The American Spectator

home
ADVERTISEMENT
Print Email
Text Size

The Right Prescription

Privatization Shellacs Obamacare Model

By on 2.25.13 @ 6:08AM

One of the worst hospitals in the UK’s notorious NHS is turned around by a private firm.

An excruciating irony of Obamacare is that its architects modeled many of its features after the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is a classic system of socialized medicine, and a monumental failure by any objective standard. Yet many of its features were enthusiastically built into the “Affordable Care Act.” The most obvious example is Obamacare’s rationing committee, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which was consciously made in the image of Great Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

And lest you think I exaggerate the failures of the NHS, you can verify my characterization by reading or watching the countless news stories and documentaries that reveal a standard of care that is nothing short of scandalous. Routine neglect of elderly patients, cancer patients writhing in agony because their pain medications were not administered, clinicians eating patient food while patients starve, nurses ignoring patients desperate to use the toilet—all are commonplace. Indeed, neglect at one NHS hospital caused no fewer than 1,200 deaths.

It hardly needs to be said that ordinary Britons and a variety of patient advocacy groups are worried that such episodes will continue if drastic changes are not made at the NHS. And, ironically, the most successful of the “drastic” experiments put in place is that much-hated bête noire of progressives and Obamacare supporters everywhere: privatization. The Mail Online reports that Hinchingbrooke Hospital, “The first NHS trust to be operated entirely by a private company has recorded one of the highest levels of patient satisfaction in the country.”

In other words, the Brits were so desperate to fix their crumbling health care system, they experimented with the private market and it is outperforming government-run health care without breaking a sweat. Hinchingbrooke was, like so many hospitals in the UK, about to go under when a private company called Circle Holdings was awarded a 10-year contract to run it. This is the first time such a company has been given control of an NHS hospital and the results will not come as a surprise to anyone who understands free enterprise.

As the Mail Online goes on to report, “The company running the trust has slashed losses at the hospital by 60 per cent and will soon begin to pay… debts built up over years of mismanagement.” Though will be no surprise to free market advocates, it has been a real eye-opener to the NHS. Privatization isn’t the dirty word it once was in the much-maligned health system: “The takeover deal … is seen as a blueprint for the future of many NHS trusts. The George Eliot Hospital in Warwickshire is already considering adopting the model.”

It will also come as no surprise to those who believe the market provides the most efficient health care delivery model that, in addition to dramatically improving the financial prospects, privatization has improved patient satisfaction. Before Hinchingbrooke was taken over by Circle Holdings, patients had a very low opinion of the hospital and the care it provided. Now, this perception is dramatically improved: “Patient satisfaction has risen to 85 per cent, placing Hinchingbrooke in the top six of the East of England’s 46 hospitals.”

Not everyone is happy with the changes privatization has wrought, however. The people who work at the hospital are apparently unenthusiastic about the necessity of putting the wellbeing of the patients first: “Staff satisfaction at Hinchingbrooke Hospital has fallen since Circle took over, the latest NHS Staff Survey has shown.” Presumably, the hospital staff would like to continue ignoring the needs of the patients: eating their food, taking their medications and allowing them to die because it’s just too much work to do their jobs.

But the socialized model just doesn’t work. It doesn’t matter that NHS staff are disgruntled or that the erstwhile administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was “romantic about the National Health Service.”Nor does it matter that all of the architects of Obamacare hold similarly romantic views about government-run health care. The NHS, as we know it, came into being shortly after World War II. They have had well over 60 years to prove that socialized medicine works, and they have shown precisely the opposite.

Yet, in less than two years, a private firm has taken a government-run hospital on the verge of bankruptcy and turned it around: Hinchingbrooke has gone from being one of the worst hospitals in the NHS to one of the best. It is infinitely better off financially and the patients give it high satisfaction marks instead of living in fear that they might get sick and be admitted there. Moreover, the hospital is meeting benchmarks on waiting times that most NHS hospitals can only dream of reaching and patients — particularly those with cancer — are getting better care.

Meanwhile, we in the United States are dismantling the remaining free market features of our medical delivery system and replacing them with the very bureaucratic trappings that Circle Holdings removed in order to save Hinchingbrooke. We are implementing Obamacare when the UK has shown that government-run health care does not work and is beginning to move away from it. What is wrong with this picture?

Photo: UPI

About the Author

David Catron is a health care revenue cycle expert who has spent more than twenty years working for and consulting with hospitals and medical practices. He has an MBA from the University of Georgia and blogs at Health Care BS.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (99) |

Appleby| 2.25.13 @ 6:23AM

What's wrong with this picture is that y'all have elected a college sophomore whose sole knowledge of the free market is gained from waiting at the post office for the cheques from his despised capitalist parents, and in the way of all college sophomores, he believes that what he has read and his handlers have taught him is far more truthful than any real world experience by people who are, after all, OLD(er than he is).

