First off, let me apologize for not blogging in a while. I've been busy, and I'll leave it at that.
This is an issue I believe I should chime in on, though. President Obama is trying to push through a bill (HR3200) which will, in essence, nationalize health care. As most of this blog entry will be opposed to his plan, I highly encourage each of you to report me/this to the White House as an opponent as HRH has asked Americans to do. I welcome the challenge.
Having said that, I have to say that I agree with "the Prez" that health care DOES need reform. During my job as a HR Manager, I would say that I spend at least 30% of my time each week fixing/negotiating/bullying our insurance company into paying for what it should pay for anyway based on our plan. This, in my opinion, is not what a HR Manager for any company should be doing with a third of his/her time.
However, as any good business person should do when considering change, let's take a look at what the "other" nationalized health care in this country is like. I'm talking Medicare, for those of you not following that analogy.
Medicare covers approximately 46 million people in this country in 2008, or roughly 13% of the total population (according to Medicare's website, as are the figures that follow). The total bill for Medicare for the fiscal year 2010 is slated to be $1.2 trillion. This works out to be about $26,086.96 per person per year enrolled in Medicare. Now I will postulate that the majority of people on Medicare are likely to have major chronic illnesses that will drive the cost of insurance claims higher than the average American. This would only make sense, as the majority of Americans on Medicare are either the elderly or younger, disabled individuals. However, I have to also add that the payoff amount (and thus the total cost) to a provider from Medicare is much lower than from private insurance companies.
Our health insurance company that my wife & I have coverage from is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. According to our insurance negotiator, it is one of the best policies in the state of Maine. Like most other insurance pools, our employee pool has a good overview of what the typical American population looks like, demographically speaking. Our company and I (as the employee) combine to pay $11,176.07 per year for both of us. This works out to be about $5,588.04 per person per year, or about 21% of what Medicare costs. Obviously, this offers a significant savings over the current "nationalized" health care program. One could draw the conclusion that, like most other government programs, it will be ill-run and mostly filled with bureaucratic incompetency (Do I really need to cite examples of $100 hammers and $300 toilet seats?), and thus not likely to offer savings over what we presently receive for private insurance.
Maine is one of the states that does not allow a consumer to shop outside of the state for health care coverage either, so one could make the logical jump that our health care costs could be even lower, if we were allowed to shop competitively, but that's another blog for another day (something about the CEO of Anthem being on the insurance advisory board for the state legislature ring a bell to anyone?).
I've also heard and read a great deal about how America spends much more on health care than other nations. This is absolutely true, for two reasons. One, America is the third most populated country in the world, behind China and India. Obviously, the greater the population, the greater the health care costs. Sounds obvious, but some proponents for nationalized health care are waving that snippet around like the right wing was waving around the stains on Monica Lewinsky's blue dress.
The second (and more important) reason is that Americans, as a whole, are not healthy. Our diet is poor, we get minimal exercise, and we have a slew of genetic predispositions and polluted areas in our country. This, above all else, is what fans my embers of discontent. Why are we focusing all of this negative, highly charged emotions at who (and how) pays for health care, when the real question is, why are we still using a health care system that is reactive, instead of proactive. Why are we still using a health care system that will pay 100% (after a deductible) of the costs for treating a chronic disease such as emphysema, when we should be focusing on preventing other cases from cropping up?
It just amazes me that most insurance plans will only cover a physical every year. That's usually the total amount of payout for preventive care. Shouldn't we be rewarding people for going to see the doctor? For eating healthy foods? For not smoking, for not drinking alcohol? For not engaging in unhealthy behaviors? After all, isn't the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? According to HealthPartners, a study by the University of Cincinnati, a $1.00 investment in wellness has a return on investment of anywhere from $1.87-$10. Isn't that what the government should be striving to do? After all, a healthy population is a productive population.
Make that change to health care, and I'll be on board. If the government wants to get involved, offer tax breaks to healthy individuals, or for making healthy choices. Otherwise, stay out of the health care business. You'll just F#$& it up like you guys have everything else.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A different look at the issue...
White Church member (hereafter called "WASP"): "I'm sorry, but I can't allow this marriage to take place."
African American (hereafter called "SLAVE"): "But master, I don't understand. I love this woman. We don't want to raise our children out of wedlock because we respect the bonds of matrimony. Why is this so?"
WASP: "Because, oh little one, we who 'made' this country based its laws on a book written centuries ago, long before we recognized your type in this world. This book defines marriage as a state between two WASPs. There was no mention of ones such as you, so therefore there must not be a marriage among SLAVES. That simply cannot be."
SLAVE: "But master, was there mention of Native Americans in this book of which you speak?"
