The Right Thing To Do

"Nothing shakes your faith in democracy like the family's three-to-two vote for fudge sundaes for breakfast."

Robert Brault

American Author

http://www.robertbrault.com/

 

Perhaps the reason health insurance (and health care) got so expensive, is the illusion that the bill would go to someone else...

You buy an insurance policy (or get one on the job...) and go to the doctor.  What he doesn’t say: “Hey this pie in the sky heart treatment is really expensive, let’s save your money and start with the basics.  And while we’re doing that, why don’t you start on a no cost walking program to get your heart stronger and pick up your metabolism?"

What he does say: “Well, your insurance will cover an angiogram, a stent, and a whole course of Lipitor.  Don't sweat the price.  You’re insured!"  

You take the whole program. The insurance pays. You get more expensive “care” and don’t have to walk. The doctor bills for two surgeries and many more appointments.  There’s also the hospital stay and the surgical staff, the anesthesiologist…  Only the insurance company tries to make ends meet -- it's a for profit business -- right?  So they raise your premium; slow down  reimbursements and deny your next claim.  The doctor wants payment up front.

Then the government get's involved.  Requires universal coverage.  Requires everyone to buy.  Then raises taxes – after all, if you can afford to buy insurance, you can obviously afford to pay premiums for a few other people. Hey, it’s the right thing to do. 

"Democracy."  It might be cheaper to walk.