end. Bigger is not necessarily better.

There are some rather large differences in costs of insurance state to state. I pay what must be in the top 3 rates for the nation. There is a reason for that. Why should some farmer in Idaho have to offset my cost because I choose to live in a place that has a very high auto theft rate? It's not his fault-or responsibility-its mine (and local government-they used to hang horse thieves; sounds good for auto thieves too).

As mentioned, lawyers are part of the situation too ( most senators and congressmen are members of the Bar). Tort reform has been brought up many times through the years, but never goes anyplace. To my knowledge, tort reform is not included in the new health bill-wonder why??

There are several things that the government could do which would have dramatic effects on the current situation in a positive way that would not involve them adding a single tax or new departments. But noooo. Reinvent the world first-yea, that makes sense.

Perhaps the reason this thread is still going is that it is more about philosophy rather than politics. It is also a good friendly exchange of ideas/experiences from around the world (not much input from North Korea though [;)])

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: rhondabrwn

I've got health insurance through my school, but with a $1,000 deductible, $75 co-pay for doctor visits, and a 70% co-pay on the major medical. If I get hositalized for anything, it's going to be ruinous. They just raised our drug co-pay this year so I've quit taking all my drugs and am relying on diet and exercise to manage my diabetes. Fortunately for me, I'm so far away from a hospital that I don't worry about hospital bills - if anything serious happens, I'll be dead before an ambulance can get out here anyway. With luck, I might make it to 65 and medicare (3 more years) and I probably won't see a doctor again till then.

That is one lousy medical plan-better off just stashing cash-for after a bankruptcy.

Rhonda, I do admire the work you are doing. I am sort of familiar with the area there. A long time friend is a native of Gallup, NM. I have been on the Reservation multiple times (years ago)-a different world; some good and some bad, but quite backward. For better or worse, you chose that route yourself. No one made you go there.

[Chijohnaok2]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro

I am not so sure that breaking down State borders for insurance companies will help that much. Look at what happened with banking deregulation and airline deregulation-neither seem to have worked very well in the end. Bigger is not necessarily better.

There are some rather large differences in costs of insurance state to state. I pay what must be in the top 3 rates for the nation. There is a reason for that. Why should some farmer in Idaho have to offset my cost because I choose to live in a place that has a very high auto theft rate? It's not his fault-or responsibility-its mine (and local government-they used to hang horse thieves; sounds good for auto thieves too).

As mentioned, lawyers are part of the situation too ( most senators and congressmen are members of the Bar). Tort reform has been brought up many times through the years, but never goes anyplace. To my knowledge, tort reform is not included in the new health bill-wonder why??

There are several things that the government could do which would have dramatic effects on the current situation in a positive way that would not involve them adding a single tax or new departments. But noooo. Reinvent the world first-yea, that makes sense.

Perhaps the reason this thread is still going is that it is more about philosophy rather than politics. It is also a good friendly exchange of ideas/experiences from around the world (not much input from North Korea though [;)])

Here is the answer to your question:
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary ... D000000065

Between 1990 & now, the American Assn for Justice (Formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA)), contributed $28.3 million to the Donkey party, and $2.9 million to the Elephants. In the 2008 election cycle, 95% of their contributions went to the Donks. In the 2010 election cycle its running 96%. The Donks know who is buttering their bread. That is why there is no tort reform in the House & Senate bills, and why you will not see tort reform anytime in the forseeable future.

As information, the "Law" is the most common profession among members of the 110th Congress (215 members in total)[there are no doubt Republicans in that number as well].
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resourc ... S22555.pdf

[Chijohnaok2]

I don't think that airline deregulation had much to do with state borders. Banking deregulation perhaps a bit moreso, but the US has long had a "Dual banking system" since at least 1863.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_in ... em_-_1860s

also

http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/release/2003-83a.pdf

Banking dergulation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_in ... on_-_1980s

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: chijohnaok
Here is the answer to your question:
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary ... D000000065

Between 1990 & now, the American Assn for Justice (Formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA)), contributed $28.3 million to the Donkey party, and $2.9 million to the Elephants. In the 2008 election cycle, 95% of their contributions went to the Donks. In the 2010 election cycle its running 96%. The Donks know who is buttering their bread. That is why there is no tort reform in the House & Senate bills, and why you will not see tort reform anytime in the forseeable future.

