# Attention anti health-care reformers **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 8, 2009, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745 "2009-11-08T00:21:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/221 "2009-11-13T05:00:21Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > “I can give you a rental casket.”… In a flash of morbid curiosity, I googled that line. Available at Walmart. I shit you not. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/222 "2009-11-13T05:17:47Z")
> [@Blalron](#): > > I’m a part time minimum wage earner. > > That’s the only job I can find at the moment, you heartless bitch. I’m trying to work my way through community college, and you feel I should be condemned to bankrupcy if I get the temerity to get sick. Somehow I’m less deserving of health care than you, who doesn’t even work! These are real human beings you’re talking about, not caricatured abstractions. So, I am a heartless bitch because I am not thrilled with the idea of being forced to pay out more in taxes to hand more to the irresponsible? Taxpayers are real people too, and the ones of my age didn’t expect that someone (other than our parents if we were lucky) was going to come along and take care of us while we found our way in real life. I was a part time minimum wage earner for years and didn’t have health insurance, but I was young then and the likelihood that I was going to get some kind of illness that would “bankrupt” me was pretty small, not that it would have made any difference anyway. And yes, guess what, you are less deserving of healthcare and a lot of other things because you don’t have the money to buy them. That is a simple fact of life, and one that I wish the bleeding hearts would learn, and learn before they tax us to death. If you don’t have the money to go to the dr when you get a cold, why do you expect that someone else must pay for it? You have Medicaid for things that might actually make you really sick already, why should the rest of us have to pay so you have more? You don’t see how incredibly selfish and self-centered that is? > [@](#): > > Should the penalty for failing to be economicly successful be death? 45,000 of our citizens die every year because of people like you who fight tooth and nail against UHC. You’re a bad person. Snort. Well, for one thing, those people don’t die because people like me can see the problems with a UHC, they die almost all the time because they have made stupid and irresponsible choices. If they don’t consider their health important enough to make it a priority, why do you demand that I do? Try looking into the facts instead of just swallowing the propaganda that supports what you want. Such as the fact that thousands of people die every year who do have insurance, but they’ve maxed out their coverage or their treatment isn’t covered. Do you think a UHC will be able to cover those things - are you one of those that thinks that the government has an unending supply of money? > [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Uhh, you are aware that The Tooth is Canadian, right? So, it’s not really accurate to characterize it as “the ‘solution’ he thinks he wants.” It’s the solution he already has, and he seems to find it rather effectual. Already addressed that. I didn’t know that **The Tooth** was Canadian - I’m always startled when people that don’t live here think their opinions on something as big as a UHC are valid. > [@](#): > > As for “not being bankrupted by emergency surgery,” I’ve never actually been in bankruptcy, but am I wrong in supposing that such a condition renders a person less able to effectively to contribute to society as a whole (including contributions that you don’t disapprove of on principle)? Perhaps that outcome is a “greater evil” than the possibility that some people might not meet your standard of “[paying their own way] in this life.” I have never been bankrupt, but I have been far further worse off than most folks who have been thru it, and I was quite able to contribute to society as a whole. Bankruptcy doesn’t mean that you cannot work and contribute, it means you are not going to be living as well as you did, and your credit rating will be in the toilet for awhile. Also, medical bills are not the only reason folks go thru bankruptcy - shall we create programs to bail out people who go bankrupt for all the other reasons as well? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/223 "2009-11-13T05:26:45Z")
> [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > because it’s the \*\*free market \*\*, numbnuts. the greatest thing to ever grace humanity. What free market is that. health insurance companies are exempted from anti trust and monopoly rules. Where in your twisted thinking does that become a free market. They do everything they can to prevent competition. [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/330/story/65010.html](http://www.mcclatchydc.com/330/story/65010.html) Does this sound like competition to you? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/224 "2009-11-13T05:32:49Z")
