Major Budget Buster - HEALTHCARE

[mhsjax]

mhsjax - yes an epidural is covered. C-section emergency or planned - covered. NICU - covered. Induction - covered. Time in hospital - covered (you do pay OOP depending on any extra coverage you may have if you prefer a semi or private room. All meds are covered, hearing tests, vaccinations etc for baby are covered, lactation consultant or breastfeeding help from nurse covered... basically you leave the hospital with your baby - no bills.

Prenatal and aftercare are also covered... Invitro is not covered. Although once you ARE pregnant everything from that point forward is.

That is good to know. I am not having any more kids, but I do think of my DD. And since we really don't know were this is going, I do worry. I just remember when my friend told me this, I about flipped out.

I must have great health insurance, (I know I do). I had to have anmio's with all 3, not one penny did I pay. I left the hospital with no bill, and I had private rooms. In fact where I am from, I don't think that any of the hospitals even have semi private anymore. I had a hysterectomy last Dec. and the hospital had just redone the whole wing and all rooms were private. I had very little due after the surg. I realize that not all are this lucky.

I will admit that I have not been on board with this, but I have relatives, they have both worked their entire lives for this company. She retired early, her DH is still there. Their Insurance premiums are horrible and they have to pay a $2000.00 Ded for meds. Now the plant may be sold and then shut down forever and the employees will loose all insurance benefits, and they almost can't afford the ded now and the premiums will be huge and with even higher deductibles. The also have probably about 7 years before medicare kicks in and there are no jobs where they live.

 

[mhsjax]

As far as I know, any treatment you receive in hospital is covered. I don't know of any instance where a patient has had charges for anything. Epidurals are absolutely covered.

I figured in Canada they probably were, but I had to ask. It is a selling point for me.

 

[cm8]

I have worked in healthcare for 15 years. Of the 5 patients I took care of yesterday only 1 paid taxes. I had 1 drug addict, one illegal, one 45 year old that was to fat to work, and one inmate that had cut his arm open to get out of jail for a few days. No I dont work at a county hopital. This is a hospital in nice suburban neighborhood. This is a typical day for me and the normal type patients I have seen everyday for 15 years. This is why your premiums are so high. I won't even get into the people that fake illness to get drugs, or the patients that go outside to smoke the day after surgery, or the border crossers that spend a month in the hospital with kidney failure from severe dehydration. Not to mention all the morbidly obese people. Sorry if this offends anyone,but obesity is getting out of control in this country and causes so many health problems. 300+ pounds is a common thing to see in the hospital. I could go on and on but I will stop. I have no idea how to fix the problem. I just know its unfair to people that work pay taxes and take care of their health. I don't want to pay anymore taxes to support these people. On the other hand maybe I shouldn't complain it keeps me employed.

I am sorry however it is post like these that makes me sometimes. I understand that obesity is out of control, but not every obese person is obese because they lack will power and FAIL to take care of there health. I too work in medicine, and if you took the time to inquire as to the reason why someone was "obese" instead of assuming that they were just to lazy to put the fork down, you will find that people really do have reasons for being the way they are . Did you take the time to ask why your patient was fat?

That is one reason I am glad that my partner and I make no assertions based on looks. This is why some people in medicine make me . Try asking your patients what their diets consist of before assuming, it helps them get the help they need and makes your job easier. On the other hand, I have seen many people who just lack the will power to not put the fork down. I don't understand how some people just won't practice self control. I always tell people anything is okay in moderation. And by the way. EVERYONE pays taxes just not INCOME taxes.

Try exercising patience and humility the next time you have to care for an obese person, they along with the others that you have mentioned are the reason you are able to receive your paycheck as you have mentioned.

 

[DisneyMomJen]

I am sorry however it is post like these that makes me sometimes. I understand that obesity is out of control, but not every obese person is obese because they lack will power and FAIL to take care of there health. I too work in medicine, and if you took the time to inquire as to the reason why someone was "obese" instead of assuming that they were just to lazy to put the fork down, you will find that people really do have reasons for being the way they are . Did you take the time to ask why your patient was fat?

