Umm, how are the taxpayers here being ripped off? The taxpayers aren't paying the salaries of the doctors or nurses, nor are they building hospitals or clinics. That's all paid for by insurance companies via subscribers. If you are referring to Medicaid, well... it's very limited.DrunkFace wrote:
Tax payers being ripped off.
How would you like to pay a yearly subscription to a gym but every time you turn up to use the gym they charge you an entrance fee as well, while at the same time allowing those that didn't pay the yearly subscription a free entry.
http://www.cms.gov/MedicaidEligibility/Medicaid is health insurance that helps many people who can't afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy and stay healthy.
Medicaid is available only to people with limited income. You must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co payment) for some medical services.
To learn about the Medicaid program in your state see Related Links Inside CMS at the bottom of the page.
Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant. The rules for counting your income and resources vary from state to state and from group to group. There are special rules for those who live in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home.
Your child may be eligible for coverage if he or she is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant, even if you are not (however, there is a 5-year limit that applies to lawful permanent residents). Eligibility for children is based on the child's status, not the parent's. Also, if someone else's child lives with you, the child may be eligible even if you are not because your income and resources will not count for the child.
In general, you should apply for Medicaid if your income is limited and you match one of the descriptions of the Eligibility Groups. (Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state evaluate your situation.)
At least I get healthcare for my tax money.Jay wrote:
When I spoke of taxpayers, I was speaking of your own nation. Your taxes pay for your health coverage, it is not free.
Are you genuinely this stupid? Or are you trolling?DrunkFace wrote:
At least I get healthcare for my tax money.Jay wrote:
When I spoke of taxpayers, I was speaking of your own nation. Your taxes pay for your health coverage, it is not free.
But I can definitely see the benefits of paying more tax per capita to fund a health system I can't even use.
Its typically a lot cheaper. People are comfortable working for the state, with job security and a pension at the end of it they can be paid less.Jay wrote:
I don't understand your fascination with universal health care.
So the most entrepreneurial people get stung with heathcare costs, and companies hiring get stung with an effective payroll tax?The only people that fall outside of these three possibilities are those that own their own businesses: freelancers, consultants and the like.
And does it actually work? Given US healthcare costs are about triple most other countries it would seem not.The insurers have leverage, because like a union, they have strength in numbers. You as an individual, do not. They can say 'well, if you're going to charge these prices, we're going to take our customers elsewhere', and if the insurer is large enough, this threat carries a lot of weight and keeps costs down.
Right up to the point you actually get ill.If I do not like the coverage that an insurance company offers me, I can switch insurers.
Or you can do what most people in most countries do, rely on the state for basic coverage, and buy whatever additional cover you like at the marginal cost. If you get sick the state pays the minimum cost, if you want a swanky consultant or private room you pay the margin. It works very well, everyone has basic coverage at a very low cost, people who want more get it, and in total muc cheaper.If I'm stuck with the government playing the role of insurer, all the power that I possess as a consumer evaporates. I'm stuck with whatever treatment a bureaucrat has deemed to be the most cost effective. Or, whatever treatment he's been bribed to offer.
The previous eight years were better how?They may not make the wisest long term choices, but neither do the 'smart people' you bend over for. I think that's been proven without a shadow of a doubt over the past four years.
Last edited by Dilbert_X (2011-08-19 01:36:46)
