Richard MichaelBroken Heathcare: Capitalism the Culprit
July 2nd 2008 19:30
It seems that healthcare, once a top issue in the election, has now fallen behind other more pressing issues to our nation such as the economy, fuel prices, and the war. However, this is a topic which should not be overlooked given that over 25 million Americans remain uninsured. For those of you looking for a simple reason for our broken healthcare, here it is: Capitalism.
It strange to me that this issue has been overlooked for so long in this country of ours. It has been labeled a largely liberal issue, conservatives pointing out that it would mean a step towards socialism if we instated a universal healthcare system. However, with the uninsured continuously climbing as the economy only gets worse, this issue no longer is labeled a liberal or conservative cause, simply a humanitarian one.
The problem with our current healthcare system, as I stated before, is capitalism. Our healthcare system is privatized, meaning that insurance companies, like any other money making corporation, are driven solely by profits. This is usually a good thing, capitalism and competition ensure that a company puts out a good product, or it doesn't sell. However, insurance companies don't make a product, they charge you continuously and provide a service if the need arises. Therefore, they make the most money when they don't have to provide a service for you. Because of this system, insurance companies go out of their way to NOT provide medical care. They only do so if they absolutely MUST, and have no other option.
I know only too well how cheap and sleazy insurance companies can be. Dealing with major medical problems of my own, my family and I have to continuously sift through mountains of denials and refusals of coverage. Coverage they should clearly be providing for me through my insurance policy. They will send three or four denials of coverage before they reluctantly agree to pay what they should have all along. It is only because my family and I are cynical and persistent that we get them to pay any bills at all.
The sad part is I consider myself relatively lucky. There are millions of Americans who are denied procedures because a doctor that gets paid BY the insurance company either says the procedure is unnecessary or experimental, even if the procedure is needed to save the patients life. And get THIS, at the end of the year these doctors get paid a bonus depending on how many claims and procedures they denied. Capitalism at its finest.
I am all for capitalism when it is applied to companies who make products or provide services like cable or food. But when capitalism is applied in an industry where people's lives and well being are at stake it would seem that we are missing something. It always offends me when someone says that America has a reputation for being greedy and heartless, but when I look at the way our healthcare industry treats our own citizens, I can't help but agree on some level.
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Comment by Ann R