You made your bed; now die in it.

Von Mises Jr| 2.25.13 @ 9:31AM

I went to Quebec a few years back and while I love Canada, it was eye opening. OsamaCare was being jammed up our posteriors, and I wanted to get firsthand knowledge of guvment medicine.

I met a Quebecer on a hike that explained that when you got sick, the first thing one does is go to WebMD. The ER always has an 8-16 hr wait unless you are bleeding to death. Especially early in the week, people who do not want to work spend up to 16 hrs in line to get the week off for mysterious aches and pains.

Then I met a lovely couple from Quebec. They were both educated and the young lady said she never comes to the US. I asked why and she said that if they got in an accident or got ill, they could go bankrupt. Apparently, the guvment propaganda did not inform her that even illegal Mexicans get free child birth, as well as WIC, EBT Cards and a welfare check. But it was interesting that she was positive she had free health care even if it took six weeks to six months to see a doctor or get a test.

But I am sure I am in error and Arnie and Perp will attest to how they got their sex change operations in Canada for free.

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 9:48AM

Von, these legendary waits you guys hear about are so rare, if they happen at all in many countries. Those stories are simply overblown and exaggerrated in the U.S.A.

I've had to schedule doctor appointments over 2 months in advance in the USA. But I can go see a general practitioner in 30 mins in Europe without an appointment. And then they can assign me to a specialists, and I can see the same, or next day. This BS you guys perpetuate about the other industrialized countries, I've just never experienced it, or heard of these stories from locals. I've been to the emergency room twice and been treated wthin 5 mins. Europeans are simply treated in a reasonable fashion.

And you think no one in the US has waited 8 hours in the ER? I've had to wait in the ER in the US for 4 hours just because of paperwork and the large number of people in it.

Von Mises Jr| 2.25.13 @ 9:54AM

So did your adadictome turn out well?

loulou| 2.25.13 @ 10:47AM

Maybe you doctor simply does not want you as a patient and put you on the no app't list. Do you not pay your co-pays? Or are you a Medicaid patient?

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 6:28AM

"The NHS is a classic system of socialized medicine, and a monumental failure by any objective standard."

Funny, he says by any objective standard, and then fails to cite one object study.
Classic right-wing lie. The Brits have way better health results with their system at a fraction of the price than what Americans pay for. What a bunch of crap.

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 6:29AM

one objective study*

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 6:53AM

Not at all. The only reason Obamacare is not "Medicare for All" is because of Republicans blocking anything that wouldn't include private health insurers and healthcare marketplace exchanges - in fact it was a Republican idea in the 1990's. And, then they denigrated the Affordable Care Act when most of it, including the Individual Mandate was touted by the same Republicans, Hatch, Grassley and others in the '90's. Either they are hypocrites, stupid or you all are considered stupid.
The American system's best model is Medicare.
The costs for healthcare are lower, by law, and the peace of mind for seniors is irreplaceable. Ask anyone on Medicare or with experience of Medicare. They will not give it up. Including any of you!
Sure, sure, they have to get Medicare actuarially sound, but if all healthcare dollars were spent through Medicare, the cost would be 30% lower - CBO estimate, not mine.
But, anything Obama is for, you are against - makes it easy - you don't have to THINK. Try it, you might get some good ideas.

pogybait| 2.25.13 @ 7:53AM

Hopefully, three million athlete’s foot sufferers in this country will rise up along with progressive politicians and take the necessary steps to frog march Republicans out of the health care issues, because…when it comes right down to it, all we really need is some government entity deciding which person will ever live longer than the government thinks he or she deserves or how to punish them for it. Yes, isn’t it about time that we finally get people in government or the White House with the intellectual firepower of Walter Mondale or Jocelyn Elders to get this health care plan working.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:42AM

Oh, no, it's sooooo much better to let the CEOs of Humana, United Health and Aetna who make millions in salary to make decision on your health, isn't it? They're only motive is to make you well, right? They don't care about PROFITing of your misery, do they? They would never THINK of denying you care, no matter the cost, right?
You are completely oblivious to reality ...
Nothing is perfect, but it's a helluva lot cheaper to pay for Medicare than it is to go without insurance or to pay for CEO salaries, advertising budgets and 1000% markups on things like aspirin and bed pans.
You don't like your insurance company? Good luck getting another one if your employer pays for your insurance plan.
Your locked in either way.
But ask any Medicare recipient if they prefer private insurance - they don't. Can you understand why?

George S| 2.25.13 @ 11:11AM

Riddle me this: why do the premiums of NON-PROFIT health insurance companies rise at the same pace as for-profit companies?

The answer has to do with Medicare (hint: pays providers 40 cents on the dollar and takes 6 month on average to reimburse).

