kfl%mx.lcs.mit.edu@MC.LCS.MIT.EDU (08/05/86)
From: "James B. VanBokkelen" <JBVB@AI.AI.MIT.EDU>
If somebody doesn't adjust our spending to match our income
(whichever way) we will leave our children with a debt problem
they will curse us for.
Right. But there is only one way it can be done. Hint: It ISN'T by
raising taxes.
... what is so evil about socialized medicine?
If the government pays for everyone's medical care, then they
clearly have a financial interest in improving people's health, even
against their will. This is a good justification for laws against
drugs and sex. I do not think there should be any such justification.
And I do not think that taxpayers should bail someone out if they do
make themselves ill.
No money is really saved. Assuming medical care costs no more when
payed for by the government (unlikely) people are paying the same
amount as always. On the average. Those who stay healthy by living
prudently would end up paying more. Those who live only for today and
don't take care of themselves would end up paying less. Is this fair?
Is it fair to doctors to have only one employer? Shouldn't doctors
be free to make arrangements with patients without government
approval?
If government pays for something:
1) The price skyrockets.
Government really has no control. Doctors say 'it costs this much'
what are they going to do? Only competition can keep prices down.
2) Competitors (if allowed at all) go out of business.
How can they compete against someone offering 'free' service?
3) The level of service goes down.
Once again, only competition can keep this up.
4) The level of convenience goes down.
Once again, only competition can keep this up.
5) Trivial usage goes up.
Why not see the doctor more often, if it's free? It costs more to
everyone in the long run of course, but the incremental cost to you
is negligible. Besides, everyone else is doing it. Why should you
pay and get none of the benefits?
Private health insurance is essentially mandatory, unless you want
to be thrown out of emergency rooms.
No it isn't. I am medically insured through my employer, but I
would prefer not to be. In the six years I have been working there,
my total medical costs have been zero.
Before working there, I did have to go to an emergency room when I
cut my arm and needed stitches. The total costs were under $200.
With private insurance, at least you can shop around. Insurers are
motivated by competition to keep costs down and services and
convenience up. This wouldn't apply to government of course. I dread
getting sick in a medical system that is run like a city public bus
system.
...Keith
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