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Do you think the Supreme Court made the right decision upholding "Obamacare"? (Everyone must now carry insurance.)
Chuck Ford
Sales Rep
"It's about time, though I'd rather have single payer."
Peggy Way
Licensed Insurance Agent
"I feel individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare, not the government."
Dr. Craig Dinger
Family Physician
"Anything that allows people to get affordable healthcare is a step in the right direction."
Sidney R. Hawk
Hometown Nurse
"Yes, I'm glad they upheld it. I just wish they would have gone with a single payer system."
Dave Teigen
Insurance Agent and Pilot
"Something needed to be done, I don't know if "Obamacare" is the answer."
Beth McCullough
THE Small Town Pharmacist
"Y E S ! ! !"
Comments
The purpose of government is to keep a military in tip top shape, create laws as needed, and to make sure the Supreme Court Judges uphold our Constitution. It is NOT to feed the poor or to provide free health care. That is the churches job. Don't bother with church you say? Maybe if you did, like Wild Flowers or others that help people, there would be no need for our corrupt government to waste money.
My partner and I are both Veterans and have our needs taken care of at the Fayetteville VA. Call it 'socialized medicine' if you wish, but by golly we have excellent care in Fayetteville. It you aren't familiar with the hospital, a huge expansion of the facility has just been completed.
Our health care and medications and excellent, and meds are greatly reduced due to the buying power of the VA system all over the country. It is a 'perk' that we veterans enjoy for having served our country.
Prospector
President Obama is trying to help all citizens have affordable health care. Do you think a Republican President would? Think about it.
Prospector
Thank you Dr.Craig. As a veteran, I have coverage at the VA in Fayetteville. Do you know if we veterans will be exempted from subscring to the national healthcare program that this great President is proposing? There are a lot of poor people that need some kind of health care in the USA.
Prospector
It will be interesting to see the responses, once this disaster is in place. I Hope no one regrets their answer, when they have the govenment decide their fate with respect to care or have the death panel appplied. They must also be prepared for the 3.5% tax applied with each property they list for sale. Medicare tax will triple by 2014. Eureka Springs has a large population that is uninformed.
To the Prospector: My husband is a veteran (twice over), and he cannot get the medication that is prescribed by private doctors because of patents. The VA will only prescribe and authorize the older versions of what his private doctor prescribes. These medications are not as effective. Anything free is just that...free, but not as good.
To Ms. Peggy Way - with all due respect, some people cannot afford expensive insurance for health care. My partner and I are Veterans, and the VA in Fayetteville is an excellent hospital. Hundreds of thousands of $$ have been spent to expand the hospital for we veterans. We all need health care. Call if 'socilaized medicine' or whatever, but our President is trying his best to halp all citizens of the USA
Prospector
To Mr.Teigen - The President is trying to help all citizens of this country. Regardless of political party, all US citizens need affordable healthcare. To tag this as "Obamacare" is a real slap in the face of a great president, who is trying his best to help all Americans. After 8 years of Bush and Cheney, no wonder the country is in such a mess.
Prospector
To Rockpiler - Look, some poor people in this country need some help. I am a veteran and have excellent care at the VA in Fayetteville. Call it 'socialized medicine' or whatever, all US citizens need some help.
I respect your thoughts, but face it, many Americans cannot afford to pay high prices for health care or medications.
Prospector
I'd be much more frightened of "Churchcare" as proposed by Rockpile. Churches are private entities who can pick and choose who they help. Yes, Jesus said a lot of things about helping people whether or not you like or agree with what they say or do. However, many churches today, especially fundie ones, have their noses so deep into the Old Testament that Jesus' true teachings are 'in the back pew'. They have forgotten/ignored what Jesus said about forgiveness, loving your neighbor, taking the log out of your eye, and the Good Samaritan. For example, I am a Wiccan and a lesbian. How much help could I depend on from your church, Rockpile? How much evangelizing would I have to endure? If I had a problem pregnancy or delivery (Yes, some of "us" do raise a family) that put my life in danger, would your church kill me to save the infant? Would "Thou shall not suffer a witch to live" become established medical policy? Would I have to swear to uphold your church's dogma to get care? The answers to those questions will likely explain why government needs to be involved. When the health and welfare of people depends on charity, especially from religious organizations, then our freedom of speech and freedom of religion go out the window. That's a big part of why conservatives and Christianist radicals are so opposed to governmental health and welfare programs. Despite what they say, they are not doing this to preserve individual rights at all; they want a "hammer" to force everyone to act and believe exactly as they do. That's why they want to make people totally dependent on private sources for medical care. How could you resist "going over" to them when your child is gravely ill and the ER people tell you that you must confess your "sins" and accept Christ (not Jesus; the Christ is a different entity) as your "personal Savior" in order to get life saving care for your child.
