Burks wrote:
What they do not have the right to do is abuse the system. Multiple ER visits a week (so they don't have to work and get disability, it's easier than you think), rampant prescription painkiller ABUSE (by M.D.'s and patients alike)
These are issues with the criminal justice system, not just the welfare system. Spongers are always going to be a problem, but that doesn't justify taking the benefits away from everyone.
Burks wrote:
outrageous charges ($100 for a doctor to spend 10 minutes at bedside), and the like are ruining this country. I'm not kidding you when the same name can pop up on the ER list THREE TIMES A DAY for the same problem. Not only is this a waste of money (of course they never pay their bills...), but a waste of resources. That's a squad run that takes damn near 1 hour for someone that wants a "free" meal and some pain meds. Each visit costs us approximately $2000 in lost money, that's to break even. We charge around $3k. That doesn't include the lost income to the ambulance company either.
Which only reinforces the argument for a Nationalised health service.
Burks wrote:
Give people fair prices and they might actually PAY their bill. If it costs me $40 to see my doctor in his office, why is it $100 to see them in the hospital? They MUST make daily rounds on patients, so they're already there.
See above statement.
Burks wrote:
Do people really need to be on 6-8 Vicodin a day for a back injury they had 10 years ago?
Pain is pain. What a stupid comment to make
Burks wrote:
Should we keep treating people for free who refuse to take their medications, continue to smoke/drink, and continue to live unhealthy lifestyles? Sure it is their life, but it is OUR money. See where I'm getting at? I have no problem helping people who have crappy genes, bad luck, etc as long as they do what we tell them to. Have high blood pressure? Take your f'n meds and lay off the salt!
High taxation of alcohol and tobacco (which I think there should be anyway) easily pays for the damage caused by these substances when they are abused. However, to an extent I agree with you. Priority for healthcare should be for those who make a genuine effort to protect their health, but this is hard to judge. Many alcoholics would outright quit drinking tomorrow if they could.
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"What? Men dodging this way for single bullets? What will you do when they open fire along the whole line? I am ashamed of you. They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist..."- The last words of General John Sedgewick, killed by a sniper in the American civil war
