Re: OT Atlas Shrugged.

[JoeRaisin <JoeRaisin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert L Bass wrote:
> "JoeRaisin" wrote:
>>
>>> Absolutely agreed.  I got a kick out of one Republican senator's
>>> comment. He said he doesn't want a public option because he wants
>>> "choice".  Uh, yeah. :^)
>>
>> Once the government takes over, that's the only choice we will have.
>
> That's simply not true, Joe.  Medicare is a government run health
> program. But people eligible for Medicare are not required to use it nor
> have they been obstructed from choosing other options.
>

Currently those who qualify for the program but chose not to participate
do not have a penalty tax imposed upon them.  And, I'll let you research
for yourslf how the government is going to insure these penalties will
get paid because you won't believe me if I tell you.

And, frankly, if I were on medicare it better be because I don't HAVE
any other options to choose from.  That, IMHO is what a safety net is
all about... last house on the block and all that.

>> IMHO the better way to go would be to expand mediciad/medicare to take
>> care of those who cannot procure/afford health insurance through other
>> means.
>
> That is a government run health care *option* and it happens to be one
> which I also believe might be effective.
>

Medicare/medicaid isn't an "option", it is a safety net - one which I
believe currently has holes far too large.  I can't currently 'opt' to
go on medicare and cancel the coverage my employer offers - and I
shouldn't be able to.

>> That way 85% of the folks won't qualify for the government option
>> rather than having employers fobbing off their employees onto the
>> government simply because there is a financial incentive to do so.
>
> Don't be too sure about the percentages.  The idea is to set up an
> option that includes -- not excludes.
>

Which could more easily be done by expanding the existing
medicare/medicaid system to include those unable to get coverage
otherwise - either because they aren't employed, their employer doesn't
offer it or they have been excluded for a 'pre-existing condition'.

Rather than be an option that includes,not excludes, it should 'exclude'
those who have affordable (the definition of 'affordable' can be
debated) insurance available but opt not to participate.