I'm with the Doc - "Anything that allows people to get affordable healthcare is a step in the right direction."
I notice that the health care professionals who answered this question all responded "yes." Although I, too, would prefer a single payer system (the one being promoted by health care professionals around the US), I feel that the Affordable Health Care Plan is a definite step in the right direction. We are the only "modern" country without some type of universal health care, and look at our high newborn death rate, look at our high incidence of using the ER for health emergencies that could have been inexpensively prevented if the patient had had insurance. Republic and Democratic presidents since FDR have all wanted universal health care--and we finally are on the right track. Let's quit cackling about it and get on with it.
any legislation passed by congress generally has portions changed either by deletion or additions. So it will be with Obamacare!
All of the doctors in the upper age bracket tell me that they can afford to retire and will as soon as BOcare is enacted. This will leave a large shortage of physicians, and the new doctors bieng trained (which are going to be fewer because of government intervention)) are not going to be trained in life saving as much as in "sustain life only if necessary and benefictial to society". They will be trained in operating on a "bottom Line" with very little care for the patient, because that is what government does.
To Prospector: I resent the statement that a church would want to know your affiliation before helping you....mine doesn't. The next time that you need assistance, what does your affilitaion tell you or another faith? What is the belief of a Wiccan, and who is your savior?
As an American who's lived on Canada for four years, with a wife who has had several health issues and having two children here, I can confidently say that any step in the direction of government funded healthcare for an entire population is disconcerting at the very least. I did not always hold this opinion, not until I had experience both. With government involvement comes working to rule and less pay, equalling more demand on the system and less people to run it; less doctors and more patients, more problems and less attention to them. I paid less for health insurance in the US than I shell out for it my taxes here, and still the system here in Canada is failing. It won't happen immediately, but it will happen. Even if it did cost more to care for my family in the US I would gladly pay rather than wait in line for 7 hours in a packed ER behind 30 with a cold, all because there's too few doctors and too many people abusing free coverage.
To Prospector: This is a bit off the subject but I think it important not to twist things out of their context in order to attack well-meaning people acting on their own faith based convictions that the Church should care for those in need. Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a sorceress to live" under Old Testament law, which we no longer are. The original Hebrew manuscript uses the word m'khashepah, meaning one who uses verbal spells to cause injury or death to other people. And let's not be absurd, no one is going to deny a child's life for proclamation of faith. Christians must love those of Wiccan and gay communities just the same, and that is why they evangelize, out of concern.
To Eurekan Abroad....Well said.
My apologies Prospector, I believe my last comment was meant for firediva. I do not frequent this forum and did not properly interpret the posting format.
Sounds as if Eurekan Abroad didn't experience denial of service as I did in 2000 after contracting pneumonia. They paid the claim then dropped me. I could get no other coverage at age 57 after being denied by a major insurance company. I had paid premiums of %600 a month for a few years. Used it the first time and they dropped me.
.
That was our old system. The old system, in 2007. required that I wait six hours and 30 min in Washington Regional ER, Fayetteville, on a Friday afternoon for someone to check on my lung infection. No private practice Mds were available for an office call.
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Under Affordable Care Act being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition.
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The U.S.A. has been spending more than any other developed nation (per capita) on health care yet we remain ranked at 18th in services delivered. ACA is simply one step in the right direction.
Like many others I would prefer a single payer like the Medicare I now enjoy.
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Before some of you insurance company hacks tell me Medicare is unsustainable because we're spending too much on it first tell me how much is taken in each month in worker contributions and then tell me how much 45 million retirees and disabled are paying into Medicare each month. Don't tell me, like a dishonest politician, just how much we're spending.
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I'm sorry for your unfair situation eLWood. I must make it clear that I do support portions of this bill. Insurance companies make absurd profits and can afford to open up their doors a little. Cracking down on policies that fatten the fat and leave the dying for dead gets a salute from me. I just have grave concerns for what seems to be the immenant evolution of government run healthcare. When my wife became I'll she had to be rushed by ambulance to the hospital after loosing her sight, hearing, and ability to properly breathe on her own, where she was left on a stretcher in the hall vomitting and suffering heart attack symptoms for an hour before a doctor could see her. Once he did see her he told her it was likely a migraine, that it would pass and that she should go home. Thank the Lord that a visiting heart specialist saw her ECG report and admitted her to ICU, where a condition was revealed that had been overlooked by 6 other overworked doctors. Even still she had to wait months to get into the only heart MRI unit in the province. This is what happens to government run healthcare.
