[Rhodes22-list] Could I Have Another Helping of Big Government, Please?

[Robert Skinner]

Herb, I would agree with some of what you say, but:

The lower cost of drugs in Canada is largely the 
result of the Canadian government bargaining with 
drug companies in behalf of their citizens.  Note 
that the drug companies have not stopped selling in 
Canada, so they must still be making a profit, just 
not as much as in the USA where the individual or 
insurance company does not have the bargaining 
power of a government.

As to budgeting $2500 for health care:

in an ideal world, everyone would have that kind
of reserves.  In this world, many do not, or are
not foresighted enough to do so.  "Evolution in 
action."  Perfectly reasonable, right?

At one point the best policy I could get as an 
individual in Maine cost $5000 a year and had a 
$2000 deductable.  The insurance company did not 
loose money on me.  Then I got a part-time job at 
a major US company, and I paid about $1500 a year 
for a policy with a $200 deductable.  

I asked, and was told that the company did not 
subsidize part timer's insurance, but was able to 
use its bargaining power to get the price down.  
Again, I note that it was bargaining power that 
made the difference.

My point is that the insurance companies and 
drug companies are still able to make a profit 
with much-reduced prices or terms when pushed.  
They enjoy a substantial advantage when dealing 
with an individual, and exploit it beyond the 
point supported by manufacturing costs or 
actuarial gymnastics.

That, sir, is a strong argument for collective 
bargaining in a capitalist economy.  Sort of a
socialist-capitalist amalgum where everybody wins.
Almost funny, wouldn't you say?

Perhaps that is worthy of consideration?

/Robert
------------------------------------------------------
Herb Parsons wrote:
> 
> This is almost funny in it's socialst leanings. Sorry, I know you find
> that offensive, but here's an example:
> 
> =====
> As a country we spend 17 percent of our GDP on health care, the highest
> in the developed world. Ironically, we're not the healthiest nation,
> judging by our lagging numbers in life expectancy, infant mortality or
> other similar variables. Doesn't our government owe us an explanation?
> =====
> 
> Why??? Why would our government "owe us an explanation" for our health?
> Are they forcing the french fries down our throats? Are they requiring
> that we buy 3 televisions per home and assorted "get off your feet on on
> your butts" gadgets to go with them?
> 
> Well, of course, if you wan to live in a nanny state, then obvioiusly
> the government would owe us an explanation for what we're doing to
> ourselves.
> 
> And, the author is dishonest in his implications:
> 
> =====
> Then how do you explain our Maine patients going to Canada in truckloads
> to buy prescription drugs?
> -----
> Because the government in Canada forces the prescription drugs to be
> cheaper, and often subsidizes them.
> -----
> -----
> Or some insurance companies booking Uncle Leland's kidney transplants in
> India?
> -----
> For the same reason Uncle Bill ishiring out all his technical support to
> India, because it's cheaper. Do a quick survey amongst those that USE
> those services, see if they're "better"
> =====
> And to call McCain a "hypocrite" because he has taken advantage of
> "government run health-care" (through his father's and his military
> service" is the height of deception. He wasn't a freeloader, he wasn't
> participating in socilaized medicine. He was taking advantage of an
> employer offered health care system.
> 
> =====
> as a nation, we find no trouble with Disney making $1 billion a year
> from Hannah Montana musicals
> ----
> You got it bubba, as long as Disney isn't making that $1 billion by
> coercing the government to force people to spend the money. It's called
> capitalism. It's a good thing,.
> 
> By the way, anyone that has kids and doesn't budget spending $2500 in
> health care isn't facing reality. So, he hasn't met his deductible for,
> which means this surgery would cost him out of pocket. Fine, wait until
> later in the year when more of the deductable's been met, or next year
> 
> Do you REALLY consider this sort of tripe hones reporting?
> 
> Robert Skinner wrote:
> > Presented for your contemplation:
> >
> >   http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=184803&ac=PHedi
> >
> > /Robert
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
> >
> >
> >
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list

-- 
Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."