[Pointing Out The Obvious: Health Insurance Companies Lack Competition. | Crooks and Liars](http://crooksandliars.com/node/32066) It is strange that so few Americans don’t understand the real market forces. Corporations will do everything they can to end competition. It costs them money . They will merge, buy up and buy politicians to achieve their ends, carving up the markets. The government function is to force them to compete. It is not doing it’s job because moneyed interests are buying them off. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/225 "2009-11-13T05:36:10Z")
[http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2009/10/balto\_health\_testimony.html](http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2009/10/balto_health_testimony.html) Here’s testimony in front of congress explaining how competition has been killed. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/226 "2009-11-13T05:38:04Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > …shall we create programs to bail out people who go bankrupt for all the other reasons as well? I’m too lazy to google (it’s Friday arvo here, and it’s been a long week) but I’m pretty damn sure that there are one or two programs the government has instituted to ‘bail out’ people/institutions who were less than careful with their (and our) money, particularly in the last year or so. Keeping up to date with the GEC current affairs might keep YOU abreast of what’s happening in the real world. Oh, btw, nice to see you back in these parts **Curlie** …been a while since of had the pleasure of snorting regurgitated fluids onto my screen/keyboard. I can always count on you (and **Carol)** to help me out sunshine. Y’know, sometimes, some people are just a complete waste of keystrokes. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/227 "2009-11-13T06:16:33Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > So, I am a heartless bitch because I am not thrilled with the idea of being forced to pay out more in taxes to hand more to the irresponsible? No, you’re a heartless bitch because you refuse to acknowledge that many, many people are denied any coverage at all, because of a large list of pre-existing conditions. This means that when they develop an illness (even one that is not related to their pre-existing condition), they are not covered. You’re a heartless bitch because you call these people irresponsible. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/228 "2009-11-13T07:55:03Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > What free market is that. health insurance companies are exempted from anti trust and monopoly rules. Where in your twisted thinking does that become a free market. They do everything they can to prevent competition. > [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/330/story/65010.html](http://www.mcclatchydc.com/330/story/65010.html) Does this sound like competition to you? funny, i thought my post was clearly not intended to be serious. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/229 "2009-11-13T07:57:07Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > So, I am a heartless bitch… can I get a clarification answer for the record, please? question 1: are you on SSDI, or any other program where you receive a routine payment from a government entity, insurance carrier, or any other third party? question 2: are you currently working a full-time job? ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/230 "2009-11-13T08:21:44Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > I’m too lazy to google (it’s Friday arvo here, and it’s been a long week) but I’m pretty damn sure that there are one or two programs the government has instituted to ‘bail out’ people/institutions who were less than careful with their (and our) money, particularly in the last year or so. Keeping up to date with the GEC current affairs might keep YOU abreast of what’s happening in the real world. I am well aware of the far too many government bailouts we have had recently, but they are not the ongoing-thru-the-decades sort. Which is what a UHC would be. Not that I agree with those bailouts much… > [@](#): > > Oh, btw, nice to see you back in these parts **Curlie** …been a while since of had the pleasure of snorting regurgitated fluids onto my screen/keyboard. I can always count on you (and **Carol)** to help me out sunshine. > > Y’know, sometimes, some people are just a complete waste of keystrokes. Then why do you bother? Just to be rude? > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > No, you’re a heartless bitch because you refuse to acknowledge that many, many people are denied any coverage at all, because of a large list of pre-existing conditions. This means that when they develop an illness (even one that is not related to their pre-existing condition), they are not covered. > > You’re a heartless bitch because you call these people irresponsible. You are an idiot because you make assumptions not supported by fact. It is not necessary to have a UHC to provide insurance to people with pre-existing conditions (who can, actually, get insurance thru an employer provided plan). Simply because I am against having to pay for a UHC doesn’t mean I am not aware of the issues with health insurance, nor am I unaware of the far better, less expensive ways to fix those issues. Only problem with those fixes? You all wouldn’t be getting subsidized coverage. > [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > can I get a clarification answer for the record, please? > > question 1: are you on SSDI, or any other program where you receive a routine payment from a government entity, insurance carrier, or any other third party? I am on SSDI - I applied for my social security benefits early. As for receiving a routine payment, that hasn’t happened yet, since it is the government that is (supposed to be) sending it out. I haven’t received anything since August. > [@](#): > > question 2: are you currently working a full-time job? No, I have been unable to work since 9/07. