You Can Keep Your Health Plan?

Over the weekend, I watched a panel debate the feasibility of a “single payer” health care system.  The usual players were there, a couple of token right-wingers and couple of pretend left wingers.  All the usual arguments were brought up, especially the standard-bearer question—how do we pay for this?  It continually blows my mind that there is a cost or premium on a human life.

But that’s not why I am writing today (we will hit more about healthcare issues later).  There was something brought up in this “lively debate” that really tickled the old funny bone.  After the panel somewhat agreed that other countries have done single-payer successfully, one of the panelists chimed in with “yes, but would those who currently like their private insurer plan be able to keep it?”

OK, I am a little dumbfounded here, if we rebuild the health system to the point where all services would be included in the new public plan, why the hell would someone want to keep paying more for a plan that is either equal to or lesser than the new program?  This objection seems absolutely asinine to me, it’s like being able to get the same widget for less but you want to pay more even though the same widget is offered on the new plan.  Believe me, if we were able to build this plan your Doc will participate.

The main argument with this has always been the ability to go see the same Doc, but most of us don’t go to our physician’s office on weekly basis.  The two medical professionals that most Americans see on a somewhat regular basis is the dentist and the general practitioner.  Even if you keep the same people, it isn’t like they remember everything about you when you have an appointment (that’s why they keep records) and let’s face the facts people die or retire.  There is a major revolution taking place in the healthcare field anyway, Nurse Practitioners are replacing General Practice Docs.

Most of the time, if you have a serious or specific medical issue, you will be referred to a specialist.  So basically, you spend an additional $100.00 to have your temperature and blood pressure checked and asked, “how are you feeling?”, you can accomplish that a drug store.  Nurse practitioners are a better option anyway, hell, they know more than GP Docs!  I believe that any system that is created moving forward will be all encompassing and will include your favorite Doc.

So, this brings me back to the question—why the hell would you want to keep sending your money into billionaires when we could build an all-inclusive system and pay money into a publicly operated fund (would work the same as private insurance without the profit)?  Hell, maybe we will save a few more lives in the process—what a concept!

Talk To Ya Later!

The Grumpy Old Fart Customer @2019 All Rights Reserved