It's hopefully starting to improve state-side, even though right now it's all just talk. MM's movie has helped fuel the need for discussion and implementation of a long-too-needed plan in the US. We also have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, including a candidate whose platform had a very simple outline of how to change this (Steve Kagen MD, D-Wisc). Our Senate, has more than 50% Democrats. Now, it's just the executive branch many of us are fighting to change, and the Democratic presidential candidates are all discussing healthcare.
Another thing that isn't said in Sicko or by anyone for that matter is the fact that there is a framework for a federally funded health care system already in place in the US via the US Postal Service, school systems, and any other government agency. An employee of any government agency who works at least a certain percentage has employer-sponsored health insurance. How hard would it be to city-by-city place persons on these plans? It's already there so why not use it?
It honestly is sick the way things have gotten here via HMOs, and it's horrible that so many people have gained because of the purposeful malpractice of medicine. It's a horror. I cannot watch the film without crying and without feeling as if I need to personally do something about it. That's why I volunteered for Kagen and will do so again for his re-election campaign. That's why I'm posting this.
I'm a person pursuing a second career in nursing, I've now been trained as a nursing aid and am working towards becoming a registered nurse. I've seen people die because they couldn't afford a better treatment. I've seen Medicare patients die because they couldn't afford the better nursing home. I held a man's hand as he passed away, as he bled out. That same man, had he been able to afford a better facility that would have better staffing and more nurses and aides working on a unit would probably still be alive today. He died because no one knew or were able to get to him more quickly. It's horrible people in this country need to stop ignoring it or blaming the impoverished for being in their situations that prevent them from being in this care. It's just not right.
Yes every system has its flaws, and MM even mentioned that somewhere in the film. But you're absolutely right Silja - you and your colleagues have been able to treat anyone in your country and coverage was not denied.
Thank you for your comment. I'm always interesting in hearing what Americans think on the subject. I have a truly hard time reconciling the image of the warm, kind, caring Americans I know and the voters who allow HMOs to continue wielding such destructive power without raising their voices to a scream of fury. Statistically, they must be the same people.
And just out of curiosity: How on earth did you find this entry?
It's arizonamyrie from HHoW. I clicked on your "www" over there one day (boredom and tired of modding for that particular moment). And I just started reading, then saw this entry.
It's hopefully starting to improve state-side, even though right now it's all just talk. MM's movie has helped fuel the need for discussion and implementation of a long-too-needed plan in the US. We also have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, including a candidate whose platform had a very simple outline of how to change this (Steve Kagen MD, D-Wisc). Our Senate, has more than 50% Democrats. Now, it's just the executive branch many of us are fighting to change, and the Democratic presidential candidates are all discussing healthcare.
Another thing that isn't said in Sicko or by anyone for that matter is the fact that there is a framework for a federally funded health care system already in place in the US via the US Postal Service, school systems, and any other government agency. An employee of any government agency who works at least a certain percentage has employer-sponsored health insurance. How hard would it be to city-by-city place persons on these plans? It's already there so why not use it?
It honestly is sick the way things have gotten here via HMOs, and it's horrible that so many people have gained because of the purposeful malpractice of medicine. It's a horror. I cannot watch the film without crying and without feeling as if I need to personally do something about it. That's why I volunteered for Kagen and will do so again for his re-election campaign. That's why I'm posting this.
I'm a person pursuing a second career in nursing, I've now been trained as a nursing aid and am working towards becoming a registered nurse. I've seen people die because they couldn't afford a better treatment. I've seen Medicare patients die because they couldn't afford the better nursing home. I held a man's hand as he passed away, as he bled out. That same man, had he been able to afford a better facility that would have better staffing and more nurses and aides working on a unit would probably still be alive today. He died because no one knew or were able to get to him more quickly. It's horrible people in this country need to stop ignoring it or blaming the impoverished for being in their situations that prevent them from being in this care. It's just not right.
Yes every system has its flaws, and MM even mentioned that somewhere in the film. But you're absolutely right Silja - you and your colleagues have been able to treat anyone in your country and coverage was not denied.
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And just out of curiosity: How on earth did you find this entry?
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...sorry. I shall contain myself in future.
I had no idea you're on LJ *runs off to friend*
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