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/231 "2009-11-13T08:28:34Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > No, I have been unable to work since 9/07. Yet you seem to be perfectly able to post on this messageboard with alarming regularity. :dubious: Hey, curlcoat…I’ve got a job for you. I’m a telemarketer who works from home, sitting in front of my computer and not having to move for hours and hours at a time…should be right up your alley eh? PM me and I’ll give you a contact number darls. Kisses Kam ---
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/232 "2009-11-13T09:05:27Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > I am on SSDI - I applied for my social security benefits early. As for receiving a routine payment, that hasn’t happened yet, since it is the government that is (supposed to be) sending it out. I haven’t received anything since August. Ahahahaha! Fuck, that is hilarious. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/233 "2009-11-13T09:51:12Z")
What the fuck is it with people in glass houses around here?? 😛 Oh,\*\* curlcoat\*\*, my offer for a job opportunity still stands. I’ll expect your PM in the near future, yes? BTW, I’ll have to assume that if you DON’T contact me, that you are one of the pathetic millions who live on handouts from the gummint to get by, sucking off the welfare titty so to speak. Show us you are above all of that **curlcoat**. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/234 "2009-11-13T15:23:20Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > … people with pre-existing conditions (who can, actually, get insurance thru an employer provided plan). Especially when they’re laid off. Or if they are “unable to work”. They can get affordable medical insurance right? Even with pre-existing conditions? But then that would probably be their own damn fault, for not having the foresight and planning to marry someone with money. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/235 "2009-11-13T15:50:24Z")
You know what? I’m done. 6 months now I’ve kept an open mind and tried to listen to reasonable arguments from the other side. I’ve tried. Really now, I’ve tried. I have not heard a single convincing argument for why we shouldn’t just adopt a European style of health care. Not one. I’ll support the watered down “compromise” bill passed by exactly ONE Republican but if I had my way I’d don jack boots and whip people into submission until my master Socialist Nazilike communist agenda of helping my fellow Americans came to pass. But arguing against people who don’t want UHC is just a complete waste of my time. It is so angry and frustrating that these people simply don’t get it. They won’t get it. Maybe not even when they’re personally stricken with cancer and their insurance drops them for no reason other than that it can and no other insurance will touch them and they have to file for bankruptcy. Even then the two functioning brain cells in their bodies won’t connect up to formulate the thought that being part of a safety net that helps when you need it most is probably a good idea and, oh yeah, that’s exactly what a fucking safety net is! That what they thought was a safety net, their insurance, was really just a profit center for the insurance companies and the last thing they want to do is help you or spend money on your illness, contractual obligation or not. Every single one of you is the stupidest person on the planet. Every one of you. How is that possible? Because if you’re against UHC then I’m talking about you. You’re the stupidest person on the planet. Even stupider than that other guy a few posts back who was railing against UHC. And you’ll continue to be until the next person posts. Your reasoning make no sense. Your logic is whacked. Your arguments are all gay and your shit’s all retarded. I don’t give a shit about your rebuttal to this rant because I don’t hold much stock in the intellectual capabilities of the stupidest person on the planet. Which is you, I should point out, because you’re the stupidest person on the planet and need me to connect the dots. You’re ignorant, you’re stupid, you’re a liar, you listen to liars, you suck at math, you haven’t cared that every. single. other. industrialized nation. in. the. fucking. world. but. ours. has better health care. “Industrialized” meaning “full of industry” which I only explain because you’re the stupidest person in the world and multiple syllable words confuse you. Honestly, I’m not going to tell you to fuck off and die. No, I’ll