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 11:17AM

Because they are not NON-PROFIT - they are NOT-For-PROFIT ... go learn the difference.

Medicare pays less because they look at the cost and pay from that - not the arbitary Chargemaster that all hospitals, etc. use to determine charges - which are at 400% and up profit margins. That's why - Medicare doesn't allow price gouging ... because they know the real cost of the care given - do you?
You see, when you don't have a clue what a necessity would cost, you have no idea what is a fair charge for the care - and so you may be charged what "ever the traffic allows". If you were in business, you would know that's how it works.
Medicare short circuits that model and provides good quality care at lower costs to the the consumer and the government.
Where do you think the Healthcare industry gets 5.7 billions dollars to lobby Congress over the last few years? They spend more than even Big Oil to lobby Congress. Money's comin' from somewhere, ain't it? Open your eyes.

George S| 2.25.13 @ 11:30AM

You tell me the difference.

Since you are a businessman, what if your customers paid 40 cents on the dollar six months after services rendered (because the government says your services are worth 40 cents) and the remaining customers were forced to subsidize the difference?

That's how Medicare works -- they shortchange the providers and the insurance companies are forced to kick in the rest and make up the lag. That's why premiums sky rocket and will sky rocket when MORE people are added to the system by ObamaCare.

Proof: go learn the difference in what a hospital will charge an insurance company for an elective C-section delivery and what they will charge you when you offer to pay with a check. Just go learn the difference.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 12:12PM

I know the difference Georgie - the Chargemasters used by providers are complex instruments that set exorbitant prices for goods and services provided.
Ever wonder why only in healthcare technology advances don't drop the price, like they do elsewhere? Because the Chargemaster is not changed, and they can get away with it.
If you knew anything about business, you'd know that a business sets it's prices based on it's cost and a fair markup to provide for overhead and to make a profit. If your price is too high for consumers, you charge less and find ways to cut costs or you go out of business.
Insurance companies know the true cost of the healthcare given by providers and so they contract for discounts based on their knowledge of that information - they will not pay $1.50 for an aspirin that costs $0.10!
The poor sap that pays market price (Chargemaster) for a procedure doesn't know he's being taken to the cleaners - he has no way to know the true value of the goods & services he is rendered.
That isn't "making up the lag" - it's cheating those that don't know the difference.
You really ought to learn more about this racket, before you open your mouth. It's a disgusting swamp that hurts both the doctors and the patients in the hunt for profit.

Real Deal| 2.25.13 @ 12:26PM

Actually they do, just not in subsidized fields. Neither Government nor Insurance pays for laser eye surgery yet it has come down significantly in price over the years and the process has improved.

George S| 2.25.13 @ 1:04PM

Tell me: if the problem is price gouging, why can't you and I open a hospital and charge less money and get all the business?

That is so simple... why isn't it done?

Because it would be illegal. We cannot open a hospital without provisions for emergency treatment. And who comes into emergency rooms for the flu or primary medical care which we would be forced to render services? Warren Buffet?

Extra credit assignment: Right now -- prior to ObamaCare -- how much would the average premium drop if you removed the profit?

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 2:57PM

You figure it out - Medicare has 4% overhead and Private Insurance has 30% overhead ... hmmm, do you think it would drop at all? Do you?

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:03PM

So why are so many retired gov employees not in it. Why don't democrats rescue them from their plans, Include UAW as well, We want choices, and you say no. Who the fuck are you ?

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 5:08PM

Go ask your employer for choices ... they fuck you.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:14PM

By the way how much should a docter make ? You the big healthcare Czar. Soon only jerks like you will be docs. I am telling you now some of the best in Boston are making interesting moves. By the way do you approve of concierge medicine mr. equality ? Bottom line mind your own fing business-different state and regions should be able to devise their own system. Only a fool would want these crazed schmucks in DC running it all. We don't want you bossing us. Get that thru ya head. Snotty little know it all with your easily debunked script. Hell we can pay less for cars if UAW takes pay cuts. Hollywood and big NYNY media are your major. Whay do they do for healthcare ? Leave us alone-or else, Take your fearmongering and screw.

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 5:10PM

Medicare is wonderful healthcare and it beats anything the private sector can offer - and it's run by the Government .. hmmm - kinda makes you stupid doesn't it?
Maybe they should give cars away for free? Maybe we should all make Chinese wages and benefits - how about that?
What an idiot ... go put your head back up Rush Loudmouths ahole.

Goldwater Girl| 2.25.13 @ 1:58PM

And Purpie knows about the "Chargemaster", as he read that endless article in Time magazine. And he thinks conservatives get their education from biased sources!

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 2:58PM

Hahaha... did you just learn about the "Chargemaster"?
I've worked in the insurance industry for years ... not exactly a big secret honey.

