Health insurance choices

[SHRED]

John Edwards advocates letting the American people buy into the Medicare system and be covered at any age.

He also advocates leaving the private sector insurance companies and having them compete in the marketplace with Medicare.

More choice.

I will support that.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

1. ...plus

Edwards is, so far, the only candidate who is discussing real issues and not taking the bait being held out by the MSM - Too bad that hardly no one is listening.

peace....


NOW!

[LWolf]

4. That's not true.

The "only" part. This early on, I hear so much about Edwards being the "only" this and that, which is patently false.

Dennis Kucinich has been discussing, and voting for, and introducing legislation on, and speaking out about, REAL issues since before Edwards spent his one term in the senate.

I could respect some of what Edwards has to say, as he is probably the 3rd best in the field on issues. I can't respect the "only" bullshit, though, and that right there cuts him out of any consideration from me.

It's true that few listen; you obviously haven't been listening, or you wouldn't have trotted out the "only" bullshit.

[bluethruandthru]

2. I'm sorry to say I've been rethinking my support of Edwards.

I saw Sicko earlier this week and it was quite a revelation. After seeing the film, I no longer want private, for profit, medical insurance companies in this country at all! I still like Edwards tremendously...but I wish he would take another look at his health care plan.

[rurallib]

3. here is the problem - No one except Kucinich talks one-payer

I simply cannot support Kucinich. Health care is issue 1A with me, but I must support who will at least get me close if not there. Edwards has the most comprehensive plan of all other candidates. Therefore I now support Edwards.
Were Gore to jump in I would need to evaluate his plan.
Of course there are the MSAs (medical savings accounts) being pushed by the Republican crowd. These seem to have a few minor flaws.

[bluethruandthru]

5. Kucinich was actually at the screening I was at.

It was the DC premiere of the movie and Michael Moore was there as well. He actually spoke to the crowd and said he wished Gore would get into the race! I'm glad this movie is coming out and everyone needs to see it. I think it will change alot of minds about what we, as a country, can do if we decide too. At this point, I don't want baby steps... we need a giant leap!

[jedicord]

7. A few flaws maybe if you're only twenty years old.

Many flaws exist if you are middle-aged, starting to need more tests, starting to feel your age, take regular prescriptions, and see the doctor on a regular basis.

The MSAs they tout are only "savings" plans if you don't use up the deductible. Any remaining amount would go into a "savings" plan that doesn't earn interest and you can't touch until you're 65, if you were to live that long. Sure your dependents could use that money as well, but who has a dependent at 65 besides a spouse (who hopefully lives that long)?

If you die before you're 65, any money from your "savings" plan goes...um...? To the corporation that has been using your money interest free all those years.

Of course the Republics like MSAs.

[tech3149]

6. You might reconsider your change of opinion

The health care and insurance industries have tremendous financial and lobbying influence and they will not go away without a fight. Hartmann interviewed Edwards a week or so ago and that was one point discussed. The approach is entirely pragmatic, but probably the most efficient to make the change. Allowing people to buy into a publicly-funded health care plan like Medicade will be the ultimate competition to for-profit providers. They will have no choice but to improve efficiency of service or tailor service to elective specialties. If you can't kill the 600 pound gorrila in the room, you can at least keep it out of reach.