WASP: "Don't be silly. Of course not."
SLAVE: "Are the Chinese written about in this book?"
WASP: "Not at all. Why on earth would that matter?"
SLAVE: Well, if they are mentioned in the book, and we're not mentioned in the book, then how is it possible for Native Americans & Chinese, for example, to get married and not us?"
WASP: "It just is. Now excuse me while I try to forget that you are here."
What's my point you might ask? Just this. Christians have made it a moral crusade to prevent homosexuals from marrying. Frankly, this puzzles me. I've heard the arguments. "Marriage is defined as a union between man and woman in the bible." is the most common. To this, I will not argue. It is there, I have read it. I understand. However, it also says in the bible that slavery is acceptable. I don't hear many people arguing for that in the last 130 or so years. So I began to ponder what the difference between the two is in the minds of most Christians. Or, more importantly, the religious organizations who oversee the faithful flocks. Then I remembered what a former professor of mine hammered into my head about organized religions. Follow the money.
If former slaves become land owning, income earning citizens (and have already been converted) then they will contribute to the coffers of the church through tithes and offerings, this increasing the financial power of the church. Since the church already has a policy of "don't ask, don't tell" about homosexuality (and therefore has gay church members filling the coffers) they don't stand to gain from allowing same sex marriages. I won't even discuss why marriages are allowed between couples from, let's say, a Buddhist background, whom Christians consider non-believers.
I've spent a great deal of time with many different couples. Some Christian, some not. Some homosexual, some heterosexual. I'm convinced that sexuality doesn't matter in a family unit. Love, understanding, respect, compassion and tolerance are all ingredients in a healthy relationship, and are the building blocks of an excellent family unit. Sexual preference is not included, so it should be irrelevant.
The state of Maine has just started (once again) the debate of legalizing same sex marriage. Can someone give me a decent, rational argument as to why it shouldn't be allowed? I would love a debate. Bring it on...
African American (hereafter called "SLAVE"): "But master, I don't understand. I love this woman. We don't want to raise our children out of wedlock because we respect the bonds of matrimony. Why is this so?"
WASP: "Because, oh little one, we who 'made' this country based its laws on a book written centuries ago, long before we recognized your type in this world. This book defines marriage as a state between two WASPs. There was no mention of ones such as you, so therefore there must not be a marriage among SLAVES. That simply cannot be."
SLAVE: "But master, was there mention of Native Americans in this book of which you speak?"
WASP: "Don't be silly. Of course not."
SLAVE: "Are the Chinese written about in this book?"
WASP: "Not at all. Why on earth would that matter?"
SLAVE: Well, if they are mentioned in the book, and we're not mentioned in the book, then how is it possible for Native Americans & Chinese, for example, to get married and not us?"
WASP: "It just is. Now excuse me while I try to forget that you are here."
What's my point you might ask? Just this. Christians have made it a moral crusade to prevent homosexuals from marrying. Frankly, this puzzles me. I've heard the arguments. "Marriage is defined as a union between man and woman in the bible." is the most common. To this, I will not argue. It is there, I have read it. I understand. However, it also says in the bible that slavery is acceptable. I don't hear many people arguing for that in the last 130 or so years. So I began to ponder what the difference between the two is in the minds of most Christians. Or, more importantly, the religious organizations who oversee the faithful flocks. Then I remembered what a former professor of mine hammered into my head about organized religions. Follow the money.
If former slaves become land owning, income earning citizens (and have already been converted) then they will contribute to the coffers of the church through tithes and offerings, this increasing the financial power of the church. Since the church already has a policy of "don't ask, don't tell" about homosexuality (and therefore has gay church members filling the coffers) they don't stand to gain from allowing same sex marriages. I won't even discuss why marriages are allowed between couples from, let's say, a Buddhist background, whom Christians consider non-believers.
I've spent a great deal of time with many different couples. Some Christian, some not. Some homosexual, some heterosexual. I'm convinced that sexuality doesn't matter in a family unit. Love, understanding, respect, compassion and tolerance are all ingredients in a healthy relationship, and are the building blocks of an excellent family unit. Sexual preference is not included, so it should be irrelevant.
The state of Maine has just started (once again) the debate of legalizing same sex marriage. Can someone give me a decent, rational argument as to why it shouldn't be allowed? I would love a debate. Bring it on...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Things that Really Cheese Me Off...
It's a Monday, and I'm grumpy. What can I say...
1. Paying the government half of every paycheck for the "right" to work.
2. Deli counter attendants who are too busy discussing private parts to wait on you.
3. Women who think they should get whatever they want because they look good.
4. Guys who think the rest of society should bow before them because they need to turn sideways to get their ego through the door.
