Another PUBLIC PULSE submission

SUBMISSION FOR PUBLIC PULSE

Regarding Ron Holscher's Dec. 26th reply to my message of Dec.19th: It seems obvious that Ron and I will agree on very little regarding the pros and cons of the 'new' and 'old' healthcare systems.  

In your castigation of the 'old' system, Ron, you lament that - "Congress prohibits Medicaid and Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers to lower the cost of a Nexium pill." Personally, I'm for the lowest possible price. I'm also convinced that the free market is the best way to achieve that end. Do you not realize, Ron, that all three of your culprits, Congress, Medicare and Medicaid, are government entities? They are the antithesis of the free market, always producing the highest costs? How much did the government pay for that toilet seat, once again? Ironically, we seem to agree, after all, that it is government that is the problem.

With no illusions about changing your mind, I do hope you will reconsider your blind faith in wanting government to control, and run everything having to do with, your healthcare. My hunch is that this will not be good for your health.

 

Dick Mueller
Omaha, NE

 

        

HEALTHCARE NOW! AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Please tell me, again, why we are supposed to hate this system.

Recently, for no apparent reason, I passed out. When I called my doctor's office and told them what had happened they arranged for me to see the doctor an hour later. That was last Tuesday. The doctor's learned assessment was that I had "SDT" (Some Damn Thing) and that "We are going to get to the bottom of this." Both his humor and his determined and reassuring comment were much appreciated.

On Wednesday they called and told me my blood, which they had drawn on Monday, tested normal.  They, also, informed me that they had arranged two appointments for me for the next day, Thursday. One appointment was for a Cat Scan and the other was for an ultra-sound check of my Corroded Arteries. They also told me that I have an appointment on Monday, next, to see a cardiologist.

Now, who would not be impressed with this incredible display of both healthcare and compassion? Lest anyone jump to the conclusion that I must be a VIP, or someone with great means, neither is true. It should also be noted that every decision made has been between me and my doctor, with nary a government bureaucrat or death panel in sight.

"Papa Jan"