tell you to fuck off and get a medical malady which I will then help pay for through my own taxpayer money. Because I’m nice like that. But either way, I’m done with all of these debates. I’m done. I’m going back to my job now. Someone tap me on the shoulder when these people stop being so goddamned stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/236 "2009-11-13T16:00:44Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > But then that would probably be their own damn fault, for not having the foresight and planning to marry someone with money Sometimes when you’re very bad, Jesus removes his protection. But that _only_ happens when you’ve been very bad and deserve to suffer. No amount of foresight or planning can counter God’s will for you, so you may as well just sit there and be grateful that your suffering is no worse than it is. That way you’ll be restored to having health insurance in the shortest possible time. Heck, if God smiles on you, and you get a job at the RNC you’ll even get your optional abortions covered. Ooops, too late now: [RNC to opt out of abortion coverage](http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29456.html) ---
**Author:** ![stretch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a6a055/32.png) [@stretch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stretch)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/237 "2009-11-13T16:03:51Z")
> [@Enderw24](#): > > You know what? > I’m done. \ > But either way, I’m done with all of these debates. I’m done. I’m going back to my job now. Someone tap me on the shoulder when these people stop being so goddamned stupid. ::swoons:: I love you, man. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/238 "2009-11-13T16:15:32Z")
> [@Enderw24](#): > > They won’t get it. Maybe not even when they’re personally stricken with cancer and their insurance drops them for no reason other than that it can and no other insurance will touch them and they have to file for bankruptcy. Even then the two functioning brain cells in their bodies won’t connect up to formulate the thought that being part of a safety net that helps when you need it most is probably a good idea and, oh yeah, that’s exactly what a fucking safety net is! That what they thought was a safety net, their insurance, was really just a profit center for the insurance companies and the last thing they want to do is help you or spend money on your illness, contractual obligation or not. No, they still wouldn’t get it. Here is what happens: step 1: get really outraged that the free market has found its way into inflicting some damage upon them personally. step 2: bitch and whine to everyone you know, including news organizations step 3: be sure to mention that, while this was a grave injustice levied against you by a stupid, clearly-wrong company, the system nevertheless works and should not be changed, and everyone else harmed by it can go fuck themselves and fend for themselves. (optional step 4): if you are not fortunate to catch the ear of a major news organization, or you don’t fit their idea of a good news story (either in the form of good looks or membership in a marketable demographic), utilize social media to hold a spaghetti sale now let’s look at it in practice: > [@](#): > > [http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21343449/detail.html](http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21343449/detail.html) > > Underweight Girl Denied Insurance Coverage > Parents Says 2-Year-Old Girl Perfectly Healthy > > ERIE, Colo. – First it was a 4-month-old Grand Junction boy who was denied health insurance coverage because, at 17 pounds, he was considered overweight. Now comes word that a 2-year-old Erie girl has also been denied coverage because she doesn’t weigh enough. > > Aislin Bates weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. She now tips the scale at 22 pounds. > > “She’s perfectly healthy, yet she has become a statistic,” said Aislin’s mother, Rachel Bates. “There’s no reason for her to be a statistic as a non-insured person.” > > When Aislin’s father, Rob, worked for another company, Aislin was covered under the company’s group health insurance plan. > > **Now that Rob is working on his own, he’s had to get new insurance**. The company, **UnitedHealthcare’s Golden Rule, sent the family a letter** , which says in part, **“We are unable to provide coverage for Aislin because her height and weight do not meet our company standards.”** > > “It took me by surprise,” said Rob Bates. “\*\*I didn’t think that her size was that abnormal \*\*and that it was something that you’d consider to be unhealthy.” > > “I had no idea that this would be an issue,” Rachel Bates added, "because we always had group insurance with his job. **“I was floored when a height-weight standard prevented coverage.”** > > A spokeswoman for UnitedHealthcare’s Golden Rule said 89 percent of the people who apply for insurance get it. Ellen Laden, the \*\*company’s public relations director, told \*\*7NEWS that **most insurers have their own proprietary height and weight guidelines.