We originally started this blog as an assignment for a class to increase the public's political awareness. We have had such a great group and large number of readers, I have decided I will continue to post.
This will just become more interesting since we are no longer confined by the rules of our class.
We really appreciate all our readers and their opinions, this blog has been very interesting. With less than a year left until the election the debates will become more heated and our posts will become more interesting.
We are finishing up Finals and semester projects, so that's the reason for this short BLOG PAUSE... In the next week we'll start posting regularly... In the mean time if you have any questions or want to send an issue you would like to see addressed please don't hesitate (simon.curtis1@gmail.com)
Happy Hollidays to everyone!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Edwards Wants Change
John Edwards says that we need to stand up to the drug and insurance companies in order for there to be change in the health care system. But he does not say what we need to do to stand up to these companies. We at Saving Health Care pose this question to you...What can we do to stand up to these companies?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton Debate Health Care
At a recent debate Obama and Clinton had an exchange about their views on universal health care. Both believe that have the best way to save it. Of the two, who does? Who is most realistic? Of these, Who can save Health Care?
Monday, November 26, 2007
10/05 Hillary Clinton - Invisibles
This ad is slightly different than the Edwards approach. She concentrates on what hasn't been done, but also touches on more issues than Edwards. Do you believe what she says? Can Edwards actually take away health care insurance from congressman who don't agree with him? Can Hilary deliver on her vague promises?
Does an Ad sway your vote?
John Edwards is currently playing this ad in Iowa where soon they will hold the first caucus. Do you believe that be can or will deliver on such a bold promise?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Answering a Readers Question
To answer a Readers Question:
Spencer & Sierra said...
I would be interested in learning more about the factors that motivated the Netherlands to make the switch.
November 20, 2007 12:08 PM
The program is very new and still seems to be suffering growing pains from an operational and logistical standpoint, but the reason for the reform and and effective outline of the reform is in the link below.
"The old system didn't work," says Melanie Peters, health care specialist for the Consumers Association (Consummentenbond). "It is good for consumers to have a central role in the system, before care providers did not have to work together and this often leads to waiting lists."
http://www.hpm.org/en/Surveys/TU_Berlin_-_D/06/Health_Insurance_Reform_in_the_Netherlands.html;jsessionid=4DDF6F28F19B9CF287B94A3ECAD45B77?p_c:254=254&content_id=251&a=sc&language=en
First of all, the old fragmented scheme was characterized by unfairness: Age, income and health status all had a potential influence on insurance form, premium level and accessibility. The introduction of a flat rate scheme in combination with a risk equalization system for all insureds and an obligation for health insurance to accept everyone should realize a level playing field for all health insurers and civilians. Secondly, the new system hopes to contain costs and increase efficiency through enhancement of the health insurers’ competences (selective contracting) and introduction of more competition between health insurers. Thirdly, the new system hopes to increase transparency. The old system was characterized by a high level of government intervention, resulting in a fragmented insurance market with complex rules and regulations
Spencer & Sierra said...
I would be interested in learning more about the factors that motivated the Netherlands to make the switch.
November 20, 2007 12:08 PM
The program is very new and still seems to be suffering growing pains from an operational and logistical standpoint, but the reason for the reform and and effective outline of the reform is in the link below.
"The old system didn't work," says Melanie Peters, health care specialist for the Consumers Association (Consummentenbond). "It is good for consumers to have a central role in the system, before care providers did not have to work together and this often leads to waiting lists."
http://www.hpm.org/en/Surveys/TU_Berlin_-_D/06/Health_Insurance_Reform_in_the_Netherlands.html;jsessionid=4DDF6F28F19B9CF287B94A3ECAD45B77?p_c:254=254&content_id=251&a=sc&language=en
First of all, the old fragmented scheme was characterized by unfairness: Age, income and health status all had a potential influence on insurance form, premium level and accessibility. The introduction of a flat rate scheme in combination with a risk equalization system for all insureds and an obligation for health insurance to accept everyone should realize a level playing field for all health insurers and civilians. Secondly, the new system hopes to contain costs and increase efficiency through enhancement of the health insurers’ competences (selective contracting) and introduction of more competition between health insurers. Thirdly, the new system hopes to increase transparency. The old system was characterized by a high level of government intervention, resulting in a fragmented insurance market with complex rules and regulations
Innovative Approach to Universal Health Care- Netherlands
The Netherlands has recently enacted a new insurance system. This replaced the government insurance system that was previously in place.
http://www.minvws.nl/en/themes/health-insurance-system/
This is an interesting switch from government health insurance to private health insurance.
Everyone is required to have insurance and can purchase it from their choice of a number private insurance companies. Some of these companies are for-profit and some are non-profit. There are about four large companies and over a dozen small companies. No company can refuse to provide coverage to any person. The annual cost of insurance is about 1000 to 1200 Euros. The government subsidizes the cost of insurance to people with low incomes. The insurance covers the full range of medical diagnostic and treatment services. You can also buy supplemental insurance to cover things like single rooms in the hospitals, cosmetic surgery, and the like. To combat the problems presented with overuse of universal systems there is a non-use reimbursement at the end of the year.
This system seems to make alot of sense to me, but does it match up with the candidates? What do you think could be improved in this system?
http://www.minvws.nl/en/themes/health-insurance-system/
This is an interesting switch from government health insurance to private health insurance.
Everyone is required to have insurance and can purchase it from their choice of a number private insurance companies. Some of these companies are for-profit and some are non-profit. There are about four large companies and over a dozen small companies. No company can refuse to provide coverage to any person. The annual cost of insurance is about 1000 to 1200 Euros. The government subsidizes the cost of insurance to people with low incomes. The insurance covers the full range of medical diagnostic and treatment services. You can also buy supplemental insurance to cover things like single rooms in the hospitals, cosmetic surgery, and the like. To combat the problems presented with overuse of universal systems there is a non-use reimbursement at the end of the year.
This system seems to make alot of sense to me, but does it match up with the candidates? What do you think could be improved in this system?
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