E.R. for Health Care

Everyone was outraged when they learned that the government may have paid $200 for a hammer. Yet the $100 box of Kleenex in the hospital is commonly accepted. We are all mad that the CEO makes over a million dollars a year, but is it OK for the Doctor to do so? We have a big problem in the health care industry because hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies have quietly been allowed to charge whatever they want for their goods and services. This is one of the "other bubbles" that is about to (or should be ) burst.

Because insurance pays for a lot of our health care costs, we don't really need to shop around for the best prices - we are more concerned about getting a doctor that knows how to fix our problem. Therefore health care really isn't a capitalistic business - it actually runs more like a monopoly, even in markets where there is competition. Therefore, the health care industry can't be expected to police itself the way the free market does (or should).

When I watched Michael Moore's documentary called "Sicko" the solution was so very clear and entirely possible. In fact it is working well in many other countries. "Nationalized" health care shouldn't be a dirty word just like nationalized police and fire fighters aren't. This is exactly the type of thing that tax payers should be paying for and the government controlling. It is also the only likely way to get healthcare costs down. At the same time it would put doctors, not insurance companies, in control of how we are treated. Yes, nationalized health care does have its down side too, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

If you haven't seen "Sicko" yet, please watch it as soon as you can. We can't afford to keep letting our health care costs go unchecked.

PS - In my opinion, the health care "bubble" will burst with or without government intervention. It is likely to be much more devastating without.