Global health service placements are all over the place, ranking different countries at different levels. Ironically the lists that have the US so low are mostly formed by AmerIvan University students. I'm here to tell you that Canada's service does not rank 14 levels over the US like some of those sources say. We look forward to our return home, medical bills and all.
I bowed to my Eureka friends last election and supported their voting right to be a part of history and elect the first black non-citizen U.S. President. Even though I really didn't believe he was truly U.S. born, I still chastised others to give the man a chance, give him time and a little flexibility too. I wanted to be fair. Almost immediately I saw changes in healthcare at the Veteran's Hospital in Fayetteville. They have almost literally killed me twice and the most recent time resulted in an investigation by two Congressmen, one from each party. I have many friends that work within that system, and there are many caring people at the V.A. there. There are also many professionals that know what they are doing. The problem is leadership though, and regardless if it's the V. A., Obmacare, or RomneyCare, it all still boils down to whether or not we can be taxed on anything that supports an agenda the politicians (from either party) may have. The Republican Supreme Court justice who sold his country down the river for a personal agenda will someday live to regret that move if ObamaCare becomes a reality simply because people are either uninformed, or they want to live a pipe dream and they are putting too much trust in a President who is hardly known, as was the case when he was elected, simply because ignorant people wanted to be a part of making history. Well that part of history cannot be unwritten because it is history. Our future history will tell another story and every single voter better wake up when it comes election time. Obamacare may be a part of history that your grandchildren or great grandchildren will not even be able to read about simply because the world may cease to exist as we know it. I would have liked to seen President Obama prove all the skeptics wrong, but to date he has only succeeded in dividing this country even more and put everyone on edge with the uncertainty of a tomorrow that benefits us all as God fearing, loving Americans.
Wow Arkansawhillbilly! Let me see if I understand this. As soon as Obama was elected the VA Hospital in Fayetteville started trying to kill you?! Does that mean that before Obama was elected they took good care of you at the VA? If that is the case, you should think twice about going there for your health care, since the VA medical system is the only true "socialist" medical care in this country. Also interesting that the VA medical system consistently gets overall very high marks from it's customers.
By the way, we are not all "God fearing".
LMAO! Jetman, Yes you understand it, but I can tell by your typical response that your "democrat" roots are bursting at the seams. I don't and never have used the V. A. for my exclusive primary health care, but I am not the only one that noticed the change in several things at the V. A. within months of Pres. Obama being elected. Contrary to what you may believe, I really don't need your advice as to whether or not I think twice about using them. It's a matter of choice, and regardless of any "survey" or declaration of how high the marks are that you claim it gets from it's customers, I have laid in their "final" destination room twice on the 3rd floor in the last four years because of infections "they" were responsible for giving me during surgery and it was only by the grace of God, that I survived after several days of popping one vein after another as my body wore out from having several anti-biotics pumped through my system. It was the V.A. care givers, during those times that "informed" me I should make my final contacts with family and friends and perhaps call upon a higher power to seek a miracle. So go "WOW, Arkansawhillbilly" all you want, but unless you have laid in that special room designed for those they feel probably "won't" make it, you should boast your statistics to someone that is ignorant and perhaps someone that, as you put it, is not "God" fearing! Again, I stand by what I said earlier on the healthcare issue, and heed my words or not, as the ignorance of those that ignore the truth will only come back to haunt them! By the way Jetman, have you used the V.A. system since you got out of the military or did you serve at all?
Not that it is any of your business Arkansawhillbilly, but yes I did serve (in combat) and I do use the VA medical system. Also, I am not a Democrat, and never have been. Simply amazing that you have managed to figure out just exactly who I am from one short paragraph I wrote. That's a real gift you have there.
