An Essential Distinction
In today's LA Times, Michael Tanner and Michael Cannon make an essential distinction that's too often overlooked by those rushing to achieve "universal healthcare":
Simply saying that people have health insurance is meaningless. Many countries provide universal insurance but deny critical procedures to patients who need them.
What's more, here are some facts that are surprising to those whose knowledge of the "health care crisis" comes only from reading the MSM news accounts:
[I]n reviewing all the academic literature on the subject, Helen Levy of the University of Michigan's Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured, and David Meltzer of the University of Chicago, were unable to establish a "causal relationship" between health insurance and better health. Believe it or not, there is "no evidence," Levy and Meltzer wrote, that expanding insurance coverage is a cost-effective way to promote health. Similarly, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year found that, although far too many Americans were not receiving the appropriate standard of care, "health insurance status was largely unrelated to the quality of care."
Simply saying that people have health insurance is meaningless. Many countries provide universal insurance but deny critical procedures to patients who need them.
What's more, here are some facts that are surprising to those whose knowledge of the "health care crisis" comes only from reading the MSM news accounts:
[I]n reviewing all the academic literature on the subject, Helen Levy of the University of Michigan's Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured, and David Meltzer of the University of Chicago, were unable to establish a "causal relationship" between health insurance and better health. Believe it or not, there is "no evidence," Levy and Meltzer wrote, that expanding insurance coverage is a cost-effective way to promote health. Similarly, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year found that, although far too many Americans were not receiving the appropriate standard of care, "health insurance status was largely unrelated to the quality of care."
posted by LadybugUSA at 1:34 PM
7 Comments:
Yippee, none of us need health insurance!
Yippee, none of us need health insurance!
Yippee, none of us needs to pay for health insurance!
Thoughtful, reasoned people understand the ramifications of this report. In fact, one shouldn't need to be a conservative to understand that the same dynamic exists in our current system. People largely view health insurance as an alternative for responsibility. Why worry about diet and exercise when one has insurance to cover the costs of the medical care required due to poor habits? It's like car insurance. If you don't have it, you're more attentive when driving.
Well at least we all know Marshall is not an MD or biologist. And Jesus didn't say to cast blame on the ill for being sick and diseased.
All thoughtful and reasoned persons have a chance during his or her life of becoming human and developing a capacity for compassion for all sentiment beings. Although those on the radical right may very well be the exception.
All thoughtful and reasoned people have a responsibility to take care of themselves so as not to be a burden on society, not to mention their own families and friends. Government mandated health coverage WILL drive up costs as people will use medical services for problems they could have avoided or problems that don't require the services to resolve, but require no out of pocket funds. In order to be truly compassionate for all sentient beings, one would understand how government interference only drives UP the costs of medical services. In order to be truly one needs to dig deep and encourage others to do as well for the TRULY needy, but not dig deep into the pockets of others in order to pretend that YOU are charitable. Jesus didn't say to rob the rich and give to the poor. You're confusing Him with Robin Hood, a fictional character. Christ only said to give to the poor. By that he meant give your OWN money.
The studies say all that needs to be said:
Increased health insurance coverage does not increase good health.
Another liberal straw man defeated by mere facts!
Post a Comment
<< Home