That is one reason I am glad that my partner and I make no assertions based on looks. This is why some people in medicine make me . Try asking your patients what their diets consist of before assuming, it helps them get the help they need and makes your job easier. On the other hand, I have seen many people who just lack the will power to not put the fork down. I don't understand how some people just won't practice self control. I always tell people anything is okay in moderation. And by the way. EVERYONE pays taxes just not INCOME taxes.

Try exercising patience and humility the next time you have to care for an obese person, they along with the others that you have mentioned are the reason you are able to receive your paycheck as you have mentioned.

Of the four situations that were described for the day, ONE person was obese. WE ARE PAYING FOR ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS! Yes, there are some people who cannot control their weight due to medical reasons, but that is not everyone and probably just a small percentage. You even state how some people won't practice self control.

 

[JaymeC]

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I have never in my life seen so many anti American people on this board. The Big Ole United States is such a BULLY! UGH.

Please be careful throwing around the phrase anti-American. I am one of the people that disagrees with you on this argument. I have been a military spouse for seven years, married to a man who's been in the military for more than a decade. I don't think you could easily describe either of us as anti-American. What we both believe in is a freedom of speech, which means debate and discussion. Personally I look with more skepticism on anyone trying to prevent freedom of speech than on those I consider to be grossly abusing it. Don't we live in a wonderful country where we CAN debate things like this so easily?

 

[brunette8706]

Please be careful throwing around the phrase anti-American. I am one of the people that disagrees with you on this argument. I have been a military spouse for seven years, married to a man who's been in the military for more than a decade. I don't think you could easily describe either of us as anti-American. What we both believe in is a freedom of speech, which means debate and discussion. Personally I look with more skepticism on anyone trying to prevent freedom of speech than on those I consider to be grossly abusing it. Don't we live in a wonderful country where we CAN debate things like this so easily?

*
First off, Thanks you for your husband's service is the military, that's an honor. Second, when people keep diminishing the fact that the United States is #1 in being charitable, I have a problem with it. To cut and paste that Saudi Arabia was ahead of us (I forgot what number they were) frankly makes me ill. That is a country where women are treated horribly. It is a FACT they we are number 1 in chartible handouts. Where do other countries look when they need a helping hand?? The United States.

Oh, I am all for FREEDOM of SPEECH! Where in my argument did I deny it? I didn't, plain and simple. I'm just getting sick and tired of 1 or 2 posters on this forum, down-playing the greatness of the United States.

 

[jodifla]

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First off, Thanks you for your husband's service is the military, that's an honor. Second, when people keep diminishing the fact that the United States is #1 in being charitable, I have a problem with it. To cut and paste that Saudi Arabia was ahead of us (I forgot what number they were) frankly makes me ill. That is a country where women are treated horribly. It is a FACT they we are number 1 in chartible handouts. Where do other countries look when they need a helping hand?? The United States.

Oh, I am all for FREEDOM of SPEECH! Where in my argument did I deny it? I didn't, plain and simple. I'm just getting sick and tired of 1 or 2 posters on this forum, down-playing the greatness of the United States.

The fact that this is a great country makes it all the worse that we don't make sure every has the opportunity to get health care! And no, you can't just show up ... if it's not emergency care, most places demand an insurance card or payment up front.

If you bother to search these forums at all, you'll see the tales of many who can't today buy insurance at ANY price because of pre-existing conditions. That's a national shame, and one of the reasons I'm glad the health care bill passed, even though its' flawed.

 

[mhsjax]

My problem is that you can't trust our government to run anything, except into the ground. These aren't capable. someone spoke of greed earlier. Don't you think this will apply to anything the govt touches. Too many special interest groups and too many lobbyists. They can't do it without showing favor to someone or something. There isn't one person in there that doesn't have someone in their back pocket, influencing them with perks.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

The fact that this is a great country makes it all the worse that we don't make sure every has the opportunity to get health care! And no, you can't just show up ... if it's not emergency care, most places demand an insurance card or payment up front.

