Health insurance companies

[Anotherkiwi]

BC, AK

You both seem to be on the idea that healthcare is a right. You should understand that everyone doesn't believe that to be the case. The majority of Americans still do not believe that it is a right. Just because you live in a country that has a nationalized system doesn't mean it is "better". There is no perfect system, that is certain. 

It's not necessarily that "healthcare" is a right, but good health certainly is, whether or not it's stated in any document.  We just happen to believe that our way allows good health to be available to everyone.

Healthcare is no more of a right than is eating, home repair, having a home, dry cleaning or anything else where you purchase goods or services. In America, our rights are what is laid out in the Constitution. I realize the U.S. constitution means dick in NZ or Italy. It is a different mindset. I'm not saying either is right or wrong, just is, what it is.

That said, The majority of Americans would embrace (IMHO) a nationalized healthcare system if it was not the political football that it is and out of the reach of the government and not forced down the throats of taxpayers. Most Americans do want wish to see people suffer from lack of healthcare but, there could be another way of providing healthcare rather than on the backs of the taxpayers. What is the answer? I do not know but, it isn't Obamacare as that becomes more evident daily.

I'm glad that you agree that a nationalised system is preferable, but I also think that your country is so far down its chosen track that you have no chance of being able to implement such a system.  As for providing a system "rather than on the backs of the taxpayers," I don't see how that could be possible other than by a totally private system such as you have now.  Our point is that people in our countries expect to pay for healthcare through their taxes, and are quite happy to do so.  Our costs are way below yours - even though I had travel insurance during my one and only visit to the USA, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that nothing medical happened while I was there.

[Faux Pas]

I'm glad that you agree that a nationalised system is preferable, but I also think that your country is so far down its chosen track that you have no chance of being able to implement such a system.  As for providing a system "rather than on the backs of the taxpayers," I don't see how that could be possible other than by a totally private system such as you have now.  Our point is that people in our countries expect to pay for healthcare through their taxes, and are quite happy to do so.  Our costs are way below yours - even though I had travel insurance during my one and only visit to the USA, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that nothing medical happened while I was there.

There is certainly a workable system that could provide a level of healthcare to all citizens. Likely, not the level that is currently available for what most who have it already pay. Here is some things to consider, on one side nearly half of the tax payers actually pay no tax at all. They can't magically, suddenly just start paying their "tax" for healthcare. The other side are those that do pay taxes and pay for healthcare. Their dilemma will be to pay more "tax" for less healthcare.

The Obamacare is not sustainable. It was a hurriedly thrown together by politicians for political points. It was not designed to provide healthcare for everyone. It was designed to surrender our entire healthcare system to the federal government. This is the same government that took over a Las Vegas brothel and could not turn a profit. What Obamacare will likely accomplish is to crush the current system, further bankrupt the nation and provide minimal standard healthcare to most except the elitist, the very wealthy, the members of the Senate and Congress. It's not about healthcare. It's about political control

[GQBlues]

It's not necessarily that "healthcare" is a right, but good health certainly is, whether or not it's stated in any document.  We just happen to believe that our way allows good health to be available to everyone...

Good health and living have nothing whatsoever to do with healthcare/medical coverages. Good health starts with proper nutrition and proper living. More than half of our population isn't exactly observant of this very basic ideals, and rather coincidentally enough, these very sector of our society takes advantage of the already available MEDICAID. They are the 'alleged' *uninsured*.
 
The Feds oversees our postal system, our tax systems, our education department, etc. They're bankrupt and in a mess. Now they want to take over our healthcare system, too. Great! Like those cited above - we're about to get screwed all over again.
 
AK, I'm not really quite sure why you and others have this silly need to tell/opine something about a country you do not live on, and likely would not have  any significant idea or understanding what life is actually like with us. Like you in New Zealand and the rest of New Zealanders, Americans have their own core values, and that is to be independent and strive to make something of our ourselves based on our own faculties and accord. Government reliance was never a part of this country's legacy. That's just *us*. It is what used to make Americans what they were and what made America what it is. New Zealander, Australians, Canadians, etc...are what they are. More power to you/them.
 
Look back the last 60-70 years at every country, with its respective systems intact, and simply understand which of these countries was far more influential AND HELPFUL, in our global community and leave it at that. You keep comparing one from the other and it really is mystifying. So, what exactly have New Zealand contributed to our global community for you to hold its greatness above all?
 
I'm happy you're happy to be and living in New Zealand. Do you mind allowing us to feel the same about us and ours?

[pokerintherear]

Good health and living have nothing whatsoever to do with healthcare/medical coverages. Good health starts with proper nutrition and proper living. More than half of our population isn't exactly observant of this very basic ideals, and rather coincidentally enough, these very sector of our society takes advantage of the already available MEDICAID. They are the 'alleged' *uninsured*.
 
The Feds oversees our postal system, our tax systems, our education department, etc. They're bankrupt and in a mess. Now they want to take over our healthcare system, too. Great! Like those cited above - we're about to get screwed all over again.
 
AK, I'm not really quite sure why you and others have this silly need to tell/opine something about a country you do not live on, and likely would not have  any significant idea or understanding what life is actually like with us. Like you in New Zealand and the rest of New Zealanders, Americans have their own core values, and that is to be independent and strive to make something of our ourselves based on our own faculties and accord. Government reliance was never a part of this country's legacy. That's just *us*. It is what used to make Americans what they were and what made America what it is. New Zealander, Australians, Canadians, etc...are what they are. More power to you/them.
 
Look back the last 60-70 years at every country, with its respective systems intact, and simply understand which of these countries was far more influential AND HELPFUL, in our global community and leave it at that. You keep comparing one from the other and it really is mystifying. So, what exactly have New Zealand contributed to our global community for you to hold its greatness above all?
 
I'm happy you're happy to be and living in New Zealand. Do you mind allowing us to feel the same about us and ours?

Well as hard as it is to say this is a good post. Its hard to say because you have been such a "turd" the last couple of months.

As for as the healthcare debacle. All I can say is when I'm hurt  or ill I just want to go to the doctor. Thats all!!  I dont think it requires a 2000 page law to do this. Actually if you sit back and think about it..... it is ridiculous. If government would get out of the way I have no doubt I could go to my local clinic and have almost anything done I needed and pay the receptionist with cash and be done.

[TS]

Small population countries like Norway, New Zealand, Austrailia, and Canada, etc are easier for governments to manager than large population countries like China and USA.  Even China lets 70% of their citizens live below poverty. 
 
USA currently can not afford to give everyone great healthcare. 
 

[Faux Pas]

Even the "enforcers" of Obamacare want no part of it or rather, having to use it.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/irs-chief-i-want-keep-my-health-care-plan-not-switch-obamacare_742429.html