I was aware of which side more loudly supported reform, but did not know of such a difference in the fan base. Wow!

BTW, thanks for that link-I'm keeping that one.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: darken92

[font=calibri]I started to write a meaningful piece about the different health care systems and the choices people make. What’s the point.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]US health care is a second rate system, that charges far to much money and the American people have a made a social choice to only help some of their citizens then so be it.  It comes down to the culture and social values you have.  You help other people or you tell other people they need to help them selves.  You either view health care is business that makes money first, and happens to help people at the same time.  Or you view health care as an industry that provides health care and that happens to make money as well.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]In the US you pay taxes in order to have a Military, in order to have a legal system, police, fire departments etc.  You have all those government provided services except health care.  For some reason people should not be entitled to a decent system that will provide for them.[/font]
[font=calibri] [/font]
[font=calibri]Here in Australia we have a public and private health care system that provides for all Australians regardless of your income or background.  Working in the Travel Insurance industry and dealing with health care systems from all around the world I can say I am happy that we have the best.  We are proof that other models exist and work.  At the end of the day it is a moral / social / cultural choice you need to make.[/font]

I wonder how well your system would work if you added a few million illegal emigrants a year to your system-people that only use services, but don't pay anything in. There are a large number of good people in need both in China and India that are not too far from Australia. I suggest that the entire Australian Navy be dispatch to begin an evacuation of Calcutta and Shanghai into Australia for starters.

No doubt your pride will swell as quickly as your tax bill and crime rate.

I believe in pulling your own weight. If you cant; do that then go ask a church. The least you can do is not have 15 kids, but some seem to think it is their right to do so-and expect others to suffer to cover their selfish indulgences.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: chijohnaok

I don't think that airline deregulation had much to do with state borders. Banking deregulation perhaps a bit moreso, but the US has long had a "Dual banking system" since at least 1863.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_in ... em_-_1860s

also

http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/release/2003-83a.pdf

Banking dergulation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_in ... on_-_1980s

The banking deregulation affected large banks also. There were name changes all over and the charge card issuers went nuts. Seemed like everyone was getting offers from all over the country. It was not like that before the deregulation. I don't claim to be a banking expert, but something obviously big happened in the 80's regarding the big banks-not just the S&L's. In fact, I'm sure there were significant changes in services from the deregulation. Initially there were some conveniences while traveling, but I think I would rather go back to the way it was before.

My point with the airlines is about eliminating controls that resulted in reduced safety, service, served areas, all in the name of allowing the bigger and stronger to squash the smaller companies. Free enterprise is a great thing, but unrestrained capitalism is a crime waiting to happen.

Bigger is not necessarily better.

[Doggie]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro

I wonder how well your system would work if you added a few million illegal emigrants a year to your system-people that only use services, but don't pay anything in.

They do, just not on the scale of illegal immigrants in America. I understand there are quite a few Indonesian Muslims who are demanding their "right" to live in Australia.

What Australians might not understand is that there are more illegal immigrants in the United States than there are Australians in Australia. You hear about "12 million" illegals all the time. That's absolute nonsense. There are that many in California alone. The true figure is closer to fifty million, and that includes "American citizens" whose mothers traveled to the United States for the express purpose of giving birth to a little meal ticket.

Now figure in fifty million immigrants from third world countries who suffer from diseases that were previously eradicated; Stuff like german measles, tuberculosis, and polio. Don't forget that as many as half of these people have never seen a doctor in their lives. They've never had an inoculation. And even worse, they are completely illiterate, in both spanish and english. Now throw all these people ashore in Australia, or England, or France. What happens to your national health care system then?

