IntenseDebate

17 years ago @ Change.gov - New challenges, new op... · 0 replies · +3 points

Not only senior citizens find dental care unaffordable. It's outrageous and one that has received a lot less attention than the cost of other medical services. Dentists are notorious for "finding things that are wrong" and presenting treatment plans that will cost thousands of dollars. Often the recommendations are not necessary. But are presented as if dire consequences will ensure if you don't agree to $10,000 worth of dental work.

Dental should be part of any national health insurance plan or option proposed by the Obama administration.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - New challenges, new op... · 0 replies · +6 points

I'll like to see people admit that purple is better than blue or red. That access to affordable healthcare MATTERS as it effects jobs, housing, bankruptcies, family values, etc. and change is coming this year.
This is a moral imperative. No one in this country should think it's OK for others to die or become disabled because they can't access medical care they need, but can't afford.

I'd like everyone who participates in any govenment program (as a recipient) must "payback" in some form. For example, single parents or low income folks getting help with costs, must "volunteer" several hours per month in an community activity such as daycare or cleaning roadways or participating is a small repairs corps within their own neighborhoods. Students getting loans should volunteers as tutors or reading partners for younger kids.

The sense of entitlement that has crept through all levels of our society must be halted if we're ever going to reverse the "me first" trend that has brought about this economic collapse.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 6 replies · +4 points

I would like see see an community organizations that taught basic money mangement and life skills, like cooking! I'm amazed at how few people can truly fed for themselves.

I'd also like to see us reconsider then notion of boarding houses. Some homelessness could be alevated IF these indiviudals could find a clean , safe place to live, perhaps government sponsored for six months, to allow the person to get on his or her feet. Of course there needs to be a thorough screening of the boarder and boarding house owner. But for a fee far less than many subsidized hotels, we could help some people get a fresh start and a much better, supportive atmosphere.

Of course, as with all government sponsored programs we must be diligence to prevent fraud and waste and prosecute those who take advantage of the system.

I'd be willing to help in any way. But, at least, in my area (lower middle TN) it's darn hard to get anyone's attention.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

This is an issue that is seldom discussed. There are millions of us who have been aged out of the workforce (too bad it didn't happen to Cheney). Instead of using our skills and experience (yes, we can even learn new skills), few companies will even talk to us. Interviews are a joke as you know the recuriter/HR person is just talking to you to fill in boxes on the diversity form.

I was self employed for a numberof years and when I tried to return to the workforce found that the drive and ingenuity it took to be self employed is considered a negative. So is taking time off to care for a dying relative. Companies want cogs. Young cogs.

I would be willing to help this administration in any way I can. Paid or not! We must use the talents and insights of all our people to turn this country around. However, unlike in the past don't train people for jobs that don't exist. Job training only makes senses if there are jobs waiting to be filled.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

More than 20 years ago the Supreme Court left it to the states to regulate credit card interests rates. A move I've never understood BUT even more baffling is why the states never followed up. Credit card interest rates are at levels loan sharks would never have imagined. Between 22% +interest rates, late fees, penalities and other ridiculous charges people can't get out of debt no matter how hard they try.

I have no credit card debt, so no dog in this race but I do know people who paid their bills regularly lost jobs, got behind on payments and wind up with interests, fees and penalties larger than their orginal debt. This is obscene.

One mor thing, the government should MANDATE that anyone closing a credit card account is not "dinged" on their credit report. Right now a closed account appears as a negative on a person's credit history.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

For an eye opening account of how much of our medical dollars is wasted read Shannon Brownlee's OVERTREATED. More than 30 years ago I fought with a hospital that tracked my father's death with x-rays, blood tests and useless treatments. It was a teaching hopsital and they were using him as a case study. I got the bill reduced! Today it's much harder to fight that fight as doctors and hospitals claim all the procedures are necessary to avoid being sued. Hogwash. In truth there are far fewer successful medical lawsuits than the profession wants you to believe. Just ask Mrs. John Ritter.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

While there's no doubt to many people made dumb choices: smoking, lack of any excerise, risky behaviors, etc. It's also true that genetic play a part and a person can become sick because something goes haywire in their genes. How is is that one sibling can die at 55 and another live to 80? We don't have answers for questions like that, so we much be careful not to peanlize people while encouraging better behaviors.

As for the cost of healthy food, during the debates I remember one woman asking a candidate why an apple costs more than a twinkie? He had no response.

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17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

A world about HSAs. They're a joke. High deductibles, administrative fees, long list of uncovered items, impossible to get list of fee prior to services, and very little interest paid on the savings side. Premiums escalate every year. In my case between deductible and premiums it will cost me $6,000 out of pocket before the HSA pays a dime.

What puzzles me is why a doctor's office will accept a 50 to 70% discount for its billed services for insured patients, but refuses to discount or arrange a payment plan for patient's without insurance.

17 years ago @ Change.gov - Change.gov: The Obama-... · 0 replies · +1 points

Many countries have healthcare technology on par with ours. The big difference is their citizens can afford it and have ready access. Should I need to see a specialist not on my plan, I couldn't afford the office fee. In fact, I'm not sure I can afford the fee of a specialist on my plan.

Where are price controls? Where is the recognition that companies shouldn't be allowed to charge any thing they want, with no requirement that they justify costs. If our healthcare crisis were a hurricane and people get caught jacking up the price of water from $2 to $10 a gallon, they go to JAIL. It's considered criminal. So why isn't it criminal for helath insurance companies to keep jacking up prices, reduce coverage and deny payment? Meanwhile, CEOS and other senior managers take home salaries, bonuses and percs that rival the GDP of small nations? Why are pharmaceutical companies allow to charge $5,000 and more for a single injection. How ironic that many of these high priced drugs are deadlier than the conditions they treat.

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