Go check out my latest post over at ParentsConnect, and tell me if you think I’m being bitter, or if I have a valid point. I keep wavering between thinking I do have a valid point, and thinking I’m just pissed off because I can’t afford to run my kids to the doctor every whipstitch.
(I’m especially bitter because my doctor is super cute and it’s always fun to see him.)
Also: help me think of a really good random word, something like oddsbodkins. Thanks!
ETA: What is the difference, do you think, between *basic* healthcare, and stellar healthcare? Could we all possibly agree that children need shots, everyone needs yearly check-ups?
And what about giving shots to illegal immigrants’ children? I can see the “they’re here illegally, they don’t deserve crap” argument (sort of. not really.) but we don’t want unvaccinated people to sick the place up, now do we?
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September 13, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Back in my day, if we got a rash on the skin, you just rubbed some dirt on it and went on. Bee stings? Chewing tobacco. Etc.
Doctor visits were reserved for real problems or emergencies. Everything else was a part of growing up and dealing with it.
Programs like TennCare inherently cause abuse based on the lack of accountability (and “freeness”). You’re right on with some type of co-pay thing…or something that would limit visits on every whim.
Of course…being the evil conservative that I am…I’m not necessarily of the belief that health care is a right. However if there is a system in place, it needs to be run well. The problem with most social programs such as TennCare is that it’s mismanaged and left wide-open under the guise of being “for the good of the children” or some other nonsense.
But anyway…I digress…or something.
September 13, 2006 at 3:28 pm
But…to answer your question…your point is very valid.
September 13, 2006 at 7:46 pm
Yo. Makin’ it on Saturday? Want you on that panel in October.
September 13, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Some state Medicaid programs have co-pays. (Usually lower than $20, but a co-pay nonetheless.) Others have managed care, so that 1) people can’t just go see a specialist on a whim and/or 2) the state doesn’t take the hit for over-utilizers, the managed care company does.
(That was my boring work self talking; now for my blog self…)
Of course what you describe is unfair! There are lots of people who do not qualify for Medicaid, but do not have decent coverage or extra cash for medical expenses. I know that’s where I am and I have the medical bills to prove it. Not sure that there’s a quick fix, though.
September 14, 2006 at 2:23 am
I was all set to type out a major thing, and then Blake said everything I was gonna say.
I personally have only known about 30% of the people I know on Tenncare to NOT abuse it.
September 14, 2006 at 7:03 am
Tenncare is one of the most abused services in TN (right behind welfare). I heard somewhere that the average tenncare recipient gets like 11 prescrips a month. 11 per person? WOW!
I agree about having a co pay. that will stop some from abusing the system.
September 14, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Blake: It was the same in my day as well. Maybe not with the chewing tobacky, haha.
I think this “going to the doctor for everything” syndrome is one of the things forcing up the medical costs for everyone.
I’m not sure how you can not believe health care is not a basic right. We don’t exactly want our citizens dying on the streets, do we? Plus, all that “life, liberty, etc.” stuff, I dunno. I think there are limits to that as well, like keeping old people alive forever when they’re really too sick to go on.
The problem with most social programs such as TennCare is that it’s mismanaged and left wide-open under the guise of being “for the good of the children” or some other nonsense.
Definitely. If they ran TennCare like it was a for-profit agency, it would probably be more beneficial for everyone.
September 14, 2006 at 4:57 pm
dailydiablogger: Yep, I’ll be there.
parlancheq: Well, I guess you just need to move to Tennessee, then!
Yeah, I’m totally down with co-pays or managed care. I don’t think there is a quick fix, either, but taking *some* steps to try to manage the problem would be good. 
Kat: You don’t think basic health care is a right, either? See above comment.
Sonia: 11 prescriptions per person is *ridiculous*. My dad, with kidney disease is only on seven. My uncle, with HIV, is only on 9. What’s sad is that 11 prescriptions is the *average*. Holy crap.
September 16, 2006 at 5:55 pm
My next door neighbor takes her children to the doctor (which in many cases = emergency room) for every. little. thing! I don’t think they are on TennCare, well maybe the kids are, I’m really not sure. Anyway, I used to think it was just a culture difference (they’re Kurdish) but maybe not after reading all this. I just don’t know. I do know that my $20 co-payment keeps me home from the doctor until I’m very sure that we need a doctor! Sometimes I’m sure right away, other times I’m like let’s wait a day or two and see what happens. Sometimes they get better on their own, saved $20. Sometimes I have to go to the doctor and even then they say, “it’s just a virus”, I just spent $20 for peace of mind but sometimes peace of mind is priceless!