If you bother to search these forums at all, you'll see the tales of many who can't today buy insurance at ANY price because of pre-existing conditions. That's a national shame, and one of the reasons I'm glad the health care bill passed, even though its' flawed.

I agree! Like a previous poster my husband is also in the military, 6 years until retirement. I also was diagnosed with cancer at 23. I thank God everyday we will be able to keep the same insurance until I qualify for Medicaid because I'd be screwed if I had to change insurances when he got out otherwise. I'd also like to point out that many of the people declaring bankruptcy for medical bills HAVE insurance. Having lived overseas now I really do not think the US is the best country ever. Do I love it? Of course, but we treat our own people like crap. We help others so we feel better about neglecting so many around us. I'll take my socialized military healthcare and life style over the real world in the US anyday. The medical system in the US only benefits those with money and it disgusts me.

 

[jodifla]

My problem is that you can't trust our government to run anything, except into the ground. These aren't capable. someone spoke of greed earlier. Don't you think this will apply to anything the govt touches. Too many special interest groups and too many lobbyists. They can't do it without showing favor to someone or something. There isn't one person in there that doesn't have someone in their back pocket, influencing them with perks.

But somehow, we have the best (government run) military, put a man on the moon (uh, who did that again??) and all our cities have 24-hour hot and cold running water and electricity (bet they'd like that in a lot of countries).

Government probably doesn't do things as cheaply and efficiently as it could, that's for sure! But to say it can't do anything is just inaccurate. Medicare works pretty well for all those over 65, and I don't see most people wanting to give up that!

 

[Marionnette]

But somehow, we have the best (government run) military, put a man on the moon (uh, who did that again??) and all our cities have 24-hour hot and cold running water and electricity (bet they'd like that in a lot of countries).

Government probably doesn't do things as cheaply and efficiently as it could, that's for sure! But to say it can't do anything is just inaccurate. Medicare works pretty well for all those over 65, and I don't see most people wanting to give up that!

One: The Constitution allows for the formation and funding of the military but does not specify healthcare as an area that is within the domain of the federal government. Two: We put a man on the moon over forty years ago. Get over it. The current role of nasa is to act as a liason to muslim nations so that they can feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Three: The govenment does not supply me with water. I get billed for it every three months. And I heat it with a water heater that I purchased myself. Using energy that I also pay for. And those companies that provide the water and energy are all capalistic entities that are publically traded on the stock market. That bastion of the evil free enterprise!

 

[jodifla]

One: The Constitution allows for the formation and funding of the military but does not specify healthcare as an area that is within the domain of the federal government. Two: We put a man on the moon over forty years ago. Get over it. The current role of nasa is to act as a liason to muslim nations so that they can feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Three: The govenment does not supply me with water. I get billed for it every three months. And I heat it with a water heater that I purchased myself. Using energy that I also pay for. And those companies that provide the water and energy are all capalistic entities that are publically traded on the stock market. That bastion of the evil free enterprise!

Water and electricity are from public utilities. These are municipal entities. Good luck getting access to electricity and water (unless you have a well) without them!

 

[Marionnette]

Water and electricity are from public utilities. These are municipal entities. Good luck getting access to electricity and water (unless you have a well) without them!

A strawman argument. The governement does not tax us in order to provide water and electricity for everyone. The government simply provides the delivery system which is maintained by the private companies. Just like healthcare in this country, the government assures the individual access to the system but you still have to pay the provider for consumption of the product.

 

[jodifla]

A strawman argument. The governement does not tax us in order to provide water and electricity for everyone. The government simply provides the delivery system which is maintained by the private companies. Just like healthcare in this country, the government assures the individual access to the system but you still have to pay the provider for consumption of the product.

Actually, that's what the current healthcare bill does. Assure access to insurance. We don't have any of that now....as many of the 50 million uninsured will tell you.

