Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - cost of health care up close and personal

jorgelito · 04-09-2005, 04:59 PM

So does anyone have a handle on our (US) healthcare industry? I want to get a clear picture (as possible) so maybe we can have a meaningful debate. Seems to be alot of information and misinformation.

Here's what I know or think I know (Please add or correct the info as necessary).

1. US pays the most for health care (our govt.) - versus other countries
2. Doctors say they aren't getting paid enough
3. Patients say costs are too high
4. Certain lobbyists complain malpractice insurance is too high
5. Certain lobbyists say we are too litigious (But are we really?) which drives up insurance.
6. Hospitals complain of staff shortage
7. Others complain of too much labor

So, which is it? These "facts" seem to contradict each other

What are the real factors driving up costs? Is it litigation? DO detractors not think litigation is warranted? Where's the accountability then?

From personal expreience, I believe there is definitely major, major staff shortage. I could never understand this (I live in California where there is an acute nurse and staff shortage)

If doctors complain they're not getting paid enough and patients complain costs are too high, then where is the equilibrium? Or is the "middleman" to blame (insurance companies).

Are the insurance companies really not making enough profit like they're always crying about? I don't kow, but I suspect it to be like oil companies: You'll always make a profit, just depends how much is enough I suppose...

One thing's for certain, NO ONE (doctors, patients, nurses, hospitals, govt., people) is happy with the current situation except maybe the insurance companies who I am not convinced are losing money.

Another thing's for certain: Costs will definitely increase as someone noted before, as the baby boomers get older and start "paying" for their unhealthy lifestyles (obesity up for example, etc) or rather, we start paying for their unhealthy lifestyles. Preventative care MUST be part of a solution, I don't think anyone group can bear the costs of reactive care. It doesn't seem to make economic sense.

I think this is an unavoidable issue that needs to be addressed.

Can any one crunch the numbers or can add or dispute what I am saying? What d'y'all think?

*EDIT* I don't mean to come off as anti-insurance industry: My opinion is based on second-hand info and anecdotal evidence.

It would be really great if someone who works in health insurance could lend some perspective to this discussion and help clear the air.

04-09-2005, 04:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	So does anyone have a handle on our (US) healthcare industry? I want to get a clear picture (as possible) so maybe we can have a meaningful debate. Seems to be alot of information and misinformation. Here's what I know or think I know (Please add or correct the info as necessary). 1. US pays the most for health care (our govt.) - versus other countries 2. Doctors say they aren't getting paid enough 3. Patients say costs are too high 4. Certain lobbyists complain malpractice insurance is too high 5. Certain lobbyists say we are too litigious (But are we really?) which drives up insurance. 6. Hospitals complain of staff shortage 7. Others complain of too much labor So, which is it? These "facts" seem to contradict each other What are the real factors driving up costs? Is it litigation? DO detractors not think litigation is warranted? Where's the accountability then? From personal expreience, I believe there is definitely major, major staff shortage. I could never understand this (I live in California where there is an acute nurse and staff shortage) If doctors complain they're not getting paid enough and patients complain costs are too high, then where is the equilibrium? Or is the "middleman" to blame (insurance companies). Are the insurance companies really not making enough profit like they're always crying about? I don't kow, but I suspect it to be like oil companies: You'll always make a profit, just depends how much is enough I suppose... One thing's for certain, NO ONE (doctors, patients, nurses, hospitals, govt., people) is happy with the current situation except maybe the insurance companies who I am not convinced are losing money. Another thing's for certain: Costs will definitely increase as someone noted before, as the baby boomers get older and start "paying" for their unhealthy lifestyles (obesity up for example, etc) or rather, we start paying for their unhealthy lifestyles. Preventative care MUST be part of a solution, I don't think anyone group can bear the costs of reactive care. It doesn't seem to make economic sense. I think this is an unavoidable issue that needs to be addressed. Can any one crunch the numbers or can add or dispute what I am saying? What d'y'all think? EDIT I don't mean to come off as anti-insurance industry: My opinion is based on second-hand info and anecdotal evidence. It would be really great if someone who works in health insurance could lend some perspective to this discussion and help clear the air. Last edited by jorgelito; 04-09-2005 at 05:02 PM..