But I think you are generally correct and make an important point. Thanks for coming by!

Evan

This is one thing I admire about the US. Maybe it's just the relative size of the US vs. Canadian medical blogospheres, but I don't see as much of the experimentation, from policy reform to HIT adoption, here in Canada.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Sorry for my sarcastic bitter tone, but it is so frustrating watching the political hacks play games with healthcare reform.

I just wish everyone would pass on the message of “JUST PASS SOMETHING”.

Whatever it is, it won't be perfect (or anywhere near) the first time around.

I'd be happy if they just got rid of the underwriting process, and I think the only way to do that is to require everyone “participate” in the system.

I'm sorry about the pain you've suffered and the struggles you seem to have had with the system. You're not alone.

Some of us have dedicated ourselves to helping people avoid that struggle, but it's an almost overwhelming problem. Still, we work, each day, to try to do something to make the world a better place.

Even if only a little bit.

Yes, from what I've read your state has joined the civilized world on healthcare. I don't know the details, but my reaction is “You got your's”, so coincidently, the first time since “forever”, your state elected a Republican to replace a Kennedy. Afterall, why pay for Federal health-care when you've got it within your few square miles of State area.

I could type paragraphs about how I think this Country has lost its way on healthcare, but I'd be wasting my time. I have a better idea. The tobacco companies are almost out of work, after decades of conditioning us that cigarettes were good for our digestion – why don't we let them head up American healthcare? They sure know how to sell, and that fits right in with the American way.

There is nothing wrong with capitalism, but it applies to markets that depend on rational, educated consumers. I think back on the procedures I almost tried because I was in significant pain, and I realize it was just blind luck that I eventually came across excellent doctors. Oh, silly me, I should have just looked up “best doctor” in the yellow pages….

The thing is, health care and capitalism mix all the time, even those civilized countries with universal health care. Or even civilized states like mine, Massachusetts.

It's not about socialism versus capitalism. It's about how to create a health care system that works for patients and their doctors. Maybe it will cost more, maybe less, but it shouldn't be about the money.

Evan

Capitalism is a system that efficiently works out a price for a service, but there really isn't a price for human health. That's why most civilized countries include healthcare as a basic right.