Goldwater Girl| 2.25.13 @ 4:21PM

curious that you come on here bashing evil insurance companies, and then claim to have worked in the insurance industry for years "honey". Which company do you represent? Let me guess, AARP? As for your claim that only the top retirement income earners are enrolled in MA plans, I would argue that it's more likely those with the higher IQ's. I've worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years, and yes, I did know about the chargemaster, but I question your timing of the term, since Time just put out that diatribe last week. You've constantly got a burr under your saddle, Purp. Why are you so unpleasant?

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 5:22PM

I don't claim, I do.
Blue Cross, Aetna, Kaiser, you name it dearie.
As far as the burr - originally I tried cogent, lucid arguments and simply got name calling and trash back .. so I simply fight back and do unto others before they do unto me.
No one here is interested in real facts, just getting their own way. Sad

Goldwater Girl| 2.25.13 @ 2:06PM

I guess that's why so many seniors are Medicare Advantage members, with private insurance companies. Medicare administered by insurance companies is the only part that works

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 2:59PM

Yeah, right ... 20% of Medicare recipients are MedAdvantage members ... wanna bet it's the top 20% of retirement income earners? How much you wanna bet?
It costs more fool.

Goldwater Girl| 2.25.13 @ 4:23PM

Funny, when I've priced MA plans against Med Supp plans, they cost less, not more. You must not be very good at this business!

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 5:48PM

Try haaaarrrrdddderrr ...
Oh wait, you're right and everyone else is wrong ...

CJW| 2.25.13 @ 8:16AM

Purpie the Village Idiot posted:

1. "Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials."

2. purpie believes God killed over 100 persons and destroyed millions of dollars of property to help Obama win.

3. In Sept Purpie wrote that Amassador Stevens was at fault and caused his death.

4. Purpie also wrote that the unborn are biological entities not deserving of protection until God allows them to be born.

5. purpie believes that a 20% cut in the tax rate will INCREASE his 0% rate to 8%.

6. purpie also posted one of the female bloggers here should just lay back and enjoy the rape.

Purp-arnie represents the Loon Left that should be mocked and ridiculed, and not engaged in conversation

Cat Shot| 2.25.13 @ 9:06AM

A smiling jackdaw you may be now Arniepurptwin, but you and yours will also be subject to Obamacare's DMV level medical service and Dr. Mengelebelious's ghoulish and arbitrary death panels. Have a nice day.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:44AM

Absolutely! I am having a wonderful day/month/year!
But you don't have to participate with Obamacare - just get insurance and STFU.
No more free riding for you people. It's over.

loulou| 2.25.13 @ 10:48AM

Wow. Spoken like a true welfare recipient.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 11:19AM

Which I am not ... but you should thank the Lord, lest you go that way, you're so kind to those in need.

Cat Shot| 2.25.13 @ 11:41AM

What we have here is a failure to communicate. In a couple months my medical care will be in the form of a thank you note for the 32 years I devoted wholly or in part to the seagoing services. Otherwise, my medical insurance has been through my employers, as I have gainfully employed every day of my life since December of 1977, justifying my existance, raising a famiy, and paying the taxes Americans won't pay. No brag, just fact. You're welcome.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:01PM

No different than I, except different industry ... so what? You want a medal for being responsible? Then I want one too.
What was your point? You're right - you failed to communicate.

Cat Shot| 2.25.13 @ 3:45PM

I get a little edgy when someone lumps me in with the freeloaders. But I'm a patient guy so try this: When the Dems get their single payer system in place, the government will pay everyone's medical bills. Looking at Uncle's checking account we see that, not only is it empty, it's full of IOUs. Now, what part of a $16 Trillion debt are you not getting your head around? Our. Government. Has. No. Effing. Money. Questions?

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 4:02PM

Well, since 11 Trillion of that debt is from YOUR Republican Party and arguably a good portion of what has been spent under Obama is fallout from YOUR GW Bush Baby - what part of stop whining when you don't have control, when you spend like drunken sailors when you do, do you not get? You're not listened to because it's like the Paul Ryan complaining about Social Security after it helped him get to where he is .. and now wants to pull up the ladder to success for everyone else. Hypocritical and to be ignored.
Which is why you are not listened to, except by each other ... when you had the chance to stop Bush, you didn't, so you cant whine now.
Have a nice day and pay your taxes.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:22PM

What a loser.

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 6:04PM

You lost - didn't you get the memo?

