Amazing how much lifesaving meds are overpriced in the US

[Eric Sedletzky]

We'd definitely be better off with a single payer system. It 's just not going to happen.

It’s not going to happen for many reasons. We have too much poverty in the US (not enough people paying in), we have one of the most chronically ill populations on the planet (overload on the system), the current litigation culture in the US makes it way too top heavy, the insurance industry as a whole has way too much power just to be eliminated overnight, and overall there is just too much greed.

 

[kinoons]

It’s not going to happen for many reasons. We have too much poverty in the US (not enough people paying in), we have one of the most chronically ill populations on the planet (overload on the system), the current litigation culture in the US makes it way too top heavy, the insurance industry as a whole has way too much power just to be eliminated overnight, and overall there is just too much greed.

Along with the fact we pay far more for not nearly as good of outcomes. We value specialists who “do” things instead of primary care and wellness.

Before anyone even thinks of going single payer, the healthcare system as a whole needs a complete revamp. Get the cost down, keep people well, then we can discuss how to pay for it.

Right now I absolutely do not want single payer that just continues the **** system we have.

 

[kinoons]

And most people do not have those coveted gov jobs. Most jobs exist in private sector and many are Wal Mart type jobs. So, no, most Americans indeed do NOT have good health insurance.

I work for a large physician group and my health insurance isn’t that good at all.

 

[tridacna]

Aah. The dreaded RVU. Compensation based on how much you can bill - not patient outcomes.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Along with the fact we pay far more for not nearly as good of outcomes. We value specialists who “do” things instead of primary care and wellness.

Before anyone even things of going single payer, the healthcare system as a whole needs a complete revamp. Get the cost down, keep people well, then we can discuss how to pay for it.

Right now I absolutely do not want single payer that just continues the **** system we have.

If you want to know why things are the way they are and will never change? just follow the money.

 

[Blackcrusader]

It’s not going to happen for many reasons. We have too much poverty in the US (not enough people paying in), we have one of the most chronically ill populations on the planet (overload on the system), the current litigation culture in the US makes it way too top heavy, the insurance industry as a whole has way too much power just to be eliminated overnight, and overall there is just too much greed.

In Taiwan it is compulsory that everyone pays in even the unemployed. Even still the system ran at a loss to the government. Last year Taiwan government had record tax receipts and one of the things it did was to put funds into the healthcare system rather than raise contributions.

 

[Blackcrusader]

Not those in gov. (Inc fire, police etc). Yes to those at Walmart. I’m sure you’re right. I’d like to see those numbers though. I personally pay $1,500/month for a sh1tty Obamacare plan.

Well I pay around US$60 a month and that is paid through my company. When Americans move to Taiwan they are simply flabbergasted how cheap and how good medical services are in Taiwan. Everyone is covered by law. You cannot opt out of the health care system here.
NHI in Taiwan of course does not cover everything so private insurance is also good to have but most people do not use that. So if I had needed an O2 hyperbaric chamber treatment that is not covered.

I did a PFO heart stress test to make sure I don't have any holes in my heart. Cost under NHI US$12.

Going tech - Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) testing?

Im not sure that’s accurate. TCD can't separate a pulmonary from a cardiac shunt - except that the injected bubble load is rather small so less likely to pass the lungs unless its a dramatic shunt. But here are some guidelines and discussion on possibly differentiating these two shunt types...

scubaboard.com

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

In Taiwan it is compulsory that everyone pays in even the unemployed. Even still the system ran at a loss to the government. Last year Taiwan government had record tax receipts and one of the things it did was to put funds into the healthcare system rather than raise contributions.

If the leadership in the US would just realize that a healthy population means a productive and happy population. Instead they cater to large industries that suck the life out of the population for their own gain and give the politicians a huge kickback in the form of campaign contributions.

 

[Joneill]

If the leadership in the US would just realize that a healthy population means a productive and happy population. Instead they cater to large industries that suck the life out of the population for their own gain and give the politicians a huge kickback in the form of campaign contributions.

Not defending high drug prices (and health care costs n general) at all - but cheaper drugs is not the way to a healthy population! For many, simple lifestyle changes and willpower are! Have you looked around? Folks here want to stuff their faces, not exercise and then take a pill to address the resultant obesity and associated health issues - no personal accountability!

 

[tridacna]