So Let's See What Happens

[bu villain]

Then how much should it cost? The answer to that question, alone with what factors are allowed to impact that price, is the answer to this whole debate if you ask me.

Agreed 100%. For me, the cost should be such that any family working a respectable job should be able to afford it without going bankrupt (except maybe in the worst circumstances). I know this is somewhat vague because the exact details are too complex but this is my general opinion.

No I dont think that is a problem when you take it as a whole. Specific examples may be an issue with me, but as a general statement, no. It comes down to personal responsibility. If you are responsible in your life, you will have the support system, such as family and work, to get back on your feet even if a major illness causes you to go into bankruptcy.

On an emotionally level I agree. I was raised to be responsible for myself and my actions. On an intellectual level though I recognize that others do not live by the same mantra and their actions still affect me through increased hospital costs and various other social issues. I would like to minimize those effects if possible.

There is no way to do this without allowing hospitals to turn people away. I dont agree with this approach though as there are times that major medical issue can seem final at first glance.

I assume you are talking about immediately life threatening issues. Otherwise I believe hospitals can and do turn people away.

No, our society will not be any better off if everyone had health insurance. Individuals would be, but society as a whole would not be. First off, if people dont want something, then they should not be required to buy it. It really is that simple. If you choose not to buy insurance, then you should be liable for the entire cost of your bills.

I disagree it's that simple (don't want it = don't pay for it). We pay taxes but certainly we do not all agree with every dollar spent on taxes. Likewise we pay for individuals who default on medical bills when we pay ours because the hospital has to recover their losses through paying customers.

As I have pointed out, the cost of your average cell phone will pay for your major medical coverage. If you choose a cell phone over medical coverage, then you take that risk and should reap the consequences of that poor decision.

To reiterate I don't believe those costs are accurate for many people in this country. For some people yes, but for everyone, no. Also many jobs require you have a phone so your employer can contact you so you can't necessarily make that trade.