Are you part of a special interest group?
Oh, this can go on and on in a debate. People only want the health care they need and for most of the country they can't get that. Young people only need emergency/catastrophic care. Families want policies that cover childbirth and pediatrics. The elderly need chronic care that focuses on their special needs that do not include contraception or obstetrics.
I don't want my private information locked into some government website. I don't want a prescription plan since I can pay cash for the few medicines I may need in my lifetime. I don't particularly care for a regime that includes drugs.
What I don't like is the manufactured fear. There is a fear of disease an illness. I realize sickness is a reality, but I also know that insurance does not make you healthier. At least that's what a number of economists are finding.
A Rand study conducted between 1972 and 1982 found that insurance coverage did not show any better health outcomes. A more recent Oregon study showed the same in two years, but now others are criticizing the study as too short.
Here's the kicker, another study showed people that once people had Medicare at age 65 after having no insurance for quite some time did not have better health. And the reasons why are fairly reasonable. People still had bad habits such as smoking and not exercising. In fact, the men had in increase in risky health behaviors especially when it came to drinking and smoking more.
Another study showed folks with insurance were more obese. For more information you can find articles on these topics at Forbes.com. Another interesting source is the book Change or Die.
Basically, the book, Change or Die, explored the terrible stats that showed 9 out of 10 people do not change their lifestyle even when doctors tell them they will die.
Health insurance does not make up for bad habits. The problem is there are plenty of bad habits that they are not aware of. Smoking, drinking, and junk food are known bad habits, but I also delve into the health behaviors we think are are good for us, but in reality, they are not.
So, health insurance is necessary for tests and procedures that are costly. Most families will struggle with a bill that is over $1000. A hospital stay or emergency room visit can add up. Sometimes accidents occur and we need to be covered. But, most health issues are preventable and do not need to be expensive.
Preventive behaviors should be emphasized over health care services.
In fact, most of our health care budget should be spent on prevention behaviors we can do on our own or with a natural health care practitioner, such as a chiropractor. They will be paid for out of pocket, of course. Insurance still does not recognize the long term financial benefits of preventive behaviors.
Quality of life will come from your own efforts, and not so much from health care services unless it is for a life-saving emergency. Most of our day to day lives is not an emergency.
Insurance is helpful in managing your money if you have a good plan that is affordable. (We're hoping our government has a constitutional solution.) But in the long run, your own personal efforts in maintaining your day to day health habits are more important.
