I watched Micheal Moore's Sicko. I found it quite informative, if a bit repetitive, and his conclusions were a bit off, IMO. A lot of good information, nonetheless, and I think he's right about one thing- our system is broken.

But I don't think it's due to a lack of government involvement. It's due more to the collective ignorance of the American people. They've allowed themselves to be messed over by the insurance companies for years, and won't put their feet down and stick up to the companies- or the doctors. (When was the last time you haggled over the cost of your doctor's visit?)

The insurance companies are messed up. They won't cover people who have preexisting conditions, which will forever rule me out because I have a problem with my heart. If I somehow do manage to get insurance, my rates will be so high it will be impossible for me to pay them without help. My family is the same way. We have nine people in our family. For a plan for just one of us would take up half of my dad's paycheck. We can't afford it. We use the government's money, to my mother's everlasting chagrin.

So I think the ultimate solution is for the American people to stop paying for too-expensive insurance and healthcare, and get their heads out of the clouds.

Just my not-so-humble opinion.

Kyla, you guys should look into Samaritan Ministries Healthcare...they're more lenient with pre-existing conditions, and it's about $300 (I think less) for a family, regardless of size.

The government doesn't have any say in the treatment we receive. I mean, they can choose what they cover as a whole, like what medicines they'll put on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme - greatly subsidised medicines considered essential for lots of people), but individual treatments for people are completely up to the patient and the doctor/medical staff/etc. We don't have to get any prior approval to receive treatment by doctors for conditions, or to get tests, or anything.

The approved medicines are one thing people struggle with when they're dealing with insurance companies, though...I don't know how all-encompassing your list is but if it's just what lots of people need, then people with unique situations (like my sister...) probably wouldn't be covered. Or my mom and sister both have low thyroid and there's only one type of thyroid medicine that works for them...and they're already having trouble finding it...it probably wouldn't be approved, since most people do better on the other types.

Still, though, it sounds like your medical system leaves a fair amount of control in the hands of the people...if ours would be like that, then medically it might be a sweet program.

Looks like you anti-healthcare reform people are about to be disappointed. See the news!

I was watching The News Hour with Jim Lehrer last night, and they were talking about the healthcare reform... *crossed eyes* I got so lost as it went on!! Felt like I'd come in on the middle of a conversation.

It is disappointing, granted...but it's just one committee of the Senate - I don't think it's going to make it through all of Congress. I hope not..

See, the big fuss about 60 is then the opposition won't be able to filibuster the health care plan when it gets to the floor of the Senate. Due to partisan politics, the Democrats won't get to that number. My suspicion is that we may be about to see the greatest filibuster since Mr. Smith went to Washington.

Obama keeps getting 'Socialist' thrown at him. And they make it sound like it's a bad word. I think if there was politics in a perfect world (which there probably wouldn't be lol) then they would probably be socialistic. I'm not a socialist and Australia isn't a socialist nation, but we do have some socialistic policies which I think are great. Kinda like Robin Hood!
I think Health Care is a really good thing. I've noticed that so many Americans seem to have a problem with their 'hard earned dollars' going towards helping poor people. I think it shows when you look at how many homeless people there are in America (I'm not putting America down! I love America. Eeeeeespecially the South!). I'm not an expert and I think this is too political for my liking haha. I like politics, but I don't wanna say anything that will get me in trouble. I think that Americans should have a little faith in Obama.

Ooh now I remember what I was gonna write (I waffled on coz I forgot lol). Umm on tv (reliable source haha), like Grey's Anatomy and stuff like that, people avoid going to hospital and stuff coz they can't offord it. Is that how it really is for some people? And will this Health Care thingy help those people?

hahaha...yeah...I wouldn't count on Grey's Anatomy to show American medicine. There are some people who don't go to the hospital with everything because it's expensive, but I would suggest that most of those people are not going to want the government aid, either. (Like, I had a fever last semester that my roommate really wanted to take me to the Emergency Room for...I refused, partially 'cause it was expensive...but I would try to opt out of any government program. It was only 102 - not worth going to the hospital...)



I would agree that in a perfect world, it would be very socialist...because in a perfect world, people would all work hard together for the common good. But, we're not in a perfect world. We're in a world where if they can get it for free, they won't work. If you supply everyone's needs, they'll stop working.

ooh i get to go to the FREE doctor again. because im SICK

You go, girl!

(Oh, and sorry to hear you'll ill... )

One thing that people keep making a big deal of is the number of people in America who don't have health insurance. You know what? Most people can afford it. Some people but drugs instead. Some people just don't want it at all. (I know a few like that.) If they honestly don't want it, why shove it down their throats?