Cat Shot| 2.25.13 @ 8:29PM

Oookaaay, the Repubs were idiots for taking us to $11 million but the Dems are enlightened intellectuals for taking us to $18 million, Paul Ryan, by trying to mitigate a national calamity, is preventing people from becoming successful, and you'll stay in a burning building if the guy who pulled the firealarm didn't vote for Obama. I am so not following your raionale.

junkyard infidel| 2.25.13 @ 12:39PM

Absolutely! I am having a wonderful day/month/year!

ignorance is bliss = purp-a-traitor

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:02PM

Winning elections is everything ... Purp ... couldn't be happier that you're boys and girls are greedy shills for the rich... and America knows it, finally.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:20PM

Some can afford it some can't. The Ryan voucher. It srared you to death coward. Cause with a choice of palns availiable to all your glorious scam would be exposed-just as it is happening in Britain. Customer satisfaction tells the tale. But you would close down these private hospitals and make em go back to inferior government care. Who the f-ck do you think you are ?

markenoff| 2.25.13 @ 4:24PM

"The costs for healthcare are lower, by law,...."

My God! Why didn't we think of that! Simply repeal the laws of supply and demand! Let's do that for everything!

Steak too expensive? Pass a law to make it cheaper! Cars too expensive? Pass a law! Gas prices too high? Pass a law!

Jack London| 2.25.13 @ 7:11AM

The main problem with Britain's NHS is it's underfunded and it's been saddled with huge debt precisely from private financing deals such as at that hospital. I see that they are now paying a huge premium to the company running that hospital preseumably to 'prove' that privatization works.

George S| 2.25.13 @ 11:17AM

And I see the services they offer are better. If you needed medical care where would you go, Jack?

I thought so.

BTW: Name one such "private financing deal". Who is the "they" funding the private company and where does the "they get their funding?

Jack London| 2.25.13 @ 11:56AM

George - Google 'private finance initiative' and 'NHS' and tell me what you see.

To get you started here's one in a Conservative newspaper:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/hea.....eport.html

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 12:13PM

Good one! George just knows everything ... NOT

George S| 2.25.13 @ 12:42PM

PFI is not private -- it is government using private capital. No private capital would come even close to NHS unless the private market had either guarantees of a return or a direct hand in running the money.

Saying that PFI is the root of the problem is finger pointing. If you choose not to work and are going bankrupt, you cannot complain that your loan shark is putting you further in debt.

What this boils down to is not a problem with the free market -- it is yet further proof that you always run out of other people's money.

No matter how you slice it, when the customer does not pay directly for the services, there is no way costs are going to be contained, made more efficient, more plentiful or everyone gets what they need when they need it. The money gets sucked up by the government who does not know how to make the money efficient -- because it doesn't have to since it compels if from the people by threat of imprisonment.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:05PM

I can agree with this: "No matter how you slice it, when the customer does not pay directly for the services, there is no way costs are going to be contained, made more efficient, more plentiful or everyone gets what they need when they need it. " - with the exception that when you are sick, you don't care or can't care about cost and don't know what the cost should be anyway. In other words, you don't "shop around" for an Emergency room when you need one.
The rest of your diatribe is retread ideology ... nothing else. A belief, not a fact.

Real Deal| 2.25.13 @ 12:51PM

Jack did you even read what you linked? The issue is not Privitization but rather the structure of the PFI deal itself. Banks won't lend money on PFI deals, what does that tell you?

itsy_bitsy| 2.25.13 @ 7:43AM

Obama and his fellow progressives will not be satisfied until they have gutted the best healthcare system in the world! In the meantime he and his backers are enriching themselves to such a degree that they are actually stealing from the tax payers! They will end up being worth ever greater billions while we sink into peasant status, with a health care system to match!

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 7:58AM

"best healthcare system in the world!" BS. The US system is considered second rate compared to most of the industrialized world.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:46AM

Correct - and we pay 2x more than any other country for the privilege of being #37 ranked in healthcare.

Facts don't matter to this crowd - only what Rush and Fixed News tell them.

lost| 2.25.13 @ 4:44PM

That ranking is based on health equality, responsiveness equality and fair financial contribution. What do those mean?

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:29PM

2x-a lie. Just 2 days ago a graph, maybe in forbes proves otherwise. 37th-you lying sob. Please the criteria that the communist ratings use have nothing to do with actually treating a patient. Look jerkoff-there is so much out there that has debunked your lies. People know about it. Just like infant mortality-all bullshit.

Purp| 2.26.13 @ 6:32PM

Then go on your merry way into Right Wing World Fantasyland and ignore everyone

Jack London| 2.25.13 @ 7:50AM

Also, there's nothing in Obamacare about nationalizing hospitals - nothing at all. The rationing thing is the usual scare nonsense.

George S| 2.25.13 @ 11:19AM

True, but there is nothing in ObamaCare that addresses more doctors and nurses. Just bureaucrats are added. Like 16,000 IRS agents.

What the hell does the IRS have to do with healing the sick, Jack? Seriously.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 12:14PM

Compliance George, compliance to the law.

