Weighing in

There are few issues as divisive these days as the debate over health care. Socialized medicine, death panels, shouters. These phrases are bandied about by supporters and detractors of the current proposals floating around Congress. On the A Matter of Opinion blog last week, a lively debate over health care generated many comments, as posters representing a wide range of views argued over a number of points.

To see the full posting, check out Tuesday’s Loose Thread on A Matter of Opinion at spokesman.com.

Spoketucky: Why not use the VA model as an option for health care reform? I have personally used the VA system and am very impressed with their delivery of services. … The VA is allowed to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharm, unlike under the prescription drug bill, and saves billions in this manner. They enroll vets in tobacco abatement, weight loss and other preventive health programs to curb costs.

Spokelooneh: Just because our honored veterans can get quality health care at a low/no cost, and just because our honored senior citizens get quality health care coverage from the government, that doesn’t mean the rest of the citizenry should get that as well. What did they do to deserve quality health care coverage, hmmm?

Richard: Maybe there should be a provision – like with auto insurance – that everyone is required to have insurance for “devastating” conditions, accidents, diseases, etc. Those policies would not cover the “sniffles” or a sprained ankle. I have no idea, but I don’t know that it would be any more expensive than similar insurance for a car; but I know it would be less than the “Cadillac” health insurance plans that we seem to be quibbling about.

Nslopeofw: I don’t understand why anyone believes it’s a right to have cheap health care insurance. It’s not a right to get cheap auto insurance, it’s not a right to have a driver’s license, it’s not a right to get cheap food at the store. As with all “services,” you get what you pay for.

GaryDRhodes: Employer-based health care is probably going away. Buying a policy that you control without regard to employer is more sensible. Also, paying out of pocket for most health care is the wave of the future. If your employer paid into your tax-free account money you could keep if you stayed well, you would see healthier Americans.

Jeffrey_Grey: It seems to me that the time has come for some straightforward governmental regulation. I know this is anathema to some. … But I simply know of no other way to control the currently out-of-control profiteering, the mind-bogglingly absurd malpractice awards and the resultant “defensive medicine” that orders every test possible in an oft-times vain attempt to stave off the disaster of losing your shirt because of an innocent mistake.