Private vs Public Health Care

Given the income level we have, as a family, if we had to 'pay' for the medical services we use, we wouldn't be living in a house, nor would we have a dog, and frankly, don't think we'd be eating much either. The cost of medication, of nurses in once a week, of home support in twice a week, and all the other sundries would be too costly, for me to manage, or for Dave, Mom, and Me.

Three incomes, and we couldn't cover medical expenses, let alone living costs.

Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it, how about FIFTY MILLION AMERICANS MANAGE.

And yet, virtually everyone seems to believe that Private Health Care is the best, and just needs tweaking. I don't know, given how I am using the health care system here, and to some extent, yes, maybe it does have some advantages, but should it?

By that, I mean, why should Public Health not have the same high standards, or why shouldn't Health Care Professionals, give the same level of care, irrespective of who is paying them? Should a Doctor not care as intensely for a poor patient, as he does for one who can bankroll his kids entire college tuition?

Then too, why shouldn't Public Health pay the piper for specific needs, instead of making everything be a " one size fits all " model? In our own circumstances, we are trying to get a local doctor, who does have extra fees, but they are affordable. If I can't make an extra $150 a month, then I am not doing something right.

At the same time though, he shouldn't have to charge those fees, if Public Health would take those extras into account. Plus, it does make sense, and does provide a level of care, that is needed. Maybe not everyone needs it, so certainly it should be on a case by case need, but today we seem to just lump everything into a one size fits all concept.

Hypertension for example, exists as it is. It can also be just as symbolic of a more serious underlying condition, such as clogged arteries, or circulation issues, or even heart conditions. Yet today, Doctors treat it, without checking for the other causes of it. They just do a, " well the majority have it, without other reasons, so here is a pill, go away. " treatment.

It nearly cost my Mother her life 9 years ago, and it may still.