Red Lion

I have been a little preoccupied with medical issues lately, as my wife has struggled a bit more with her diabetes while pregnant. This has lead me to really think about the ethical nature of essential medical services such as transplants, etc...costing so very much. I can understand elective/non essentialprocedures, like liposuction, etc...as more so being a luxury that could and does cost quite a bit, but an essential medical procedure that decides whether a person lives or lives with any quality of life? I guess that I have a problem with people getting stuck with huge debts just in order to live. What do others think?

Lanse couche couche

Well, one reason why the prices are so high is the high cost of malpractice insurance. But even without that, some sort of major condition could result in people being in debt for life. Call me a socialist, but i think that some changes need to be made. Of course the people who argue otherwise, don't realize how many other aspects of their life are subsidized in some way.

Sswpriz

Hmmmm, and here I always thought that the doctors argued about it otherwise !!!

Fieldmouse

Debts can always be wiped off the books.

I belive there is some problems but last thing want to ever see is the goverment take over. I prefer free market any day of the week. Actually last night on my way home from work, I was listening to Rudy's ideas about promoting the free market to solve this issue rather then all the Dem's who are running wanting the gtoverment to take it over. Rudy scored a point with me.

Red Lion

Who would that be that would wipe the debts off the books and in what circumstances?

ipscshooter

Maybe the Bankruptcy Courts.

Aught Six

Medical costsare not arbitrary. Even if they were, what are you going to do, give up and die so you're not in debt? The important things in live always costs the most.

I'm not saying it doesn't hurt tobe sick, broke, and uncertain of the future. I've had my moments before. But I figured I'm here on earth, and I'm going to make the most of it, no matter what I have to do. I've cheated death more times than I can remember, and I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can.

t roy

all not for profit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance. Its is solely based on yearly income. You'd be suprised who can qualify.

Red Lion

Yeah financial assistance meaning longer payments; you don't lose you house right away.

t roy

dont be such a pessimist. patients receive a write off, many people receive free care. anyone with serious medical debts should check into it. again the programs are based on income only, assets are not considered.