33 Million Americans Still Don’t Have Health Insurance

[AFTiger 282]

Making great progress aren't we.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/33-million-americans-still-dont-have-health-insurance/

[icanthearyou 4,468]

Is your point, we should stop trying or, we can do better?

[TexasTiger 14,612]

Making great progress aren't we.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/33-million-americans-still-dont-have-health-insurance/

Aftiger comes out for single payer.

[autigeremt 7,289]

Is your point, we should stop trying or, we can do better?

[cptau 169]

What happened to the ACA "tax" that was going to force people into the plans and help provide funding?

The ACA also allowed for govt funding of non profit health insurance co-ops. . Many are failing do to various reasons reasons including beng run by management with no insurance business experience.

http://www.galen.org/assets/ObamaCare-Co-ops.pdf

https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Grants/new-loan-program.html

http://nashco.org/nashco-statement-after-announcement-that-federal-and-state-regulators-will-wind-down-health-republic-insurance-of-new-york/

[AFTiger 282]

I have always maintained that the purpose of the so called "Affordable Care Act" was to destroy privately provided services and come to the rescue with government provided single payer.

Third of NHS doctors to quit

Large numbers of young NHS staff are planning to leave their jobs because they feel under-valued, stressed and badly paid, a survey has revealed.

A questionnaire of 97,000 employees at all levels of the health service in London found that a large proportion were planning to leave within a year.

But the authors said there was also more willingness from staff to stay in their current job compared with previous years.

More than 70% said they planned to stay with their employer for at least another 12 months.

The report, by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES), found the most common reason staff gave for wanting to leave was not feeling valued or involved in their work.

Other concerns included equal opportunities, stress and work pressure and job satisfaction.

The survey comes at a time when the Government is struggling to increase the numbers of GPs, nurses, dentists and other health staff in a bid to meet patient demand and reduce waiting lists.

The IES report - Healthy Attitudes: Quality of Working Life in the London NHS 2000-2002 - found that men were more likely to want to leave in the next year than women (33% of men compared with 29% of women).

Age was also a factor, with 41% of employees under the age of 30 saying they planned to leave within 12 months, compared with 21% of those aged over 50.

Those staff who had experienced an accident or harassment at work were also much more likely to want to leave.

Among those who had suffered harassment or violence in the workplace, 41% said they were likely to leave compared with 26% of those who had not experienced such an incident.

Doctors and dentists were most likely to say they wanted to leave their job, at 36%.

More than 30% of nurses, midwives, pharmacists, scientists and technicians were also planning to leave.

More than a quarter of support and admin staff and senior managers said they were planning to change jobs as well.

While many of those planning to leave may remain in the NHS, either as freelance staff or part-time, others could seek better-paid and less stressful employment in the private sector or another career altogether.

The report said that in the past three years there had been a general decrease in employees' intentions to leave, linked with an increase in those saying they intended to stay.

"The main point to note are that feeling valued and involved is consistently the most important factor regarding employees' intentions to leave," the authors said.

The wide-ranging 180-page report also looked at overall job satisfaction, training, health and safety and confidence in their leaders.

Author Dilys Robinson said: "The survey findings should be encouraging to everyone involved with the NHS is London, including its clients.

"They offer evidence that action is being taken to address the everyday concerns of NHS employees, improve their working lives and thereby produce the best possible standard of care for patients."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-206832/Third-NHS-doctors-quit.html#ixzz3n8uNoCnL

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[icanthearyou 4,468]

I have always maintained that the purpose of the so called "Affordable Care Act" was to destroy privately provided services and come to the rescue with government provided single payer.

Third of NHS doctors to quit

Large numbers of young NHS staff are planning to leave their jobs because they feel under-valued, stressed and badly paid, a survey has revealed.

A questionnaire of 97,000 employees at all levels of the health service in London found that a large proportion were planning to leave within a year.

But the authors said there was also more willingness from staff to stay in their current job compared with previous years.

More than 70% said they planned to stay with their employer for at least another 12 months.

The report, by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES), found the most common reason staff gave for wanting to leave was not feeling valued or involved in their work.

Other concerns included equal opportunities, stress and work pressure and job satisfaction.

The survey comes at a time when the Government is struggling to increase the numbers of GPs, nurses, dentists and other health staff in a bid to meet patient demand and reduce waiting lists.

The IES report - Healthy Attitudes: Quality of Working Life in the London NHS 2000-2002 - found that men were more likely to want to leave in the next year than women (33% of men compared with 29% of women).

Age was also a factor, with 41% of employees under the age of 30 saying they planned to leave within 12 months, compared with 21% of those aged over 50.

Those staff who had experienced an accident or harassment at work were also much more likely to want to leave.

Among those who had suffered harassment or violence in the workplace, 41% said they were likely to leave compared with 26% of those who had not experienced such an incident.

Doctors and dentists were most likely to say they wanted to leave their job, at 36%.

