The topic was health care reform, and I think most people agree that everyone must have access to health care at a reasonable cost. The problem, of course, is to find the best approach. The options range from doing nothing to having a system totally run by the government.
I'm not taking a position here as this is not a political blog. But I am going to share what the talk show host said, as food for though regarding alternative approaches to health care.
I don't remember the exact words, so here's the essence: "People hate to deal with government agencies. How many of you like going to the Registry of Motor Vehicles? The Tax Collectors Office? How many of you suffered poor treatment at the Unemployment Office? The Veteran's Administration? The Social Security Office? Especially when you have a problem, an issue, or an exception?
"It's amazing," continuing to paraphrase the host, "How many Americans try to avoid dealing with the government, yet how many Americans seem to want another large government bureaucracy to deal with when it comes to their health care."
It was a very interesting comment. It certainly sticks in my mind. But I will leave it to you to decide what to do with it.
Please don't misunderstand me here or assume I am knocking government agencies and employees. I am not. I've met very helpful people at some agencies. Some very unhelpful people at others. I've gotten some great treatment at some government and quasi-government agencies. And rotten treatment from others. Just as probably all of you have. So interpret the host's comments in light of your own experiences, and beliefs, and what you would like to see for the future of our health care.
I welcome your comment on this blog.
About Pelleyblog: A blog intended to be a resource for supervisors and other first line managers. Currently most of our readers are from Rhode Island, Central Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. But everyone interested in management topics is welcome. We also welcome your participation. Feel free to comment on this or any other post.
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4 comments:
I, for one, sure don't want government involved in health care - mine, or that of anyone else.
I totally agree. But I also think the system has to be fixed. Its especially galling, for example, that Congress mandates that Medicare can't negotiate group rates on prescription drugs. Thus the medicare drug program suffers from extremely high prices. Insanity.
from someone who works in healthcare I think universal healthcare conrtolled by the government is the way to go! Currently the insurance companies are making money and not providing the services necessary to specific patients. Someone needs to step in and make the same care available to all at the same cost. The state we are in now makes me sicker than the illnesses that affect our patients!
I agree with anonymous from healthcare that the system is broken. The Insurance companies are certainly part of the problem. As are trial lawyers and a tort system of unlimited liability. Big pharma too.
But if government is the answer, wny do many Canadians come here for their health care?
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