(Note: My mother had a severe hearth attack and I've been in Palm Beach all week at the hospital with her.)
I don't know why, but sitting in the hospital room seven or eight hours a day with a sick person is exhausting. I expect to be down here until Friday when I fly to New York City for a business appointment and then either back here... for another week or two... or home... depending on if I can find someone reliable to stay with my mother for a couple of weeks. If you personally know of someone in the North or West Palm Beach area do let me know ASAP. I will pay top-dollar rates for the right person.
(Editorial: It sure is nice to have all my client data, form letters, and my flyers all online embedded in my web-based SugarCRM system. I can EASILY run my business from my mother's Mac at her house, any hotel biz-center computer, Kinko's, my iPhone, the kiosk in waiting rooms, or someone's wi-fi laptop. I'm not chained to MY laptop (which I didn't bring as it weighs a ton), have to lug it on the 100-run through the Houston airport to make a close connection, send it through the airport scanners, worry about it being dropped or stolen, etc.... but no one listens to me here anyway, so enjoy using your antiquated desktop-based (YIO) system since it works so well for you. End editorial )
One thing I've found is that the huge majority of people I've spoken to in the hospital wait rooms don't want a national health care system. They are all on Medicare and they are scared to death that a universal care system will dilute their benefits. I tell them it wouldn't happen, but they don't trust that answer.
They like the combination of Medicare plus a PRIVATE medi-gap supplement plus a PRIVATE part-D drug policy. They are worried that if a full national plan was adopted that they would have to wait forever to get into the hospital. It's a real concern. They read the stories about the long waits for hip surgery in Canada and the UK and they are scared to death. And I'll tell you this. No one who has a relative in ICU wants their family member cared for by a low-paid medical nurse-bureaucrat if they can avoid it. And no one wants to go to a VA hospital here.
I'm not taking a position one way or the other here, but I've spent the entire week talking to senior citizens and their relatives (many like myself also seniors) and if there is a big ground-swell for universal coverage, I don't hear it from this sector.
Obama and Clinton have a lot of work to do to convince older folks that a universal plan is going to be better off for them as they are terrified of rationing. "We can't give your mom a stent because Federal regulations say her BP has to be over 160 and it is only 159 and even as her doctor I don't have the authority to circumvent the rules or I'l lose my license, plus there is a 90 day waiting list... so I'm sorry and I hope she doesn't die in the meantime. Have you considered going to Mexico or Costa Rica to have it done?" (A stent is a rather simple 60-90 minute procedure most times.)
Anyway, hello from Florida. I can't wait to get home!
Simple reply to people who want national healthcare...if the government is so great at what it does, why are UPS, FEDEX, and DHL so big and so successful when competing against the post office?
------------------------------------
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." Ronald Reagan
Al -
Simple reply to people who want national healthcare...if the government is so great at what it does, why are UPS, FEDEX, and DHL so big and so successful when competing against the post office?
This is a common misconception, UPS, FEDEX and DHL do not compete against the post office, or at least they didn't when they started.
Post office's mission is letters. The everyday mail. Send out bills, pay bills, the routine $0.42 letter. Nobody else does this, nobody else wants this business.
UPS came along to do packages. Post office did them, but it wasn't their thing. UPS doesn't do letters. UPS mutilates small packages (not so much anymore). But you can ship BIG with UPS.
FEDEX/DHL came along because people wanted an overnight service. Postoffice didn't do this. FEDEX was started as a college paper, and the student was told it would never work. I hope the teacher got fired. At the time, the Post Office didn't do overnight. The post office dealt with high volume, not speed. Fedex filled a niche. Fedex didn't do letters (at under a $1), but did do small packages quickly. Solved a huge business need. Post Office finally realized that there was a market here, and offers overnight / 2 day service, at a much, much lower rate than Fedex, but not as reliable.
My point is simple, the Post Office could not run Fedex or UPS, and neither could Fedex or UPS run the Post Office. They serve different purposes, different markets. Try sending bulk mail through Fedex, it ain't going to happen.
(Editorial: It sure is nice to have all my client data, form letters, and my flyers all online embedded in my web-based SugarCRM system. I can EASILY run my business from my mother's Mac at her house, any hotel biz-center computer, Kinko's, my iPhone, the kiosk in waiting rooms, or someone's wi-fi laptop. I'm not chained to MY laptop (which I didn't bring as it weighs a ton), have to lug it on the 100-run through the Houston airport to make a close connection, send it through the airport scanners, worry about it being dropped or stolen, etc.... but no one listens to me here anyway, so enjoy using your antiquated desktop-based (YIO) system since it works so well for you. End editorial )
Anyway, hello from Florida. I wish I could stop playing with myself.
Al3
Yes we all wish you could stop.
BY the way, YIO would literally be free for you since you could fit all your client info into the free version and still have half way to go until you need to purchase it.
BY the way, YIO would literally be free for you since you could fit all your client info into the free version and still have half way to go until you need to purchase it.
Rick, everything you say is true. You never lie. Nor does Senior. Everyone on this board knows that the two of you are Batman and Robin in the world of insurance. Like I said before, the two of you ought to get a room and do a video.
Is medicare not a form of social medicine that has only recently allowed the private sector in due to some of the gaps/issues in the original program?
I'm new to this industry so what do I know? But based on my readings it's still pretty heavily regulated.
