I agree with you mostly. In my state WA, My brother makes minimum wage and lives with me. He recieves medical benefits working 40 hour weeks through state help. I honestly think its the middle class that gets the shit end of the stick here. I am sure its different from state to state.
When it comes to handicaps or problems of any sort. I think the middle class once again will suffer. Low income families in Wa will be covered almost completely in any case including Leukemia, cancer, diabetes, ect.. Prescription drugs are covered under state insurance where its free or there is a copay of 5$, or 12$ per bottle per prescription depending on income. The plans here are great for illegals and low income folk. You dont need a social security number to get welfare or medical benefits here either. I know it covers most dental as well. Not sure of the specifics of it.
The health coverage also doesnt discriminate against contraceptives, yet we have poor folk popping out children because they will receive more money from the Great welfare program that our state provides. <img src="/~stretch/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Concraceptives are completely free according to what bracket your state health plan falls under.
I know there are discount cards as well if you fall under a certain minority status and income.
But once again if your middle class and your child or you have some sort of major problem, you are screwed.
The number 1# reason socialized medicine will not workin the US is this. You will not give an incentive for people to pursue that field if the government cant maintain the cost of doctors and nurses. We already have a nation wide shortage of nurses as it is. Yet the pay scale of a nurse with an Associates degree LPN is 16-20 per hour whereas a RN with an Associates is 17-25 per hour. (My ex is a RN nurse in the OR) When you socialize medical coverage prepare to pay the doctors and nurses that provide the assistance. I just think socializing medical coverage would ultimately destroy scientific research and funding, cause a catostrophic surge in taxes and the overall health of people. It would also create a bigger problem concerning CNA work, nursing homes ect..
What we should do is create a market, allow competition in this field, give stimulus's for small business, and
(Edited)help make corporations provide health coverage for there workers.
Force McDonalds, Walmart, and major chains to provide health coverage taking huge amounts of moneys off the government concerning minimum wage jobs.
hehe I could be wrong its just my opinion.