George S| 2.25.13 @ 12:45PM

That's the first thing I've seen you write that makes sense. ObamaCare is about obedience, not medical care.

Wouldn't 16,000 more doctors be better instead?

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:07PM

If your side would stop whining and get on board, they will come.
Let's try opening the doors to medical schools to train more doctors - oh, wait the Federal Govt foots most of that bill for residencies and training ... Whooops, can't do that, it costs money and Republicans will have none of it. The money needs to go to another set of nuclear weapons that will never be used.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:31PM

Open doors but more and more best minds are not entering.

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 7:57AM

I've experienced several single payer systems of Europe, and those systems work much better than the private only system for the under 65 in the USA.

mike 3/505| 2.25.13 @ 8:23AM

those systems work much better than the private only system for the under 65 in the USA.

No they don't. Any system that has as it's primary function, to provide the same level of service no matter how much the purchaser pays, is flawed. Get this through your head. Health Care is a business...period. It isn't any different than any other fee for service based business. When you statists decide to quit emoting and start thinking, we can begin to bring the costs down, access & quality up. Every evil thing predicted regarding ObamaCare, is beginning to come to pass...and it's gonna get worse.

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 8:52AM

Not true. Most of Europe (not counting Albania, Ukraine, non-EU etc..) does healthcare better than the U.S.A., and has been for several decades. Get it through your head, the healthcare industry is not like a normal market, like the television market for example.

If you're having a heart attack, you don't go around and compare prices of where to get treated. If you have cancer, you don't go around asking, "where can I get sub par chemo treatment?" because you have less to spend. Simply everyone needs to be treated, cured, and recover without an insurance company saying you can or cannot get treated, and also it shouldn't be plunging people into bankruptcy.

I've been treated in Europe. There it is way more efficient. Why? Because it's the law you get treated, and everyone everywhere accepts the state insurance. I've literally been treated with only having to sign my signature once, and no red tape paperwork. I did not have to fight for treatment or payment. And my total out of pocket costs for major surgery and the hospital stay, about 70 dollars.

My own father (in the States) just related how he has Blue Cross insurance, went to the dentist, and had a tooth fixed (it was chipped badly). He had to pay $2K , and then fight for one year to get just 1000 back from the insurance company.

This is a completely absurd story for any European. I could get the same thing done for about 20-50 bucks in Europe.

The US private insurance market system just blows.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:49AM

Mike - "we can begin to bring the costs down, access & quality up" - when did you want to start?
You had 8 years of Bush II, 4 of Bush I and 8 of Reagan - and nothing. You even had complete control of Congress under Bush - whatcha waiting for ?
Republicans are interested in protecting the profits of the Health Industries, not the American people - when will YOU get that through your thick skull?
Do you have to wait until a major illness strikes your or yours to have your eyes opened? Does a house have to fall in you?

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 10:00AM

"Mike - "we can begin to bring the costs down, access & quality up" - when did you want to start?"

ROFL, no shit Purp!

junkyard infidel| 2.25.13 @ 12:45PM

wow, perp and awnie must have gotten off at the same time from their positions at the local glory hole...coincidence ?

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:08PM

Into glory holes are you? Why are the right so obsessed with sex, homosexuals and bathhouses? Incredible.

Santiago| 2.25.13 @ 1:18PM

And yet the day after the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," also known as Obamacare, was approved and signed in March of 2010, without a single Republican vote, somehow all of the stocks of the major insurance companies had gains in the neighborhood of 4-6%. I'm sure those insurance CEOs are shaking in their boots now Purp. The Dems aren't looking out for poor little you, they look out for power.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:11PM

Correct, because they couldn't get past the Republican shills for the Big Pharma and Big Insurance without giving up the Public Option.
Obamacare is a compromise, not what the Democrats wanted. And ever since you bitch and bitch about it, when it's your side that created it. Your side came up with the Individual mandate in the '90's... My God are you that ignorant?

Arnie| 2.25.13 @ 9:24AM

You know what's so satisfying to know; that just like the fearmongering the hard right U.S. conservatives did about Medicare, there has been a lot of fear pumped up about Obamacare.

But what's going to happen is that more people will have insurance, people will not be rejected for treatment, and there will be caps on costs. Less people will go into bankruptcy as a result of their treatments, and all will generally pass ok.

The fears of the right will not be realized, and then the vast majority of the country will realize that the Republicans and hard core conservatives are simply full of sh*t.

pogybait| 2.25.13 @ 9:30AM

Are we really willing to ask ourselves if we should allow government to legislate every risk in every single area of life? Do we really want to create an idealized safety net of feudalism without the anxieties associated with freedom to make individual life choices where someone thousands of miles away somebody will determine how these risks in your life will cost the government? At what point do we continue to allow the victimization of our nation by a group infected with collectivist ideologies because it makes them feel good to imagine that they are defending humanity…and nobody finds this strange?

