Laugh or Cry for the Day

[F, Calla & Luca]

"The American Medical Association has weighed in on Obama's new health care package. The Allergists were in favor of scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve. Meanwhile, Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, "Oh, grow up!" The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it. Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow. The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would "put a whole new face on the matter". The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea. Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and those lofty Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the a****es in Washington."

Not to get political, but I personally think everyone should have health insurance.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That's hilarious.   I too have a 'gut' feeling and it's along your lines but for someone who hears about this can you explain in simple language what this new bill will mean if it is implemented. What happens at present to those who don't have health insurance in the US? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

As of this instance people without insurance must buy insurance or face a penalty of $95. Many will opt for the penalty but millions will get insurance or so it seems. The penalty rises in succeeding years. There will be subsidies for the poor and health exchanges in some states. What's available and how much it will cost will vary greatly on the plan, where you live etc. in short, go know. And all of this is sure to change.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Are there several competing insurance companies offering several levels of cover. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Many companies varying again from place to place and in terms of coverage.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have private health cover here but this is optional as the state does provide a good health service though it can be patchy with long waiting lists for non emergencies. There are costs for visiting the GP and for all hospital visits (about €90) The poor get Medical Cards which covers GP care and all hospital care. Some of the Doctors who work in the public system also work in the private hospitals. My health insurance is very expensive but it's a priority for me.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I certainly understand that. Here the poor can go on Medicaid, companies offer insurance in some instances with workers paying varying amounts of the premium. Those over 65 can go on Medicare . It's all very complicated. If you have no money you will get catastrophic care in the hospital. The worst scenario is for the middle class people who have no insurance. If they have a major health crisis it often bankrupts them.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL and I agree completely. What is wonderful about the new law is that if you apply for insurance, they have to sell it to you. No health history questions! They cannot turn you down for pre-existing conditions or for your age, or for anything. And they cannot charge more for women than men, or base the cost on your health history, as they currently do. The only factors that affect the rates are your age and tobacco use. I can hardly believe it. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, I forgot about the preexisting condition nonsense being banished.

[Christine & Camus]

Very funny and I agree, everyone should have health insurance.  Thanks for the smiles....

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

This is too funny!!

[Karen and Bridget]

This is so funny!!

[Nadia]

I love love love this!!!!!