Do I think that universal health is the answer? That I'm still undecided, other than the fact that a universal health care system would definitely put a demise on a career that I'm thinking of joining, I'm still on the fence.
What I do belive is that there is A huge issue with the cost of medical care based on the quality of health care that is given. That to me is the true issue. Based on the kind of care I've received waiting in long lines is something I'm used to already. But wait I pay premiums and have health coverage???
Just my thoughts, I'm new so please don't be to hard on me and HELLO Everyone!
Rick, everything you say is true. You never lie. Nor does Senior. Everyone on this board knows that the two of you are Batman and Robin in the world of insurance. Like I said before, the two of you ought to get a room and do a video.
Al
You may be right. Perhaps Senior and I should do a video together on providing value in insurance to individuals, business and seniors.
On the other hand, you could do a video on how to be an asshole.
Rick
------------------------------------ ILIAA
Training, Community, Support, and Success Independent Life Insurance Agents Assn rick@iliaa.org
Is medicare not a form of social medicine that has only recently allowed the private sector in due to some of the gaps/issues in the original program?
I'm new to this industry so what do I know? But based on my readings it's still pretty heavily regulated.
Do I think that universal health is the answer? That I'm still undecided, other than the fact that a universal health care system would definitely put a demise on a career that I'm thinking of joining, I'm still on the fence.
What I do belive is that there is A huge issue with the cost of medical care based on the quality of health care that is given. That to me is the true issue. Based on the kind of care I've received waiting in long lines is something I'm used to already. But wait I pay premiums and have health coverage???
Just my thoughts, I'm new so please don't be to hard on me and HELLO Everyone!
Welcome! As you can see, this board can be "colorful" at times.
While I agree with some of your sentiments, a lot of it is based on the ability to choose. Under a rationed system, you lose out on choice. With a PPO plan, if the facility has long waits, lousy doctors or whatever, I can elect to drive and find another contracted provider (or walk across the hall to another doctor). The choice is mine.
An example, my former Anthem RSM lives here in Gilroy as well. Took his daughter to our local ER waited about 50 mins still nothing. Drove 40 miles up to Good Sam and was seen in 5 mins. Both facilities are contracted. Choice.
Around 8pm two week ago my son (6) starts saying that his ear really hurts. We have a place called Nighttime Pediatrics about 10 minutes away - hopped in the car. We waited about 20 minutes - then he got diagnosed with an ear infection. They have an in-house pharmacy were get got the scrips filled (antibiotics and ear drops) so we were out, got home, case closed.
Choice...it works. Under universal healthcare that's not a medical emergency and we'd have been off to the gov't "free clinic" where I'm sure we'd still be waiting.
------------------------------------ Health Insurance Agents: Training, Support, Discounts, E&O for $440 www.ihiaa.com
I again, am in no way saying that universal health care is the answer, but you can not deny there is huge holes in the system. So if no to universal health care, then what?
I think it's pretty easy to say no to universal health when you are fortunate enough to have health insurance. There are millions of people in this country who don't have health insurance, either can't afford it or due to existing medical conditions can't get it.
And the comment on the long wait times was me being sarcastic. I think we've all been there.
I think it is important to distinguish between Universal Health Care and Single Payor Health Care.
California recently tried to pass a universal health care initiative, but it was defeated in the state senate. States that have tried to get GI models in place (Mass) are having a heck of a time with it.
I agree, everyone should have access to health coverage, however, the key would be to mandate coverage and require everyone to have to have it. The only way to balance the pool is to actually have a full participation pool.
Each state varies, but in California you literally have to not want health insurance in order to be uninsured, there are that many programs available.
I like it here in MD - group coverage for those who have it, individual for those who qualify, very affordable state coverage for anyone for pre-ex, MCHIP covers all children and "the poor" are on gov't assistance.
I will be for a universal health care program when I stop reading about government wasting millions and millions of dollars and when the tax code is not 80,000 pages long.
If they cannot manage what they have now, why give them more?
------------------------------------
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." Ronald Reagan
My point is that the post office had to step it up when competition came along and proved that they were slow and unreliable (or not as reliable).
On a side note...
If car insurance is mandatory, why is there no one pushing for government car insurance? (speaking partially tongue in cheek)
------------------------------------
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." Ronald Reagan
I like it here in MD - group coverage for those who have it, individual for those who qualify, very affordable state coverage for anyone for pre-ex, MCHIP covers all children and "the poor" are on gov't assistance.
MD does better on the state side than CA. Our CHIP will get the kids no problem but MRMIP is having some "issues" as of late and we now have 3-4 month waiting list for that.
They did a pilot program several years ago only allowing people to stay on it 3 years then they had to buy a "graduate" plan from a private carrier. Last fall they went back to the old way and now the pool is full since no one has to move off after three years.
Also, our MRMIP rates are a bit on the high side and I would not consider them as very affordable.
I think one problem is the terminology, which gets lumped together all of the time.
Univeral Healthcare would be coverage for everyone whereas Single Payor Healthcare (or Universal Single Payor) would be healthcare provided by the government. I advocate access to coverage for all with mandates to pool the risk appropriately--delivered in the private sector. I do not advocate a Single Payor solution as it would decrease quality, increase waiting times and put incentives for medical advances in the toilet.
Seniors are not for uni-health
)
Linear Mode
