Tuesday, September 22, 2009
4th Period Current Event- Health Care- 9/25
Please post your current event for Friday, September 25 below. You should find an article, video, or audio clip about health care reform. Remember to include the link to your source, provide the topic of your article, and write at least 5-6 sentences discussing your opinion of the article, video, or audio.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/health/policy/22baucus.html
ReplyDeleteI think that Baucus' health care plan is a great idea. Every family deserves a right to health care in my opinion, so it's great that he's making it more affordable. I really like his idea of having higher income families contribute 10% more of their income. I think it's fair that they have to give more because they can afford to. No matter if you're a low, moderate, or high income family, you should have health coverage!
-Bailey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqR1zV80IQk&feature=related
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the people who elected Obama knew that this was one of his priority's. It's been debated for 2 decades and it's still a huge issue. Although, there's no real proposal yet i believe that the health care program will work out. Obama isn't here to watch his country crumble into debt. He is here to do whats right for the people. I think it's a great idea, and even though it might cost us more money in the beginning, we would earn it back from all the money we will be saving!
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/obama-calls-health-care-fight-a-defining-moment/?scp=1&sq=obama%20healthcare&st=cse
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm not certain I entirely understand the healthcare issue, Obama's proposal of a public insurance option seems like a good idea. It seems like a happy medium; we get an improvement in our healthcare, but not a change that is so drastic that people can get overly upset about it. With an option between private and public healthcare, people will be able to stick with what they're comfortable with if they so choose.
I also think it's good that Obama chose to speak to the younger generation. After all, it is in the hands today's high school and college students that the country will be in just a couple of decades. It is important that they be educated about these issues now.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteI think that Obama's plan to lower health care costs is a bit to "idealistic". It may look good on paper, but how are you supposed to make it more efficient, and therefore less money-wasting. His first part of the plan is to "state-of-the-art health
information technology systems", but wouldn't that just cost more money? He's also supposed to make sure everyone gets the best possible care, which would also cost more money. He also wants to increase competition... somehow by "reforming our market structure". All of his ideas are good, but are going to cost a lot of money up front. Either our current health care is super inefficient, or it's not going to work.
Though I don't disagree with Bailey, but I'm not very confident that the program will be saving us money if it's all going to come from more tax. Maybe the rich people pay more?
It is very good in the long term though.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteI think that Obama's health care plan is a good idea. It will be hard to put to use because it is very expensive. We are still recovering from the recession. I am afraid that the health will put us in deeper debt and will find our economy going bad. It is important that everyone has good health. Some people are really sick and need medical assistants, but can not afford it. Even though the health plan issue has a lot of turn backs; I still think it is a really good idea and will help the people who need help.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/obama-calls-health-care-fight-a-defining-moment/?scp=1&sq=obama%20healthcare&st=cse
ReplyDeleteA public option is necessary for the Health Care Proposal; it would be a waste without it. While the Health Care Reform bill does provide a few improvements to our current system, the only way to lower prices, would be a public option. Insurance companies have beaten the capitalist system, instead of fighting for consumers, they have begun to work together and have fixed their ideal price (which gives them a higher income.) Health care costs have continuously risen at an exponential rate, and this is why! We need true competition, which is exactly what the public option is. I don’t understand why people continue to believe the lies they have been fed! The government is not taking over healthcare, it is providing competition! As Obama has said over and over again, you can remain with the insurance company you have now, this is just another option
http://topics.nytimes.com/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/health_insurance_and_managed_care/health_care_reform/index.html
ReplyDeleteI think that the Baucus Bill has the best potential out of all of the proposed Bills thus far. I would prefer there to be a public option, but I think that at this point, that won't likely happen. I think that the Baucus Bill is the next best thing as it provides assistance to those who need help getting health insurance but doesn't completely blow our government's budget. I also like the idea of taxing insurance companies that sell high-end policies. I don't think that extremely costly plans are necessary and I don't really think that insurance companies need to offer them. I also like how it requires employers with more than 50 workers to either provide insurance or reimburse the government.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/obama-calls-health-care-fight-a-defining-moment/?scp=1&sq=obama%20healthcare&st=cse
ReplyDeleteThough I am certainly no expert on the bill currently proposed, it seems to me that the president might currently be too focused on passing some sort of healthcare option rather than working on other aspects of american politics. And the idea of optional socialized healthcare seems somewhat confusing to me. The idea that insurance companies should be beaten out by lower prices on insurance from the government, isn't that what was "wrong" with insurance companies to begin with? That they were playing with prices to either get more business or to increase their profit? So the government will essentially either become a monopolizing force in the industry and force insurance companies out of business, or it will punish insurance companies for attempting to function as a profitable business in a capitalist economy by taking their customers and undercutting prices! I have also been shockingly unable to find information on how this plan is going to be funded or how exactly it is "already paid for" as was claimed by our president. I believe that there needs to be alot more presenting of the facts and much less campaigning for popularity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUNCpnRBf9o
ReplyDeleteI think Obamas healthcare plan is pretty good. I am not entirely sure of every detail about his healthcare plan, but overall I think it is a good plan. Some things I think is good about his plan is how he is providing cheap healthcare for the people that need it. But their are some things that I think arent so great about it. I think that it might be to risky for America today with how economy is already, so if this plan goes bad, it can cause the country to be in a lot of debt. But overall i think it can help the world a lot.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteWhile I am in support of Nationalized Healthcare and a public option, but I'm not so sure that is achievable at this point in time, or whether it is the right thing for America at this time.
