Re:Aetna CEO Threatened Obamacare Pullout If Feds Opposed Hu...
by Broken_Hippo on Wednesday August 17, 2016 @05:22PM
(#12308579)
1. Health care is, indeed, really expensive. Most places with government-provided health care try to make sure the most expensive items aren't over-bought, reducing waste. For example, MRI machines. Some folks have to travel quite far to get a non-emergency MRI in Canada and wait some time, yet in the states, there might be 3-4 places in a city with 50k people. Neither extreme is ideal.
2. There are always going to be a few inefficiencies in health care, just like every other business. Some of these can't be helped as much. We want well-stocked emergency rooms and pharmacies to visit after the 2am visit said emergency rooms, for example. Drugs expire: Pharmacies take manpower even in slow times.
3. The other thing with health care is that it does somewhat cost what it costs. There are ways to reduce some of the costs by public education, generic drugs, not providing antibiotics when they aren't needed, and other such things. But folks get sick and hurt regardless.
Side note: The bit about the prescriptions is interesting. I'm in Norway. Private health care is available, but everyone is covered by the state health care. You pay a certain amount per year, then the government covers most things. Prescription coverage vary once the government starts paying. Things you need for life - such as heart medicines - will wind up covered, but some things like allergy meds you might have to pay a portion of the cost regardless. Most hospital expenses are free.
Dental is free for children under 18: 18 and 19 year olds get 75% covered and adults have to pay out of pocket.
2. There are always going to be a few inefficiencies in health care, just like every other business. Some of these can't be helped as much. We want well-stocked emergency rooms and pharmacies to visit after the 2am visit said emergency rooms, for example. Drugs expire: Pharmacies take manpower even in slow times.
3. The other thing with health care is that it does somewhat cost what it costs. There are ways to reduce some of the costs by public education, generic drugs, not providing antibiotics when they aren't needed, and other such things. But folks get sick and hurt regardless.
Side note: The bit about the prescriptions is interesting. I'm in Norway. Private health care is available, but everyone is covered by the state health care. You pay a certain amount per year, then the government covers most things. Prescription coverage vary once the government starts paying. Things you need for life - such as heart medicines - will wind up covered, but some things like allergy meds you might have to pay a portion of the cost regardless. Most hospital expenses are free.
Dental is free for children under 18: 18 and 19 year olds get 75% covered and adults have to pay out of pocket.