Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Don't agree Hammer. She is like 40. Insurance almost equal to her rent. No car, no job. According to Medicaid she makes too much. I am sure. Medicaid limits are no reflection to one being below the poverty level. It is too far for her to bike to work. They would make her sell her reliable car and then NO job.
I thought you said she had no car and no job? But, whatever...
YOu ever talked to someone in this situation.
Oh yes. I have a renter who has received excellent medical care for herself and her children through medicaid. It's a bit of a hastle for her, dealing with the burearcay, etc. but she's been well taken care of.
And besides for those in Tennessee and Missouri they just eliminated Medicaid. Think anyone in those states make a living below the poverty level.
Ever tried to maintain a car and take on a low paying job and get to work. Besides, those policies for the poor have such a high deductible( if not on a group plan.) That alone would make them worthless and help to bankrupt her further. I see her wither in pain. It is a heartbreak.
Next she won't be able to work and possibly be out on the street.
Also, the more affordable HMO policies. Ever seen how they find a way to refuse needed treatment. I should know. Our CA HMO refused my wife's referal for lesions. Turned into cancer. Another couple weeks and I don't know what would have happened to our lives. Maybe threatening to choke the GP might get you the referral one needs.
I guess, the bottom line is you don't care much for our system??
You know what Cyclezealot? This discussion has meanandered way off subject, and therefore I will make this my last statement. We'll just have to agree to disagree, I guess. I like what's left of our system, only I see many of the best parts vanishing, and frankly, I used to like it even more, before medicaid and medicare, etc. In my opinion, the U.S. has drifted way too far into socialism already. As you can probably tell, I'm a (Milton Friedman type) Capitalist to my bones.
I know for many Europeans, Capitalism is a nasty and heartless concept. I have several European, including French friends, and believe I have a fairly good understanding of that culture. Reality is that everyone in the world can't have exactly everything they need or want, and sometimes life just ain't fair. Look at all of the poverty throughout the 3rd world, even with all of the money Bill and Milinda Gates have provided! But, here in the U.S., I see so many people who make poor choices, and then expect society to right things for them. Whether it's budgeting for health insurance, retirement planning, or whatever. And, then when things don't go their way, I and other responsible people have to pick up the pieces.
Now, don't get me wrong, those who honestly can't provide for themselves should be helped by the more fortunate, and my wife and I try to do our share along those lines. But there are limits, and history has shown that an entitlement culture becomes a weak, less productive one. Is free or cheap health care a right? Not if one can afford it. For the most part, it's a matter of priority, and some are willing to take the gamble, but if the dice come up the wrong way, it's not society's responsibility to bail them out.
Now, I'm going out with my lovely stoker and enjoy the sunny 55F day and put on some serious (s)miles. Life is good.