Our elected representatives are charged with representing OUR interests in the House and Senate. Unfortunately, with the public health care option, that is not the case. Maybe it's time to let them know that if they side with the insurance industry and deny all Americans the access to an affordable health care option they will be out of a job come the next election.
The latest NYT/CBS News poll shows that 73% of the public supports a public option. The Congress voted to approve military action against Iraq with less than that majority of support from the public.
I am so tired of hearing the scare tactics of the Republicans with no coherent truth to counter from the Democrats. Socialism, government bureaucrats making health care decisions, long waiting periods, etc. And what do the Dems do, nothing! Well maybe to give them a hand in fighting for the those that elected them, here's some counter arguments that may help:
- SOCIALISM: When that word is thrown around by the right to conjure up the scary thoughts of the government getting involved in your life, Dems should be retorting with, "Medicare, Social Security, the police departments, the military, should we get rid of those too?"
- GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRATS: In our current health insurance system, who decides what treatments you can have? It's the insurance companies, not your doctor. Your doctor may order a specific treatment for, oh, let's say breast cancer, but it must first be approved by your insurance company.
Also, isn't it the private insurers who now decide who your primary care physician will be and what specialist you can see?
- NO ONE WANTS HIGHER TAXES TO PAY FOR A PUBLIC OPTION: How much does the average family pay for health insurance? A family of four with a PPO could pay $15,000 per year in premiums, plus the cost of co-pays and deductibles. Will the government take an extra $15,000 out of your paycheck a year for public health insurance? I seriously doubt it. In fact, nearly everyone will save money even if there is a hike in taxes.
- LONGER WAITS FOR TREATMENT: In a word, bullshit! The opponents of the public option always point to Canada as a reference when trying to scare the public into thinking they will have to wait three months for a operation they need now. Well, it doesn't work that way. Any necessary treatment is provided in a timely manner. ONLY elective procedures are subject to a waiting period.
By the way, how long does it take you to get an appointment with a specialist now? My wife needed to see a rheumatologist for lupus and couldn't get an appointment for 6 weeks.
If we don't start hearing more support and defense of the of the public option from our representatives soon, maybe it's time to start contacting them and letting them know that if they have the insurance companies interests ahead of their constituants, we will vote for a primary challenger that does.
Just my two cents.