taxes and health care

[Schneed10]

It should be noted that the word "universal" does not mean universal coverage. It means it covers all citizens.

It absolutely does not mean all medical expenses would be covered. To make universal coverage remotely feasible from a financial perspective the coverage would have to be akin to what Medicaid HMOs currently provide (ie, terrible). You'd be hard pressed to get coverage for elective (non-emergency) surgeries.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

You'd be hard pressed to get coverage for elective (non-emergency) surgeries.

What kinds of surgeries are these?

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

What kinds of surgeries are these?

Angioplasties to clear a blocked artery. Pacemaker implants to regulate an irregular heartbeat. Gastric Bypass and Lapband surgeries for obesity. And many many more.

Some HMOs out there deny coverage for some of these types of procedures. Which is semi-retarded because many of them prevent more costly treatment down the road.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Angioplasties to clear a blocked artery. Pacemaker implants to regulate an irregular heartbeat. Gastric Bypass and Lapband surgeries for obesity. And many many more.

Some HMOs out there deny coverage for some of these types of procedures. Which is semi-retarded because many of them prevent more costly treatment down the road.

Is the theory that most employees won't be working for a company and won't have that same insurance when the repurcussions come to pass? So insurers don't want to pay for preventative measures that some other insurance company will enjoy someday? Or are they simply obtuse?