5. People who are on welfare when they have $30K vehicles in the front yard, an ATV, and several snowmobiles parked in the garage.
6. People who believe that Ramen is healthy for you.
7. A justice system that can convict an innocent man to a lifetime of purgatory on the say so of just one person and no evidence.
8. Bill Gates, for making the worst product of the last 30 years.
9. A society that feels women should have to wear makeup and men should have all their hair to look "good".
10. Animal activists who decry hunting while munching on a cheeseburger or chicken sandwich. At least I know my food died quickly and humanely.
11. A marketing industry that promotes a toxin like Soy, but decries eggs as a source of "evil" cholesterol.
12. The CDC for brainwashing Americans into thinking that vaccines are helpful (and healthy) despite no significant independent studies.
13. Major religions that trod on the innocent in "the name of a greater good" despite the underlying message of each to "love thy neighbor". At least the Buddhists seem to have it right.
14. Pro athletes. Who the hell is worth what they get paid?
15. Bailed out companies "misplacing" taxpayer monies.
1. Paying the government half of every paycheck for the "right" to work.
2. Deli counter attendants who are too busy discussing private parts to wait on you.
3. Women who think they should get whatever they want because they look good.
4. Guys who think the rest of society should bow before them because they need to turn sideways to get their ego through the door.
5. People who are on welfare when they have $30K vehicles in the front yard, an ATV, and several snowmobiles parked in the garage.
6. People who believe that Ramen is healthy for you.
7. A justice system that can convict an innocent man to a lifetime of purgatory on the say so of just one person and no evidence.
8. Bill Gates, for making the worst product of the last 30 years.
9. A society that feels women should have to wear makeup and men should have all their hair to look "good".
10. Animal activists who decry hunting while munching on a cheeseburger or chicken sandwich. At least I know my food died quickly and humanely.
11. A marketing industry that promotes a toxin like Soy, but decries eggs as a source of "evil" cholesterol.
12. The CDC for brainwashing Americans into thinking that vaccines are helpful (and healthy) despite no significant independent studies.
13. Major religions that trod on the innocent in "the name of a greater good" despite the underlying message of each to "love thy neighbor". At least the Buddhists seem to have it right.
14. Pro athletes. Who the hell is worth what they get paid?
15. Bailed out companies "misplacing" taxpayer monies.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Everything I ever needed to know I learned from my friend, Wayne
In the spirit of one of my favorite authors, Robert Fulghum (All I ever needed to know I learned in kindergarten, It was on fire when I lay down on it, etc.), I created this list of what spending time with one of the most incredible persons I have had the distinct pleasure of sharing time with has taught me:
1. Walk, don't run. Running through life doesn't allow time to savor the moments that make life special.
2. The recipe to a good marriage is 1 part tolerance, 2 parts love, 3 parts work, a pinch of sarcastic humor tickled with a bit of spicy passion, tempered under a slow simmer for 30+ years.
3. Everyone that you meet has a lesson to teach you.
4. Silence is something to be cherished, but not extended.
5. Everyone gets kicked in the face from time to time. The key to success is to get back up every time.
6. Cats can be transported by ambulance from the scene of a motor vehicle accident but can't fill out insurance paperwork.
7. The measure of a man is not monetary wealth, but the unique wealth that comes from experiencing what the world has to offer.
8. Nothing heals the soul like a day of fishing.
9. Life finds a way if you believe it will. "Six months to live" can turn into 5 years plus if you have faith.
10. Fortune favors the prepared. Hence, be careful what you throw out.
11. "Murphy's Law" is the missing gospel of the Bible.
1. Walk, don't run. Running through life doesn't allow time to savor the moments that make life special.
2. The recipe to a good marriage is 1 part tolerance, 2 parts love, 3 parts work, a pinch of sarcastic humor tickled with a bit of spicy passion, tempered under a slow simmer for 30+ years.
3. Everyone that you meet has a lesson to teach you.
4. Silence is something to be cherished, but not extended.
5. Everyone gets kicked in the face from time to time. The key to success is to get back up every time.
6. Cats can be transported by ambulance from the scene of a motor vehicle accident but can't fill out insurance paperwork.
7. The measure of a man is not monetary wealth, but the unique wealth that comes from experiencing what the world has to offer.
