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As a student of economics, it drives me crazy when people think they are not paying for stuff, anything. It may not be with cash money, but it usually is in the form of higher prices somewhere unexpected.
The people that are presently forced to utilize the health-care system they cannot afford, and ultimately declare bankruptcy, "Pay" for their care with the problems and perhaps self induced shame that comes with that. Everyone else pays in the form of higher prices the providers must charge to cover their "losses". Higher insurance premiums or co-pays are also charged, to those covered as a result. People with "free" insurance through work are paying for it in the form of lost wages. Nothing is free. Even if a benefactor gives away services to someone out of the goodness of his heart, that very act is the "cost" of the good feelings he earns as a result.
If they start giving out free flu shots in one window and $20 flu shots in another. Some people will choose the $20 window, because they value their time more than the people willing to wait in line. Some call it silly, but its just a difference in value systems. The Concorde flew across the Atlantic in a fraction of the time of a 747, but people paid extra for the privilege.... See More
In school, in a health finance class, a statement was made that "everyone wants universal health-care, but no one wants to pay for it". My point is we already are. Like the example I already gave but In other ways too; by the poor health or death of people too proud or stubborn to take advantage of the current system which already expects and adjusts for a certain amount of unpaid bills.
I apologize for the readers of this that say "Huh?" you just about got a lecture in economics 201. My medication kicked in, as I started this. LOL
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Kevin Fillips <kevin3.0@gmail.com>