Well first let me apologize if I got off topic or offended anyone jetman. Not amazing that I figured out who you were from what you wrote, I just simply know people and am usually "right on" just from hearing/observing what they have to say and how they carry themselves in public. Profiling experience abound also enhances this "gift" as you call it, but I have been fooled before too. Such is life! Sometimes it helps when you already know a little about the person and their demeanor, attitude, etc... I'm happy that "your" experience with socialized medicine through the V. A. has been so good. I hope it stays that way and even gets better for all the Veteran's that use those services either by choice or as in most cases because they have no choice. I only asked if you served because I "thought" I knew who you were and "thought" you were a vet. Just confirming and placing myself in check before saying Thank You for your service. I don't know of any other Vet that would get offended by another Vet asking if they had served and you are right, it's none of my business and I apologize for asking. Obama care is just a step toward socialized medicine and more government control and for the record it does NOT have my support again for previous stated reasons!
Trust your instincts Arkansawhillbilly, no matter how jetman equivocates. If you read his comments in the blogs over the past months and years, it becomes clear that, despite his claim to never having been a Democrat, his political stance lies somewhere left of left of center, although he may prefer to be called a progressive or socialist. His saying he is not a Democrat is more along the lines of subterfuge, since he always lands squarely along the lines of thinking of today's Democrats, but hey, he's entitled to think however he thinks, as are we all.
Mrbliss, thank you for your post. I am quite familiar with jetman and others like him, and I don't (respectfully) mean that always in a bad way. If it walks, looks, or quacks like a duck, then more than likely it is a duck. I find many often deny who they are or what they are in order to justify their stance. Out of habit, I deal with facts. Things are what they are, and I don't deny them. Many know the truth, but it often doesn't fit their agenda or desire, and thus their denial. However, I certainly agree with your statement, he's entitled to think however he thinks, as are we all." I just "think" Obama care is "in the wrong direction!" Have a Great Day!
No offense taken Arkansawhillbilly and I intended none either. I am not a fan of Obamacare either, but primarily because it is a big fat gift to the insurance industry. 30 million new customers forced to purchase insurance from "for profit" insurance companies is not even remotely close to socialized medicine. In my opinion, the "for profit" insurance companies are the main problem with health care delivery in this country. We worry about the spectre of the government "rationing" health care, when the fact is, the insurance companies have been very effectively rationing health care for most of us for many years.
I apparently feel differently about the VA medical than you do, and that is fine.
Interesting to hear mrbliss opine that I am "left of left of center". No doubt I lean left on some social issues, but I lean right on most fiscal issues. I am pretty much a centrist at the end of the day. I am also intrigued that mrbliss feels my posts land squarely on the thinking of todays Democrats. Hmmm.....
I am pretty quick to take the devils advocate position when folks get to ranting about their ideology here, but can't think of any overtly "Democrat" positions I have espoused recently. I'm sure that it will be quickly pointed out if I have.
At any rate, you are both right that we are all entitled to think whatever we wish. For that I am grateful.
Peggy, I am in full agreement with you. To hand over our "rugged individualism" to a wasteful centralized government is ludicrous. I fear those who are members of the "something for nothing" crowd will not agree with me. To quote famous economist Milton Friedman, "if you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years, there would be a shortage of sand".
For firediva,,,,,my church? The Christian Church? (not the First Christian Church btw)
Have you bothered to ask for help? Do you qualify for medicaid? And your church. I assume you have a church since you are a wiccan. Does your church have a benevolence fund for helping those in need?
You have not cited you opinion making your opinion worthless. Don't worry, you are not alone. There are far too many people out there that have opinions they cannot support.
Yes indeed!!!!! I am a Veteran and drive to Fayetteville for the VA Hospital. Required medications are hugely reduced in price to the buying power of the VA. My partner and I have the same Doctor. He considered the choice of the local hospital, but the benefits from the VA are far superior. We are so fortunate to have him.
Carroll & Ken
In my posts regarding healthcare, I mis-spelled a few words. But at any rate. I highly support a national health care plan for those that cannot afford private care.
Carroll Heath
..and it begins...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/insi...
...and still further......
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/...
....we want our Karma served stale and cold please...
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/...
..we can push, shove, coerce the horse to let us ride free, but screw it, he can lay down and die....
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/health...
OMG...well...I personally do not have an AMER
ICAN president. I do not want the government in my business...will NOT take their FREE [mercury] filled vaccines...BTW...everyone who needs healthcare has always been able to get healthcare...etc medicaid?...I am also married to a VETERAN...talk about sad...talk about REALLY sad. I choose to swim against the current...and I choose liberty.
TO PROSPECTOR: If I recall...BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA ...had control of the house,senate and congress the first 2 years of his reign...pleeeeeez...I think we can confidently say...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE>>>>ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Good grief...you guys need a new line...the blame game is so worn out and yes I MISS PRESIDENT GWB...you betcha.