John and A Grant are correct that the usefulness of the system depends upon how well it is run, but John also misses another important point in his editorial: A universal health insurance program would be VERY well suited to press the entire health care system to reduce costs - if that health insurance program was run well. There's really no way to put pressure on the health care system (doctors, hospitals, insurance companies included) with so many health insurance companies controlling payments. It's true that cutting back what an insurance plan covers would put more control (or more pressure?) on individuals to look at the cost of different health care alternatives, but wouldn't it be better to have a universal health care system that could assess costs, so I don't have to wonder whether or not it's worth it to go to the hospital for that sprained wrist? I have a feeling the health care SYSTEM would listen very closely to the operators of a universal health care program charged with paying health care providers for all health claim actions. They would have to, since there would be no other place to go for their money.
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Americans deserve what Europeans and most developed nations enjoy - a national health service. This minimizes paper works, has few... [MORE]
Peter
Oct 29, 2007 15:18
John and A Grant are correct that the usefulness of the system depends upon how well it is run, but...
Raz
Oct 3, 2007 16:29
Health care is an issue that affects everyone. Mr John House is right. Every system has its faults. the thing... [MORE]
A Grant
Sep 28, 2007 15:25
I had an EKG some years ago. Insurance confusion resulted and I was direct billed $117. I called my insurance.... [MORE]
John House
Sep 27, 2007 20:42
We thank our lucky stars every week that Mr. Stossel lives and works here. [MORE]
Don Carlson
Sep 27, 2007 01:30
Mr. Stossel is right!
I went for an eye exam a few months ago. I was told the cost of the... [MORE]
Arlene M. Fauteux
Sep 27, 2007 14:19
Regarding Universal (government) health care. Why would I as a moral, freedom loving individual, want the government to force someone... [MORE]
Charles Terry
Oct 5, 2007 10:04
Daniel Leo, I'm from Ohio and I just think that there's just no loyalty anymore. People are snitching back-and-forth and... [MORE]
Daniel Joseph Spano
Oct 25, 2007 15:14
I went to the emergency room and was charged $1500. When I submitted to insurance the cost was lowered to... [MORE]
bighat
Nov 15, 2007 09:28
Socialized medicine does not work. Ask our Canadien friends.I here horror stories about long waiting list for things that are... [MORE]