JMO - Let's get real

Can we get real with healthcare and health insurace reform? Can we stop all the speculation and fearmongering about what you think or you've heard someone think is in the plan? Just because someone, like Michael Steele, wrote it, it's true. It's not. And that's because the bill and plans in the bill haven't been fully developed and written yet. So, everything is just words about a cloud.

But what bothers me more is the public complaining about healthcare and then saying they don't want change. It's like the guy who drives an old clunker and refusing to get a new car even though he can easily afford one. "It's runs, what more do I need? Yeah, it's has it's problems and gets bad mileage, but it's enough.", he'll say. And we're doing that with healthcare and health insurance. We'd rather keep a broken system than fix it, or better replace it.

And that is so stupid.

But what's worse is that people don't even know what they're complaining about might happen is already happening. Do you really know who makes the decisions about your coverage and care? Do you know who rations your healtcare and coverage because it cost the insurance company too much? Do you know who determines the prices you pay for drugs, services, and care? Do you know how much "choice" you want or demad isn't real?

So? Do you really know? Have you read your health coverage plan lately? Read it and you'll discover how little control and choice you really have. And read the stories about the people who have been treated badly by their healthcare insurer. And read the people who really know, and know what's bullshit, what's (political) rhetoric, and what's real.

And then ask yourself who's been in control and had oversight on the healthcare industry all these recent years. How did the system get so screwed up for the sake of money and profit. Is it ok with you the health insurance companies have been getting rich on your premiums, deciding your healthcare, and deciding your amount?

Do you want more of the same? Do you want this to be problem worse in a few years than it was and is now?

So, how about calming down, shut the rhetoric, stop the "What if's" - because they're not real or true, just your fear - and listen? How about rational discussion from what you've experienced and what you know that what you think? And consider these thoughts.

Most personal bankruptcies are due to healthcare costs, usually from one catastrophic disease, illness or accident or from a family member needing continual, high cost care.

Most "frivilous" lawsuits aren't from individuals suing companies, doctors or hospitals, but companies suing each other. Only the individual lawsuits get media attention, not the 90% of the lawsuits which don't involve individuals but companies.

Malpractice insurance is only high because of insurance companies, not doctors or hospitals. The companies are setting the rates, coverage and legal support. And most of the malpractice insurance isn't necessary, only they've convinced lawmakers it is to mandate it.

People who live in countries, mostly European, with universal or government healthcare are in better health, have better healthcare, and have far lower costs. And they have a far higher level of satisfaction for their healthcare.

America has the most expensive per-capita (person) healthcare than any nation in the world and yet we are barely in the top ten for quality of healthcare.

The government already oversees many healthcare plans and programs, like Medicare, FEHB, etc. and they're all successful and provide affordable healthcare.

Think about it, but first learn the facts and truth. Then, get real about what it could be for every American to have affordable health insurance and the best healthcare.