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:55AM

Ideology doesn't make you well - healthcare does.
Reality trumps ideology every time.
When profit determines who gets healthcare and who doesn't - how is that good? That isn't even Christian.

Insurance companies make all the decisions you are complaining about the government planning to make - when were you able to vote out the Insurance company management? You cannot.
But you can change the government. You have control of the government.
You are part of a collective, many in fact. You are an American, you live in a State, you live in a City and you work for a Company - all are collectives - that is not a bad word.
Paint Marxism on everything you will - it's the lame, old, tired red scare that falls on deaf ears, because non-ideological people, the majority don't believe it - and rightly so.

Santiago| 2.25.13 @ 1:25PM

You can't change the Independent Payment Advisory Board Purp. They aren't elected. Don't give us the BS about changing presidents, that's not the same. And in a truly free market society, which the US doesn't have because the health insurance marketplace is restricted to your state only, you could change companies at a moment's notice.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:55PM

How would you change insurance companies?
Are you not locked into what your company supplies to you? Do you have any real choices?
Are you that oblivious?

CJW| 2.25.13 @ 6:21PM

Purpie the Village Idiot posted:

1. "Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials."

2. purpie believes God killed over 100 persons and destroyed millions of dollars of property to help Obama win.

3. In Sept Purpie wrote that Amassador Stevens was at fault and caused his death.

4. Purpie also wrote that the unborn are biological entities not deserving of protection until God allows them to be born.

5. purpie believes that a 20% cut in the tax rate will INCREASE his 0% rate to 8%.

6. purpie also posted one of the female bloggers here should just lay back and enjoy the rape.

Purpie represents the Loon Left that should be mocked and ridiculed, and not engaged in conversation

fmm| 2.25.13 @ 9:38AM

Great article, mostly worthless comments so far.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 9:55AM

Yours, yes.

loulou| 2.25.13 @ 10:50AM

The trolls are frantically trying convince people that DMV medicine is superior. They must be getting bonus pay today.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 11:23AM

Really? To what purpose? You lost, Obamacare is here to stay. It's even Constitutional.
Personally, I couldn't care less about you or what you believe. It's your life - spend it as you will.
But if giving you healthcare means it is there for me when I need it, so be it.
And, don't be stupid - you WILL need healthcare sooner or later.

Goldwater Girl| 2.25.13 @ 2:02PM

Perp,
We already had healthcare, your boy has just made it more expensive. It's your fellow travelers that were mostly uninsured.

Purp| 2.25.13 @ 3:58PM

They are your brothers too, lady. Or did you forget what Jesus said? Surely you know you're being self-centered and selfish, are you not?

Oh, and Obamacare hasn't made anything more expensive ... the rise in healthcare costs has DROPPED over the last 2 years. Hmmmm, now isn't that interesting?

lost| 2.25.13 @ 5:18PM

Obamacare had nothing to do with the drop in healthcare costs for the last 2 years. Why not do a little fact checking before giving credit where it does not belong.

markenoff| 2.25.13 @ 4:30PM

Just like the internment camps for the Japanese in WWII were Constitutional.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:39PM

But you do care about us and what we do. we'd like vouchers for it and then choose. you can still your medicare and all the rest, NO YOU WANT ONE SIZE FITS ALL. So don't tell me you do not care. If you did not you would mind your own business. You can't. That is the problem.

Pecos Pete| 2.25.13 @ 9:54AM

Scroll Wheel!

OregonBuzz| 2.25.13 @ 11:49AM

"What is wrong with this picture?" What is wrong is the notion that "Obamacare" is about healthcare.
"Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State." --Russian communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924)

Hardcard| 2.25.13 @ 12:29PM

see what happens when you stir-up the pot the shyt rises. ignore trolls for what they are employees of evil and georgi soros.

Meister| 2.25.13 @ 2:08PM

What monumental garbage. Catron is using cheapskate media hype as a basis for judging an entire system. These failings are not "commonplace" at all, which is why they hit the headlines when they happen. In a system as large and financially challenged as the NHS things will go wrong sometimes, but on the whole people receive good quality treatment without having to commit financial suicide.

My mother has been heavily reliant on the NHS following kidney failure in 2002, a stroke in 2008 and is currently being treated for cancer. She has used several different local hospitals and, without exception, received excellent and effective treatment. This is what happens in the vast majority of cases, week in week out. Government run health care DOES work and Catron is clearly ignorant of the REAL situation. In my book, cobbling together a wafer-thin argument based upon hysterical media coverage does not constitute serious journalism.

Who Knows?| 2.25.13 @ 2:09PM

“Who’s in charge?”

That’s the key question.

