Comments on: Gubernatorial Op-Ed: Bob Vander Plaats

By: Deace voted for Obama

Deace voted for Obama — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:13 +0000

Timmy, government interference is one of the reasons we have sky-high health insurance premiums and health care costs.

Everyone is always wanting insurance plans to be mandated to cover more and more potential health issues. It sounds so compassionate for lawmakers to make these mandates but in the end, someone has to pay for them and at the same time, none of us want our insurance with a company that is not solvent.

We’ve all created this monster. How about caps on tort reform so doctors don’t order more tests than necessary just to CYA and malpractice insurance premiums for doctors could also be reduced.

It is only common sense that the losing party in any lawsuit should be made to pay the attorney costs for the winning party. This would also reduce costs.

Right now we have a nation full of people who expect unlimited access to health care all the while expecting someone else to pay for it.

Government always is the cause of these problems–not the solution.

By: Moderation in Everything

Moderation in Everything — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:59:43 +0000

Mr. Hawk: Fair enough. The question should be framed in terms of access to meaningful health care. I’m not concerned about those that don’t want to pay for health coverage. I’m concerned about those that can’t. Whether it be children of bad parents or those with catastrophic health problems who can’t afford treatment. Mr. Hawk, my question still stands. There is a program in existence in Iowa called HAWKI. What does BVP propose to do with health care?

By: Timmy

Timmy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:37:40 +0000

Mod, as somebody currently on COBRA I fully understand your concerns. I’m not sure though that I believe a Govt. run and/or mandated program is the answer. It is rapidly becoming a desparate situation however and needs to be addressed by the “grown-ups” in charge pretty damn quick!
I’ve thought for a long time that tying health insurance to employment was a big mistake. If the individuals were in charge of their own coverage it might have helped force the insurance companies to be more competative. I would like to see Dr’s, Hospitals, and health-care providers have to compete much like the auto repair services. Why can’t they have to bid for non critical procedures, etc. like they do for elective procedures such as Lasik, cosmetic surgery, etc.? Maybe I’m over simplicating this, but a mechanic has a flat-rate manual that is used to base the charges for different auto repairs, why couldn’t something similar apply for basic office visits as one example?
Another thing that gripes me is the lack of ability to contract with the Dr. directly. I’ll give an example to hopefully illustrate what I mean. I became very ill a couple of years ago while I was out of town for work. My only option was the local E.R. as I couldn’t find a physician I could make an appt. with directly. Before it was all said and done, my insurance co-pay was around $500.00 for something that would’ve meant only a routine office visit had I been home.
I don’t know if this approach would work, but I for one would certainly be willing to take my chances vs. an all-encompassing Gov’t run system!

By: Mr. Hawk

Mr. Hawk — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:29:43 +0000

You said “access to health care”, not “cheaper or free health care”. Everyone in Iowa has access to health care, and can buy a policy if they so desire. Everyone in America has access to health care.

If you’re going to frame the argument differently, at least be honest. Instead of using loaded phrases like “Access to health care”, just say “how are we going to ensure that some people pay for the health care of others who don’t want to pay for it themselves.”

By: Moderation in Everything

Moderation in Everything — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:37 +0000

Mr. Hawk–Emergency Care and access to HAWKI. What does BVP plan to do with HAWKI? Will support replacing it? Getting rid of it? Leaving it as it is? With premiums rising 5-10% per year, I don’t know as a small businessman whether I can continue to afford to provide health insurnance to my full-time staff. What then?

By: Mr. Hawk

Mr. Hawk — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:25:40 +0000

“How can anyone vote for someone who consistantly tries to convince people that an executive oerder can overturn a supreme court ruling. It shows he is not competant enough to hold the office of governor. ”

- Because many people are dumb enough to believe it too.

By: Mr. Hawk

Mr. Hawk — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:24:28 +0000

“BVP: Specifically what would you do to ensure that all Iowans have access to health care?”

- Every Iowan already has full access to health care.

By: Moderation in Everything

Moderation in Everything — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:34:03 +0000

Deace–I’m sure you are a very good parent. What about a two year old son of a meth head? There are scores of children whose parents are unfit to have children?

By: Deace voted for Obama

Deace voted for Obama — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:31:29 +0000

No, it’s my position that parents provide for their own children. The only children that should be on the public dole are those whose parents have fallen on hard times due to circumstances beyond their control.

If that makes me selfish, then so be it. I took care of my own kids, who were very sickly by the way. No one helped us and they shouldn’t have. We never even thought of such a thing.

By: Moderation in Everything

Moderation in Everything — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:28:35 +0000

Deace–HawkI is a Vilsack creation. I want to know what BVP says. Deace, is it your position that poor children do without?