Posted by js on March 28, 2003 at 22:31:59:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: UMI strike posted by Mary Ann on March 28, 2003 at 11:22:22:
Mary Ann, the only problem with the current economy of medical care in this country is the fact that the federal government is allowed to compete (bastardized capitalism) with individuals for health care. Of course, due to its vast size and its ability to print money the federal government will always "outbid" individuals for health care, forcing individuals to purchase insurance - as if a health service were a castastrophe - rather than a normal family expense.
Fifty years ago, before the government became very involved in purchasing medical care (which, as stated, later raised its price above affordability), doctors' services (including surgery) were affordable and health insurance was just not something that it occurred to anyone to purchase. When someone was caught short, doctors and hospitals offered charity without being compelled by law to do so.