8. Nothing heals the soul like a day of fishing.
9. Life finds a way if you believe it will. "Six months to live" can turn into 5 years plus if you have faith.
10. Fortune favors the prepared. Hence, be careful what you throw out.
11. "Murphy's Law" is the missing gospel of the Bible.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A new take on prenuptials
For those of you who may not know, I am a Reverend for a group called Inter-Faith Ministries. We deal with couples who practice multiple faiths (i.e. one spouse may be Catholic while the other is Jewish, etc.). Both within the confines of my ministry as well as from previous experience, I have dealt with many different couples. I have shed tears of laughter with some, as well as tears of heartbreak with others. What I saw today was a first though:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11444512&ch=4226713&src=news
The gist of the story is that a 40 year-old Long Island physician is embroiled in a 4 year long divorce with his wife. "What is taking so long?" you may ask? Well, he doesn't want the house, money, or any of the material property. He "just" wants his kidney back. "Or equivalent value", which is $1.5 million.
Huh. Guess I didn't know I was a millionaire 3 times over as soon as I was born.
But wait, let's dig a little bit deeper. According to Med Tech, the value of a kidney on the black market is only $85,000. Hmmm, so why the difference? Well, if you dig a little bit deeper, you'll find that $1.5 million is the total value of the couple's estate. This translates to "I should have let you die when I had the chance" syndrome.
Now, I realize that a divorce is a messy, uncomfortable, hurtful act between two people. I have been through one, I know personally. I spent almost a month in a tent in November (in Maine) because of one. The quicker it is over, the quicker the healing can begin for both parties. The fact that the plaintiff isn't willing to allow even his own healing to begin begs the question:
Does "humanity" exist in humans anymore?
More on this later...when I'm less disgusted.
P.S.: Does this mean that every person I saved as an EMS provider owes me personally now? [insert disgusted head shake here]
P.S.S.: Does this mean that I can sue my ex-wife for all the "donated" sperm?
(I'm kidding, of course!)
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11444512&ch=4226713&src=news
The gist of the story is that a 40 year-old Long Island physician is embroiled in a 4 year long divorce with his wife. "What is taking so long?" you may ask? Well, he doesn't want the house, money, or any of the material property. He "just" wants his kidney back. "Or equivalent value", which is $1.5 million.
Huh. Guess I didn't know I was a millionaire 3 times over as soon as I was born.
But wait, let's dig a little bit deeper. According to Med Tech, the value of a kidney on the black market is only $85,000. Hmmm, so why the difference? Well, if you dig a little bit deeper, you'll find that $1.5 million is the total value of the couple's estate. This translates to "I should have let you die when I had the chance" syndrome.
Now, I realize that a divorce is a messy, uncomfortable, hurtful act between two people. I have been through one, I know personally. I spent almost a month in a tent in November (in Maine) because of one. The quicker it is over, the quicker the healing can begin for both parties. The fact that the plaintiff isn't willing to allow even his own healing to begin begs the question:
Does "humanity" exist in humans anymore?
More on this later...when I'm less disgusted.
P.S.: Does this mean that every person I saved as an EMS provider owes me personally now? [insert disgusted head shake here]
P.S.S.: Does this mean that I can sue my ex-wife for all the "donated" sperm?
(I'm kidding, of course!)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The latest "WTF?" from the great state o' Maine
Flashback to last summer for a moment: The economy was starting to seriously nose dive, gas was $4/gallon, and the wonderbrains in Augusta were considering cutting the gas tax to "help out the taxpayer". Instead of this, they decided to ascend the mighty pulpit of the media and preach out their message of "conservation". "Carpool" they cried "use one trip to accomplish all your errands" the screamed.
Well, Mainers read that message loud and clear. We reduced our fuel consumption. We learned to save again. We picked up bikes, scooters, & mopeds for the first time in years.
Fast Forward back to today: The Congress that is getting ready to begin in Augusta will be considering many new bills in the coming months. Tucked in those bills, very neatly I might add, is a bill to raise the taxes on fuel. The reasoning? A decrease in the anticipated income due to decreased sales of fuel. Didn't you guys cause that? Hello? [knocks on the door] Anyone there?
Let's just slip that bill in while gas is lower priced, so that we can really screw the taxpayer when the price goes back up to $4/gallon! WOOHOO!!! BOHICA!!!
Just another reason to convert your vehicles to alcohol...
Well, Mainers read that message loud and clear. We reduced our fuel consumption. We learned to save again. We picked up bikes, scooters, & mopeds for the first time in years.
Fast Forward back to today: The Congress that is getting ready to begin in Augusta will be considering many new bills in the coming months. Tucked in those bills, very neatly I might add, is a bill to raise the taxes on fuel. The reasoning? A decrease in the anticipated income due to decreased sales of fuel. Didn't you guys cause that? Hello? [knocks on the door] Anyone there?
Let's just slip that bill in while gas is lower priced, so that we can really screw the taxpayer when the price goes back up to $4/gallon! WOOHOO!!! BOHICA!!!
Just another reason to convert your vehicles to alcohol...
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