Father Terrence,
I agree with your philosophy more often than not, and thank you for posting that excellent piece of inspiration.
What few people realize is that before Medicare kicked in on July 1, 1966, most elderly had availed themselves of private health insurance plans which provided far better coverage than did Medicare and with a lot less hassle and redtape (at least, at that time). When Medicare came into being, the private insurance plans booted the oldsters out, forcing them into Medicare. They had and have no choice in the matter and none with whom I was acquainted was pleased with this absence of choice.
Prior to state Medicaid plans, there always were physicians and clinics that would treat people, charging them according to their ability to pay. In many cases, the poor were treated at no charge by these private entities. Medicaid changed all that.
I do not know about other states, but in California it is against the law for a hospital emergency facility to refuse acute-care treatment to anyone presenting to such facility, for any reason.
I am curious as to your take on the wisdom of welcoming a global economy and global marketplace, as opposed to what we used to have, and would welcome your comments and opinions.
Holly |
