It seemed like the only thing on television today was the non-stop coverage of tomorrow's health care vote in Washington. I've got mixed feelings about the health care bill. It's way too expensive and it's going to make life more difficult for small business owners like myself. On the other hand, I'll probably benefit from the changes myself. I'm one of those people they always talk about who has preexisting conditions. The only way I can get health insurance at all is to lease myself from an employee leasing company and then get insurance coverage from the employee leasing company's group plan. Anyone can do this, but it is quite expensive. Health insurance is my biggest single business expense. I spent more on health insurance premiums than I do for equipment purchases. My monthly premium is more than all my utility bills and other insurance payments combined.
If the health care bill passes I won't have to lease my own services from myself anymore, just to get health insurance. I can go out and buy a policy like a normal person. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that this new policy won't end up being even more expensive than what I am currently paying. I don't have a lot of faith that things are going to be any better than they are now when the dust finally settles.
What I don't understand is why so many people who could easily afford health insurance don't have any at all. Artists and freelancers are notorious for not bothering with health insurance. I don't think they have any idea how expensive things can get if they do get sick. Toward the end of my dad's life, when he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease, I needed to take over his affairs. It was only then that I began to realize how truly expensive health care can become. Without good health insurance, a single extended stay in a hospital can wipe out your entire life savings in a matter of months. It's not worth the risk. I'll keep paying through the nose for insurance until someone can figure out how to get my doctor to charge me the same as my veterinarian. Personally, I'd rather be treated by my veterinarian. Many vets are better trained than physicians. Their equipment and techniques are more up-to-date. Did you know that vets are already doing advanced stem cell therapy on dogs that probably won't be available for humans for another ten years? Most importantly, vets are just a lot nicer than doctors and not nearly as arrogant.
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I cant understand why America hasn't got better health care benefits as it is a rich country compared to others who look after their people better. Look at the European countries and from Australia where I come from to see that most, if not all, have access to a doctor, and a hospital bed (if urgent). You have to wait for a hospital bed if its elective surgery.
ReplyDeleteAre you spending the money on other things? Surely people are America's priority? I don't mean to be critical, it's just I really don't understand. America should lead the world in its care of it's people.
I like your thoughts on veterinarians versus physicians. Funny how that works.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as a proponent of employee leasing and PEO, I am of course very interested to see how the ObamaCare plays out. Lots of gray area here.
Kristian
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