More than 30% of nurses, midwives, pharmacists, scientists and technicians were also planning to leave.

More than a quarter of support and admin staff and senior managers said they were planning to change jobs as well.

While many of those planning to leave may remain in the NHS, either as freelance staff or part-time, others could seek better-paid and less stressful employment in the private sector or another career altogether.

The report said that in the past three years there had been a general decrease in employees' intentions to leave, linked with an increase in those saying they intended to stay.

"The main point to note are that feeling valued and involved is consistently the most important factor regarding employees' intentions to leave," the authors said.

The wide-ranging 180-page report also looked at overall job satisfaction, training, health and safety and confidence in their leaders.

Author Dilys Robinson said: "The survey findings should be encouraging to everyone involved with the NHS is London, including its clients.

"They offer evidence that action is being taken to address the everyday concerns of NHS employees, improve their working lives and thereby produce the best possible standard of care for patients."

Read more: http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz3n8uNoCnL

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

I understand your political argument and, the associated fears. I am attempting to draw you into a practical discussion about a solution. I sincerely doubt there is a perfect solution and, doubt even more either political force can bring about the best solution independently.

What can we do to improve access, and lower the costs, of healthcare in America? Are those desirable, realistic goals? Is discussion based on partisan politics furthering or, retarding the efforts to implement positive changes?

[autigeremt 7,289]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

[icanthearyou 4,468]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

I would add, opening up more educational opportunities. Do not allow the AMA to hold so much influence over the number of doctors, the number of specialists. I think we have to examine whether or not there are more qualified individuals who are capable of being MDs or DOs.

Thank you for engaging in a meaningful way. My initial question was sincere. Perhaps 10% without health insurance is the best we can do. I do think we need to continue to support the idea of insuring the "uninsurable", those with preexisting conditions. I do think we need to untangle employment and healthcare coverage (I think that is ultimately good for business and individuals).

[homersapien 12,387]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

He's back!

And he (appears) to be OK!

[autigeremt 7,289]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

He's back!

And he (appears) to be OK! ;D/>

I've been fine the whole time.

[Texan4Auburn 1,626]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

You can't do that one. You are stepping on peoples freedom and it has been determined on this board that taking care of yourself physically is an indicator of homosexuality and we can't be promoting that!! Exercise... why my God man you might as well just be putting up a rainbow flag on the building and piping Cher in over the PA system.

My understanding is that they actually tried to do D in the 70's, but the doctors themselves would not honor their contracts and would go get loans from banks to get out of those situations.

[autigeremt 7,289]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

You can't do that one. You are stepping on peoples freedom and it has been determined on this board that taking care of yourself physically is an indicator of homosexuality and we can't be promoting that!! Exercise... why my God man you might as well just be putting up a rainbow flag on the building and piping Cher in over the PA system.

My understanding is that they actually tried to do D in the 70's, but the doctors themselves would not honor their contracts and would go get loans from banks to get out of those situations.

I believe D would work better now since tuition is so much higher than it was n the 70s coupled with an increased interest by young people. I'm seeing it here on camps and I believe there's untapped potential out there.....

[Texan4Auburn 1,626]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

You can't do that one. You are stepping on peoples freedom and it has been determined on this board that taking care of yourself physically is an indicator of homosexuality and we can't be promoting that!! Exercise... why my God man you might as well just be putting up a rainbow flag on the building and piping Cher in over the PA system.

My understanding is that they actually tried to do D in the 70's, but the doctors themselves would not honor their contracts and would go get loans from banks to get out of those situations.

I believe D would work better now since tuition is so much higher than it was n the 70s coupled with an increased interest by young people. I'm seeing it here on camps and I believe there's untapped potential out there.....

Hopefully that is would be improved. I know that is exactly how many physicians in other countries reimburse for their academic training.

[MDM4AU 338]

Interesting article on selling across state lines.

http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-cross-state-health-insurance.html

[TitanTiger 21,680]

Interesting article on selling across state lines.

http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-cross-state-health-insurance.html

That certainly isn't encouraging.

[DKW 86 7,976]

I know you weren't asking me, ichy but I'll go back to the basics of what I would have done (and would do moving forward) if I had the controls.

A. End restrictions to allow for more competition across state lines between insurers

BHO specifically said that he would open competition across state borders. He specifically mentioned Alabama in his speeches. It did not happen.

B. Create Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid accepted acute care clinics across the nation where the gvt. owns the property but contracts out the services to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The clinics would also accept pay as you go (fee for service) but would not be open to those who have private insurance.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle choices through the clinics with incentives to exercise and make basic life changes (keep the weight off, stop smoking, etc.).

D. Fund educational assistance for those who want to get their education in the medical field (doctors, nurses, RT's, MT's, etc.) along with an option for people to opt into a program that allows graduates to work off their student debt by working in the clinics (2-4 year "contract" where 25% of their salary goes to pay off some of the costs for their education).

