Comments on: Coming to your doctor’s office: rationing

By: Arouet

Arouet — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:08:50 +0000

The choice of words in this article was poor. The NICE doesn’t “restrict access” or “block” use of anything. It decides what the govt will pay for and what it will not pay for. Doctors can prescribe and patients can purchase these drugs on their own dime—a situation similar to that in the US with many pharma products—where doctors generally prescribe generics if insurance plans won’t reimburse for on-patent stuff.

The question is not whether it’s flawless. The question is whether it’s an improvement over the status quo. The yardsticks are spending per capita and longevity. And the largest consumers of health care are the elderly, where even with Bush’s $450 billion Medicare prescription drug benefit, some seniors still cannot afford the co-pays for all of their medicines, so they skip. That, my friends, is called (insert drum roll) . . . . rationing.

By: cynthia fox

cynthia fox — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:43:02 +0000

Don’t kid yourself. Rationing is already happenthing thru the private insurers. Recently MD ordered 30 days of a med, insurance said NO, only 6 days. Insurance Company’s or the government? Take your pick.

By: Cos Cobber

Cos Cobber — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:34 +0000

I am no fan of the Obama crusade, but did you read that interesting article in the New Yorker last month on health care spending?

It suggests that we all might be better off with less health care attention (gasp). Furthermore, that statistically speaking, when comparing overall American health care spending by region and “proactive measures” by region, we have very little to show (ie longer lives) for unlimited health care spending. I don’t have an answer to our health care challenge, but I am curious what your take is.

This ditto-head needs direction.

By: Walt

Walt — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:59:58 +0000

Dude -
Come on now. Who should decide on your medical treatment? You or the government?
You are a moron for Pete’s Sake, so let them decide. Why should we have any say about our lives? Barack knows best. He is our Big Brother!!!
Just look at how well the S.E.C. operates. Or the D.M.V. And the IRS. And the Pentagon – $5,000 toilet seats. How cool is that?
So when you go in for your head transplant, let them decide. They know what is best for you.
Your Pal,
Walt

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:07:55 +0000

Top 1% of taxpayers pay ~40% of taxes

IIRC, top 5% of hc consumers are responsible for ~40% of hc costs: likely our fat/diabetic masses (prob many of whom are rabid MJ fans) who prob pay no taxes b/c of their low welfare income or underemployment

Reduced lifespans for economic underachievers are ultimately accretive to economy, no?