September 13, 2011

The Problem of Health Insurance and Poverty

Every Monday, my hometown newspaper, Syracuse’s The Post-Standard, publishes a listing of judgments and bankruptcies.  Like many people, I read these with a combination of curiosity (anyone I know?) and discomfort (no joy in someone else’s misfortune).

This week, of the 97 judgments listed, 31 were filed by local hospitals or physicians, totaling over $371,000. Throw in a judgment satisfaction and a bankruptcy, and it’s closer to $380,000.

Anyone see a problem?

New Census Bureau numbers came out today, and show that almost 50 million Americans – 50 million – do not have health insurance. The number would likely be higher, except that PPACA (the Job Killing Health Care Law) provides coverage for kids under 26 who can now remain on their parents’ policies.  

The number of Americans living in poverty is now just over 15%, or 46 million of us, the highest number ever recorded.

Anyone see a problem?

Last night at the GOP debate, a smattering of the audience applauded the concept of letting a comatose man in his 30's die outside a hospital, untreated, because he doesn't have health insurance.  A larger number of them cheered the concept of churches and neighbors handling his care.  

Anyone see a problem?

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