 

[Planogirl]

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First off, Thanks you for your husband's service is the military, that's an honor. Second, when people keep diminishing the fact that the United States is #1 in being charitable, I have a problem with it. To cut and paste that Saudi Arabia was ahead of us (I forgot what number they were) frankly makes me ill. That is a country where women are treated horribly. It is a FACT they we are number 1 in chartible handouts. Where do other countries look when they need a helping hand?? The United States.

Oh, I am all for FREEDOM of SPEECH! Where in my argument did I deny it? I didn't, plain and simple. I'm just getting sick and tired of 1 or 2 posters on this forum, down-playing the greatness of the United States.

Remember that people from other countries do post here and some of those places are generous too. The US is great and all of that but we don't have the market cornered on helping people.

I won't comment on Saudi Arabia.

 

[Planogirl]

Actually, that's what the current healthcare bill does. Assure access to insurance. We don't have any of that now....as many of the 50 million uninsured will tell you.

I like that access to healthcare is guaranteed but is it affordable for many of those who are uninsured? I dislike too many government controls but I hardly see this guarantee as helpful if the cost is prohibitive.

 

[brunette8706]

The fact that this is a great country makes it all the worse that we don't make sure every has the opportunity to get health care! And no, you can't just show up ... if it's not emergency care, most places demand an insurance card or payment up front.

If you bother to search these forums at all, you'll see the tales of many who can't today buy insurance at ANY price because of pre-existing conditions. That's a national shame, and one of the reasons I'm glad the health care bill passed, even though its' flawed.

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I agree with health care reform, I just don't want the BIG GOVERNMENT taking MY PAYCHECK of hundreds of dollars a month to pay for these 50 million people. Do you want to pay an extra $500.00 per month to pay the TRILLION dollar bill? I don't. As I stated earlier I want to know who are these 50 million people? Why can't we see this so called Health care reform document? It was so GREAT, as you put it why didn't anyone read it? No one knows what's in it! Something smells fishy.

 

[Marionnette]

Actually, that's what the current healthcare bill does. Assure access to insurance. We don't have any of that now....as many of the 50 million uninsured will tell you.

Wrong. Access to health care was available to everyone before this bill was passed. Anyone could pay for care out of there pocket. And go check your numbers on regarding the 50 million uninsured. Many of them are healthy young people who choose to pay out of pocket for there health costs rather than buy into expensive insurance policies. The actual number of working poor who cannot afford health insurance is much lower.

 

[ccgirl]

But somehow, we have the best (government run) military, put a man on the moon (uh, who did that again??) and all our cities have 24-hour hot and cold running water and electricity (bet they'd like that in a lot of countries).

Government probably doesn't do things as cheaply and efficiently as it could, that's for sure! But to say it can't do anything is just inaccurate. Medicare works pretty well for all those over 65, and I don't see most people wanting to give up that!

Just wanted to make the point that Medicare is not all it's cracked up to be. My mom is on it and I am shocked at how much her prescriptions are. There is something defnitely wrong with our healthcare system. I am so fortunate to have awesome insurance. We pay $320 a month for our health/dental insurance. All well visits have no copays. Immunizations are free. Sick visits are a $10 copay and we are covered at 100% for hospital stays. My DH has been looking for other work. My work insurance is not as good. Still reasonable $$ wise but a much higher copay and hospital stays are only covered 80%. Get into a car accident, or heart attack etc and it could bankrupt you. Not sure how we can fix it but I hope they find a way soon. It is just not fair that a citizen of the U.S., arguably one of the strongest and most generous nations, forgets about some of their less affluent citizens when it comes to healthcare.

 

[Planogirl]

Wrong. Access to health care was available to everyone before this bill was passed. Anyone could pay for care out of there pocket. And go check your numbers on regarding the 50 million uninsured. Many of them are healthy young people who choose to pay out of pocket for there health costs rather than buy into expensive insurance policies. The actual number of working poor who cannot afford health insurance is much lower.

From my understanding, pre-existing conditions could omit some people. Is that not true?