On both sides, people agree that there needs to be some type of healthcare reform, and we need it fast. Putting caps of what insurance companies should charge, and covering people with pre-existing conditions. I know that they are businesses, but it is their job to insure us, and if they are not going to pay for us or not cover us at all is not what healthcare should be.
The way I see it, it comes down to whether we consider healthcare as a privilege or a right, and if it is a privilege, then we can keep doing what we're doing right now. But in America, we do not believe that it is a privilege. In our constitution, it is clearly stated that it is the government's job to protect its citizens and provide them with services that they cannot provide for themselves. It also says that we endowed with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And if we truly believe in these words, then it is the government's job to provide the services to its citizens that they cannot provide for themselves, and at this moment in time especially, that service is healthcare.
Whether you are on the left, the right, somewhere in between, or totally off the chart, as an American citizen, you are guaranteed these rights as part of being a citizen.
But this is where the money comes into play. Right now, a full public option is probably not the best choice, but it has to be integrated later. There needs to be an overhaul of some sort soon. Whether it is lowering prices or introducing a functioning public option, no one can deny that our healthcare system is broken.
It is not a matter of democracy vs. socialism. This is not socialism. This is being a human being and helping someone who cannot do it themselves.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that health care for everyone is a good idea, but I think Obama is way overestimating his ability to accomplish everything he says. His goal is just too high, and instead of taking baby steps he's taking one enormous step. Plus, it will cost a lot of money, and with the government already in $11 trillion in debt, it seems very risky to take such a big chance. Obama already took a chance with the $825 billion stimulus plan (which, apparently, did not lower unemployment rate). Many parts of his plan, like requiring large buisnesses that do not offer meaningful coverage to pay the national plan, seem to be a good idea. The plan, however, seems too good to be true, and while the idea is good, how Obama plans to execute everything he plans is still beyond me.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/10/health.care/index.html
ReplyDeleteI agree with Obama on his ideas about health care. I think all americans should have some kind of health care. Some people aren't fortunate enough to have it and when they need it there isn't anything they can do. One of my close friends didn't have health care and one day she got hurt and had to go the emergency room. Her family had to pay a fortune for her. People with out health care might not get that lucky though. They might not have the money to pay for themselves. Operations, visits to the doctor, they can be very expensive and very important especially if you need them. I agree that everyone should have some access to health care, and that the people who can't afford it should have financial aid. Too many americans are left unprotected without health insurance.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/24/opinion/polls/main5337843.shtml
ReplyDeleteThis article says that President Obama's speeches about healthcare are gaining him approval from Americans, but many still don't know very much about his proposals. It is unclear to many people whether illegal immigrants will have coverage. However, currently 65% of Americans say they are in favor of the plan and only 26% are opposing it. But that still leaves 26% that Obama needs to win over.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteI don't pretend to know what is best for an entire country, but overall I do agree that the health care system could be improved upon. I really don't think money should of any concern when it comes to the health of fellow humans. It seems wrong to me that governments so willingly drop billions of dollars on wars that merely desroy lives when such funds to be used to save them.
