To cure our ills

I will now step onto my proverbial soap box and begin to preach.  

This is a topic of great debate in America and has been since Bill and Hillary were president years ago.

Universal Health Care.

There is a problem in America's health care system...if you don't have health insurance, you face insurmountable obstacles if you become very ill.

There is coverage for most of the poor, it is called  The Medicaid Program.  The Federal Government oversees the program, but it is up to the states to carry it out.  States may also make some changes and add their own rules regarding eligibility.  It is a complex system.

Most people feel that as a world super power and one of the richest countries in the world, America should have no uninsured citizens.  America is one of the few countries that does not have a universal health care system in place.  Why? 

Cost.

We allow capitalism to dictate the basic cost of health care.  However, costs do have an artificial ceiling.  Most health care facilities and providers will accept a predetermined amount from insurance companies and government agencies.  This amount is considered the customary or 'going rate' (a sort of average).  For those without insurance, the cost can actually be quite a bit lower, IF they can pay their bill on demand.  If not, they may be forced to sell assets to cover the cost of their care.  Or make payments if allowed.  Hence, the possibility of bankruptcy.

I have personally never been without insurance.  As a child and student, I was covered by my father's.  As an adult, either my wife or I have always been employed by companies that either provide a discounted plan or pay for our premiums.  We have accepted positions before, based on the insurance plans offered.

Although I have always had coverage, the deductibles (my out of pocket share), co-pays at office visits and prescription amounts have certainly varied from plan to plan.  We average (once deductibles and discount premiums are met), about $2,000 per year in medical expenses.  The attention we get is first rate.  I hope it continues.  I am willing to pay what I do for the coverage we have.  I also pray I can continue to afford it.

Now, what about every one else, like two of my sisters that are self employed and cant afford insurance?  One of them had thyroid cancer.  She went to a teaching hospital for surgery and treatment.  There, she was given about $60,000 (1992) worth of care...at no cost to her.

I don't know if this is the norm, but, it seems that there is help out there.

With that said, I do believe more should be done to help control the ever raising costs of medicine.  We can't wait for the medical providers to lower their fees or insurance companies to give deep discounts.  The government seems to be where every one is turning to for answers.  I find that very unsettling.  If the changes that will surely come cause my care to go down, even a tad, then I hope they leave it alone.

If the government does take charge, I have an idea how to pay for it.

Taxes.  Novel idea, I know.  But what to tax?  Smokers, they already pay about $3 for every pack smoked in some areas.  "Tax 'em cause they increase the burden on the health system", they say.  That hasn't done it yet.  The drinkers pay allot too.  So the Clinton's idea of a 'Sin Tax' was kicked around years ago.  The problem was it had too narrow a field of vision.  Had they taken off their blinders, it would be very clear where the most 'sin' is.  

Gluttony.

In the U. S., the fastest growing disease is Type 2 Diabetes.  It is most commonly caused by obesity.  This is discussed as an epidemic among all age groups of Americans.  As outlined by the Federal Government, the daily caloric intake for an adult male is about 2500 calories and 2000 for women.  Anything more can easily turn to unwanted weight on an under active person.  Along with these guidelines is that only 3 grams of fat per 100 calories is acceptable, any more is considered excess.  If you want to fund a National Health Care Program, tax all consumables that are considered unhealthy.  If it has more than 30% of it's calories from fat or over 45%-60% of calories from carbs, then tax the daylights out of it.  By consuming excess amounts of these foods, one will eventually become unhealthy.  Overeating causes obesity, heart disease, diabetes, it aggravates gastric problems, arthritis and even mental health.  This is not an opinion, it is fact.  This is exactly the way to pay for health care and charge those who are a burden on the health care system.  

I hope this post can help stir an interest in a grass roots movement in enlightening people in ways to spend less on health care, either through a healthy lifestyle or by spending more for unhealthy appetites.

If you find any mistakes in numbers or claims, please let me know.  I want only to make a positive statement.