Sicko

We just got back from watching Michael Moore's latest movie; Sicko. It is an amazing movie that every American should see. Even if you don't agree with Michael Moore's style or approach to this topic almost everyone will agree on one simple fact; The American Health Care system is in serious trouble.

This movie simply highlights that fact and does little more. Which is exactly what is needed. The movie doesn't try to get you to be socialist nor does it say that America is a horrible country (in fact quite the opposite). One of things it does do is to point out some very insightful facts

In true Michael Moore style America's health care system is compared to Canada's. As well as the systems in the UK, France, and Cuba. All of which are more focused on the well being of the individual rather than on well being of the hospital, insurance company, or practice.

To me the core message from this movie was:

When did health care shift from being about health to being about profits?

Onto my opinions....

Seriously why, in America, do we truly believe that top-notch medical care will be given when the main motivator is financial gain? HMOs and other insurance companies are not in the "business" to help people. They are in the business to make money, obscene amounts of money; and they do! Compensations that have reached well over a billion dollars for some CEOs.

Now of course the main argument against Universal health care (or socialist medicine, as those opposed to it like to call it) is that taxes would have to be incredibly high in order to pay for it. My very short response to this is that I would argue that taxes are already high, we just don't see them.

I'll use myself as an example. The employers I work for all have had to pay insurance on my behalf. On the employer side the cost fluctuates but, in general, its around $400-$500/month. Now that's $4,800 to $6,000 a year that is paid out on my behalf and is required as part of my employment. To me, its a tax. The employer HAS to pay it otherwise I wouldn't work there. Maybe its not a government mandated tax but its a tax nonetheless.

The cost of insurance premiums do not fluctuate greatly based upon individuals but the percentage, of those costs, to pay varies massively according to an individual. To a person making $100k/year $500/month is not going to make a big difference in after-tax pay but to the person making $20k/year that same after-tax difference is massive.

I love to say that my hat is, and has been, in the ring for Universal health care because, as I see it, the tax is already there. Its just in the wrong place. This "medical tax" is crippling our small businesses, forcing skilled labor to major corporations and destroying our nation's biggest asset; creativity and entrepreneurship. After all how many people caved in on their dreams, went to work for an established company simply for health care?

Finally I close with this...

I am tired of worrying about health care.

I am tired of moving from one company to the next just to continue health coverage.

I am tired of asking about health benefits during job interviews and reviewing the legalese written health benefit documents.

I am sick and tired of worrying myself sick over the fear of being sick in America.