Also, it occured to me while reading this that many hospitals have private owners. This means that hospitals actually reap a profit from performing medical services. Perhaps it would be much simpler overall if hospitals would just lower their rediculous rates.
http://www.reuters.com/article/ObamaEconomy/idUSTRE58M6DN20090923?feedType=RSS&feedName=ObamaEconomy&virtualBrandChannel=10441
ReplyDeleteSaying as the billion dollar extra Texas would have to pay was due to the Baucus plan, which was a bit ago, this really is no longer of high stress importance. The fact that Perry, a republican, thinks that each state should form their own health care plan is slightly on the downside. With each state choosing their own health care, one state could be left in a terrible spot because of lack of money needed to pay off everyone's medical bills. Other states would be better off, but some would be selfish and forget to help anyone else but themselves. Many people today think that's the best way to do it, each man for himself. If somebody is in financial issues, then they better hope not to get sick or need surgery.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
ReplyDeleteI think this plan has a very good point that americans definalty need to understand. The information about the rising prices really is amazing because is crazy to spend that much money and still have mistakes made by hospitals. the article gives hope to the people that are uninsured. there are alot of problems with the current health care system and from what Obama has stated, I think he can really improve it. It may seem to hard to accomplish with all the other current issues but i think he will improve it in someway
-John Alex Porter
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/22/health.care/index.html?iref=newssearch
ReplyDeleteBaucus' health care plan promises to provide low and medium income families with accessible health care. I think this is very important because even those who can't afford health care should still be allowed to obtain it in some form. Also, I was really surprised to read that one American goes bankrupt every thirty seconds due to inability to pay for health related issues. That number is more than I would expect. I don't understand why Republicans are refusing to accept this health care plan; it is promising to provide health care for everyone who needs it! They fear that the government will take too much control over health care, and private insurers will be run out of business.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/10/health.care/index.html
ReplyDeleteI ultimately agree with the ideas behind universal healthcare, and I think it would really strengthen society, but there may be cost issues involved, and if our country currently can't afford to have such a healthcare reform, it may not be entirely appropriate at this exact moment in time. I do think that it is necessary to implement universal healthcare sometime near in the future, however. It seems as though most people have strong opinions about Obama's plans involving healthcare - many agree, but those who disagree have very strong opinions about that. Many of the claims the opposition has against Obama's plans seem false, but I think that the plan may be flawed in its costs.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/10/health.care/index.html
ReplyDeleteI think that it is really important for everyone in the united states to have health insurance because it will save them money in the long run. It may be pretty expensive at first but when a family member gets hurt or sick and they have to go to the emergency room, they will appreciate their health insurance. Not everyone has enough money to pay for something that expensive so I think that it's good that Obama is trying to make it so that most everyone can afford it. I know that there are many other things that he has planned on doing but i think that this is one of the most important right now, especially with many people getting the swine flu.
-Katelyn Layden
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/
ReplyDeletePresident Obama's Plan
I think President Obama's healthcare plan seems pretty reasonable for our economic situation at this point. From what I understand, our taxes will be raised in order to pay for the various and millions of procedures which will be carried out daily nationally. I know higher taxes will definitely be a pain in the butt, but if over time (a reasonable amount) I think the taxes could be payed. Of course I suppose jobs would also have to be kept. That's a whole different story in itself. So, once more job openings are available I think people should be able to handle the higher taxes, therefore national healthcare.
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/schumer-and-rockefeller-plan-to-push-for-public-insurance-plan/
ReplyDeleteI agree that a government-run health program is necessary to create competition for insurance companies, because in general these companies are more concerned with their own well being rather than the well being of the people they insure, and will keep them from raising insurance rates. Many people are saying that a government-run health program could get rid of business for most health insurance providers, but this plan would force people with health insurance provided to them by their employer would be forced to keep it. Because a large amount of people have job based health care, this should at least keep the companies running.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/obama-calls-health-care-fight-a-defining-moment/?scp=1&sq=obama%20healthcare&st=cse
ReplyDeleteI agree that our health care system needs reform but I also think that the government shouldn't be in charge of running it. I personally believe that the public option isn't a good idea and that a government run healthcare system would be unorganized and ineffective. If you want to reform healthcare look into ways of cutting down on fraud or change the way insurance companies deal with pre existing conditions but dragging the government in an area where they don't belong will only make things worse.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/05/politics/main5215880.shtml
ReplyDelete10 Health Care Reform Myths
I thought this was intereseting and it kind of cleared things up for me. Many people on either side of this debste do not know much about it. The news channels always put a spin on stories. On Fox news you will always get the Republican side while on CNN you will get more of a Democrat side. Many people just need to get informed or do research before the get so against or for it. I personally think we need some but it needs to be reasonable to keep our budget from getting even worse.
-Glenn Floyd