What happens to your social service system? Imagined fifty million immigrants demanding subsidized housing, free health care, and cash benefits from the Australian government. Imagine barrios popping up in Sydney that are home to criminal street gangs. Imagine that one of your political parties is demanding that these people have the right to vote. And the people they vote for are promising to make you pay for all the "rights" they are demanding.

Don't believe it? Here is the web site for the Wake County, North Carolina department of social services In Spanish. Here's all the other social service agencies that cater to the Spanish speaking community.

Wake county, North Carolina is fifteen hundred miles from the Mexican border. Twenty five years ago, the spanish speking population in North Carolina was zero. Today, approximately one million of the seven million people who live in North Carolina are illegal immigrants and their decendents.

Is it any wonder that the "medical statistics" Rhonda referred to are circling the drain?

[Andrew Williams]

Ok

Choose your language, we have them all available for Australian social services

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/i ... ges/ar.htm

Nothing better than ignorance to show up ones personal xenophobic view of the world... but let's let that slide.

And i suppose that it doesn't count that 44% of Australians were actually born overseas or had a foreign born parent, you've just chosen the wrong country to try and compare to.

Nothing worse than a stupid point of view expressed poorly.

man, the world is full of foreigners... just get used to it.

[Chijohnaok2]

Speaking of tuberculosis

Here's a few key tidbits:

First case of highly drug-resistant TB found in US

Oswaldo Juarez, a 19-year-old Peruvian visiting to study English.

Juarez's strain — so-called extremely drug-resistant (XXDR) TB — has never before been seen in the U.S., according to Dr. David Ashkin, one of the nation's leading experts on tuberculosis. XXDR tuberculosis is so rare that only a handful of other people in the world are thought to have had it.

Forty years ago, the world thought it had conquered TB and any number of other diseases

Today, all the leading killer infectious diseases on the planet — TB, malaria and HIV among them — are mutating at an alarming rate, hitchhiking their way in and out of countries.

The top category of multidrug-resistant patients in the U.S. — 82 percent of the cases identified in 2007 — was foreign-born patients, according to the CDC.

His treatment cost Florida taxpayers an estimated $500,000, a price tag medical director Ashkin says seems like an astronomical amount to spend on someone who's not an American citizen.

You have millions of illegal aliens sneaking into and around the US, and the taxpayers picking up the tab for it. Should anyone be surprised that health care costs in the US are so high?

[Chijohnaok2]

Yes I recognize that Australia has a large migrant population.

But then even Australia recognizes that letting in people with communicable diseases could pose a problem:

Foreigners with TB, leprosy may be banned

Now reconsider how that problem might be if Australia shared a (largely unguarded) 1,969 mile land border with a third world country.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Andrew Williams

Ok

Choose your language, we have them all available for Australian social services

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/i ... ges/ar.htm

Nothing better than ignorance to show up ones personal xenophobic view of the world... but let's let that slide.

And i suppose that it doesn't count that 44% of Australians were actually born overseas or had a foreign born parent, you've just chosen the wrong country to try and compare to.

Nothing worse than a stupid point of view expressed poorly.

man, the world is full of foreigners... just get used to it.

We have gotten used to it; taxes keep going up whiles services and quality of life are going down. It just seems a little on the stupid side to accept a solution for the problem from the very same people that broke the previous system. They proceeded to break it in the face of repeated demands by the population to stop it-they don't care because they apparently have another agenda that what is best for the population they represent.

The richest and most free nation on earth is near collapse. If I don't like the causes of it, call me what you will, but we both are showing our limitations in this process.

I am aware of Australia's rapidly rising Asian immigrant population. I don't know how anyone can expect their grand children to have the same benefits of services or culture under those circumstances.

[Andrew Williams]

They proceeded to break it in the face of repeated demands by the population to stop it

then your definition of free probably needs revising, no?


Free to not be listened to, it seems.