Category Archives: universal care

Obama Administration tries to mollify doctors by teleconference, accuse dissenters of spreading myths.

On Aug 28, the Obama Administration hosted a nationwide call-in for physicians, in which more than 1,900 physicians participated. It was said to be “closed to the press” so that a “conversation” could occur.

Posted in health care reform, single payer health care, socialized medicine, universal care | 18 Comments

Myth 16. In countries with government-funded health care, people get immediate care in emergencies, though they may have to wait for elective procedures.

The usual response to concerns about the months-long waiting lists for surgery in Canada and Britain is that this is a mere inconvenience, a small price to pay for universal “free” care. If you have a really serious need, you’ll … Continue reading

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Myth 7. Universal coverage, enforced through an individual mandate, as in Massachusetts, will achieve universal access and reduce costs.

According to the implicit hypothesis underlying the rush to “health care reform,” the main barrier to ideal care for all at an affordable cost is the absence of universal “coverage”—payment and supervision—by an appropriate (governmental or government-credentialed) third party.

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Myth 6: Life expectancy is longer in other countries because they have universal tax-funded medical coverage, and the U.S. does not.

The longest-lived people are probably the Japanese. They have good genes, are seldom overweight, and eat lots of fish. They have had a government-funded medical system since 1927—and they also have a robust private medical sector. Japanese, like all people … Continue reading

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Myth 4: Infant mortality is lower in other countries because they have “universal” tax-funded medical care, and the U.S. does not.

A number of countries report lower infant mortality than the U.S., but it has nothing to do with the source of payment for medical care.

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Kennedy plan called a bailout for merciless industry

Insurance industry support for “health care reform” apparently has a big price tag: forcing 46 million Americans to become potential customers. An individual mandate to purchase insurance could help to offset looming cuts to Medicare Advantage plans, writes Melissa Davis. … Continue reading

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Massachusetts resorts to group visits with the doctor

Massachusetts, the proud model for likely Obama-Kennedy reform, is trying a new answer for the problem of a severe doctor shortage: group appointments. Deluged with demand from newly insured patients, doctors have no room on their appointment schedules for all … Continue reading

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Universal care striking out in “laboratories of democracy”

Hawaii is ending the only state universal child health-care program in the country, after just 7 months. The Keiki (Child) Care Plan was designed to offer health care insurance to the children of parents who earn too much to qualify … Continue reading

Posted in single payer health care, socialized medicine, uninsured, universal care | 4 Comments