In any interaction between one person and another, that involves “making a deal”---you know, buying and selling, trading, etc---there is a customer. As anyone familiar with negotiating knows, it’s the PIT that counts.

P = power. I = information. T = Time.

The reason socialized ANYTHING sucks, verses free competition, is that for the customer, it’s the PITS! They have no, or limited POWER, INFORMATION, and TIME.

Aside from do or die emergencies, which are very rare, in truth we all have more TIME than we might think. So, even a sick person should take it to “buy” the service he wants, after shopping around.

Of course, when there’s only ONE business, it’s screw the customer time. Time always runs out, and their ONLY hospital system, or public school system, etc, has ALL the power and information.

What if the government was one big monopoly for the real estate market? And you couldn’t look at many houses, but THEY forced you to buy the one THEY said?

Want to buy a Snickers bar? No, you MUST buy a Mounds bar.

Hey, but the price is right---FREE always seems to snare the witless fools, when it comes to medicine and schools, these days, when so many people are well so trained in their willing delusions.

markenoff| 2.25.13 @ 4:21PM

It's not results that matter, it is intent.

markenoff| 2.25.13 @ 4:31PM

Under Obamacare everyone will have health insurance. The hard part will be getting medical care.

bustunloose| 2.25.13 @ 7:52PM

Who has more MRI machines per 100k of population. Those other 36 above us ? No waits. Man oh man.These peo[ple are nuts.50 dollar root canals ? Oh, bt the way they get taxed to death for it. Gonna tell me these 36 have more disposable income too-right. Live in better homes, drive better cars. I meaa I have seen my share of Canada. Nice place=but not always so affuent. And, by the way illegal immigrants destroy our stats. Exclude them and we have a far different story. Little stricter on that issue in Europe. Zip codes dictate where you get care-shitty zip code-guess what. My wife works as RN in Boston-they spent a fortune treating some 350 pound criminal druggy. Their family and friends waltz right in the room-and act like savages. Nothing you can do. Nurse walked in while his wife was giving him a handjobs. Their pals were hanging around whilw it was happening. Your voters-be proud Purp.

hrgfue | 2.25.13 @ 7:54PM

Kickoff to you with the online store 2013

homme nike air max BW | 2.26.13 @ 2:59AM

, “The first NHS trust to be operated entirely by a private company has recorded one of the highest levels of patient satisfaction in the country.” http://www.shoxinfr.com/

spike59| 2.26.13 @ 6:11AM

purpie and arnie, just how much does OfA pay you turds to post your idiotic drivel?

More Articles by David Catron

More Articles From The Right Prescription

Time to Go for the Kill

May 22, 2013 | Peter Ferrara

Sebelius’s Monkey Business

May 15, 2013 | Betsy McCaughey

Unhealthy Immigration Reform

April 17, 2013 | Betsy McCaughey

The Wheels Come Off Obamacare

April 15, 2013 | David Catron

Giant Bills Make Bad Laws

April 10, 2013 | Betsy McCaughey

http://spectator.org/archives/2013/02/25/privatization-shellacs-obamaca

ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Headlines

Obama’s Assault on the First Amendment

George Neumayr|150 comments

Damage Control for Dummies

Matt Purple|84 comments

Time to Go for the Kill

Peter Ferrara|64 comments

Restrain the Abusive Administative State

Doug Bandow|23 comments

Disabling American Sovereignty

Iain Murray|13 comments

The Other Gosnells

Jordan Gonzalez|13 comments

Can He Unite Virginia’s GOP?

Carten Cordell|31 comments

Undoing the Brainwashing

Thomas Sowell|26 comments

The Spectacle Blog

Issa Recovers

Ross Kaminsky | 5.22.13

The Religion of Peace Strikes London Again

Aaron Goldstein | 5.22.13

Not Just the Media: First Amendment Under Attack

Quin Hillyer | 5.22.13

House Judiciary: Constitutional Rights Vital in Wartime

Luca Gattoni-Celli | 5.22.13

U.S. Admits 4 Americans Killed by Drones

Luca Gattoni-Celli | 5.22.13

Colorado Governor Gives “Reprieve” to Murderer

Ross Kaminsky | 5.22.13

Steven Crowder: Jesus vs. Muhammad

Ross Kaminsky | 5.22.13

Kaminsky’s Corollary to I, Pencil

Ross Kaminsky | 5.22.13

SPONSORED LINKS

FLASHBACK TO: 1995

Clip of the Day

ADVERTISEMENT

Home |About |Contributors |Advertise |Donate |Privacy Policy |Contact

The American Spectator Foundation is the 501(c)(3) organization responsible for publishing The American Spectator magazine and training aspiring journalists who espouse traditional American values. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Each donor receives a year-end summary of their giving for tax purposes.

Copyright 2013, The American Spectator. All rights reserved.