Think this is actually happening at some less than optimal level.

[TitanTiger 21,680]

The article MDM posted suggests that selling across state lines may not be the magic bullet some hope it will be.

[channonc 466]

Interesting article on selling across state lines.

http://www.governing...-insurance.html

But why can't an option be to get rid of state regulation of insurance all together. The federal government already sets minimum standards, why not have the health insurance market completely regulated at the federal level? This way you could open up the market. The federal agency could have regional offices that coordinate audits and consumer complaints.

[tgr4lfe 220]

Is your point, we should stop trying or, we can do better?

I'd say somewhat stop trying. I don't believe that health insurance is a right or people should be forced to have it, like auto insurance if you are going to operate a MV on road where you could hurt others or damage others property. If they couldn't afford it before, not sure how anyone expects them to afford it now, even if half the normal industry standard? I'm paying $630/mo through my employer for family coverage. Those who couldn't afford it before the ACA surely couldn't afford it now with subsidies that cut their cost down to $315/mo.

One of the problems for hospitals and clinics is getting payment for services from those with no insurance. The hospital/clinic ends up having to eat those costs so they build in higher amounts to account for loses to be had for the year. Not sure that is dealt with if they can't deny service, which they won't do.

How does AMA restrict the numbers of doctors in the industry? Many are choosing to get out of the medical practice b/c of the rising costs to stay in business and many are choosing not to go into the field for similar reasons. I wish I knew more about it, but those are some of my thoughts. I don't have a lot of confidence in government running anything.

[TitanTiger 21,680]

Interesting article on selling across state lines.

http://www.governing...-insurance.html

But why can't an option be to get rid of state regulation of insurance all together. The federal government already sets minimum standards, why not have the health insurance market completely regulated at the federal level? This way you could open up the market. The federal agency could have regional offices that coordinate audits and consumer complaints.

Some states might be ok with that. But what about states that wish to have very tight regulation? Does California or Vermont for instance want to have the same standards for insurance as Mississippi or Louisiana? I get what you're saying in principle, but you'd end up with a lot of squalling if you lowered the standards from what some people enjoy in certain states.

[TitanTiger 21,680]

All I know is, the more I deal with changing insurance any time I change jobs, or my insurance changing year to year because the company can't afford the plan we had last year, or my premiums go up hundreds of dollars a month, the better a single payer system with a private supplemental tier ala Canada looks. And I suppose that is a feature of the ACA to some people, not a bug. They are willing to keep inflicting just enough pain to the average person to make them more receptive to single payer.

[MDM4AU 338]

Network is also an issue with selling across state lines. A carrier out of California, for instance, would have to establish a network of providers in AL. Providers in AL already don't like dealing with BCBSAL and United here. What makes you think they want to deal with Blue Cross Of CA and Blue Shield of CA? Or Aetna of WA? Also, the BCBS PPO network works well now but when you break it up, the savings aren't there. Most of us are familiar with how big the BCBSAL discounts are here in AL. We've seen the EOB that says the provider charged $1000 and BCBSAL paid $200 and everything is taken care of. That's not the case in all states. The case I'm familiar with was a 2 day stay at a Hospital in MI that was not Emergency and in PPO network. The total charges were about $8700 but the amount paid was about $8300. That's about 5% where BCBSAL has anywhere from 20% to as much as 60% savings on IP stays in state.

I don't want to come across as anti-selling-across-state-lines, because I'm not. Until recently, I really haven't put much thought into it.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Network is also an issue with selling across state lines. A carrier out of California, for instance, would have to establish a network of providers in AL. Providers in AL already don't like dealing with BCBSAL and United here. What makes you think they want to deal with Blue Cross Of CA and Blue Shield of CA? Or Aetna of WA? Also, the BCBS PPO network works well now but when you break it up, the savings aren't there. Most of us are familiar with how big the BCBSAL discounts are here in AL. We've seen the EOB that says the provider charged $1000 and BCBSAL paid $200 and everything is taken care of. That's not the case in all states. The case I'm familiar with was a 2 day stay at a Hospital in MI that was not Emergency and in PPO network. The total charges were about $8700 but the amount paid was about $8300. That's about 5% where BCBSAL has anywhere from 20% to as much as 60% savings on IP stays in state.

I don't want to come across as anti-selling-across-state-lines, because I'm not. Until recently, I really haven't put much thought into it.

I have BCBSAL and my doctor told me I would be crazy if I ever even thought about changing.

[icanthearyou 4,468]

All I know is, the more I deal with changing insurance any time I change jobs, or my insurance changing year to year because the company can't afford the plan we had last year, or my premiums go up hundreds of dollars a month, the better a single payer system with a private supplemental tier ala Canada looks. And I suppose that is a feature of the ACA to some people, not a bug. They are willing to keep inflicting just enough pain to the average person to make them more receptive to single payer.

I agree with this.