** > > “ **Ours are based on several medical sources** , including the Centers for Disease Control, **and are well within industry standards** ,” she said. > > … > **Rachel told 7NEWS that both the therapist and her pediatrician wrote letters in support of the family’s quest to appeal the insurance company’s decision**. Both stated that Aislin is healthy and continues to grow. > > “We would definitely like to see insurance reform,” Rob Bates said. “ **We are not proponents of universal health care by any means, but what we want to see is that insurance companies have legitimate reasons for denying coverage**.” _[note: so he’s basically saying “reform so that my kid doesn’t get denied, but those with actual, more serious problems are still subject to the insurance market, and they can go fuck off if they don’t like it”]_ > > … > Laden added that comprehensive coverage is currently available through Cover Colorado for individuals who don’t qualify for health insurance in the individual market. The Bates said Aislin is temporarily covered through COBRA, a federal program that allows people to continue an employer-based health insurance plan for up to 18 months. \*\*The parents said it costs as much to cover Aislin under COBRA as it costs to cover the remaining three family members. \*\* > > " **You’d never think that something like size, something that seems so irrelevant to your health, would be a discriminating factor," Rachel said**. _[note: of course it’s irrelevant when it happens to you]_ > > In the Grand Junction case, Rocky Mountain Health Plans changed its policy and now says it won’t consider obesity a “pre-existing” condition barring coverage for hefty infants. **The Bates are hoping United HealthCare’s Golden Rule has a similar change of heart.** _[“livin’ on a prayer” should be their family’s anthem]_ and then the follow up, the invariable buckling-under-pressure-this-one-time-because-the-victims-are-photogenic-and-the-media-is-making-us-look-bad: > [@](#): > > [http://dscriber.com/denver/547-caught-red-handed-by-media-company-suddenly-insures-thin-baby.html](http://dscriber.com/denver/547-caught-red-handed-by-media-company-suddenly-insures-thin-baby.html) > > UPDATE – As we noted yesterday, 2-year-old, 22-pound Aislin Bates was denied health insurance by UnitedHealthcare’s Golden Rule Insurance Co. in Colorado because she was too thin. **But now, in a definite trend, the company is reversing its stand after the family contacted news organizations**. The same thing happened in the case of another Colorado kiddo denied coverage by Rocky Mountain Health Plans – on in his case it was because he was too rotund. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/239 "2009-11-13T16:21:30Z")
> [@Nobody](#): > > On the previous page you mentioned how Medicare is said to be losing money and asked if it’s because an unexpected amount of baby boomers are cashing in. I said that the creators of social security should have foreseen that and then you asked if UHC was trying to fix that and I replied that I don’t know. You said it wasn’t a satisfying answer so I replied that I haven’t heard it mentioned in the news. How, exactly, was anybody supposed to have foreseen the baby boom? > [@curlcoat](#): > > Already addressed that. I didn’t know that **The Tooth** was Canadian - I’m always startled when people that don’t live here think their opinions on something as big as a UHC are valid. Similarly, we are always startled when people who don’t have jobs complain about other people not having jobs. > [@](#): > > So, I am a heartless bitch because I am not thrilled with the idea of being forced to pay out more in taxes to hand more to the irresponsible? Taxpayers are real people too, and the ones of my age didn’t expect that someone (other than our parents if we were lucky) was going to come along and take care of us while we found our way in real life. I was a part time minimum wage earner for years and didn’t have health insurance, but I was young then and the likelihood that I was going to get some kind of illness that would “bankrupt” me was pretty small, not that it would have made any difference anyway. > > And yes, guess what, you are less deserving of healthcare and a lot of other things because you don’t have the money to buy them. That is a simple fact of life, and one that I wish the bleeding hearts would learn, and learn before they tax us to death. If you don’t have the money to go to the dr when you get a cold, why do you expect that someone else must pay for it? You have Medicaid for things that might actually make you really sick already, why should the rest of us have to pay so you have more? You don’t see how incredibly selfish and self-centered that is? Why didn’t you purchase private disability insurance? Why are we paying you to do nothing? ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2009, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745/240 "2009-11-13T16:35:12Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Why didn’t you purchase private disability insurance? Why are we paying you to do nothing? duh. the FICA taxes she paid while she was employed paid for .5% of what she’s going to recover in her lifetime in the form of disability payments - so she actually did pay for what she’s receiving today. don’t you get it, NO ONE IS CURRENTLY PAYING HER WAY IN LIFE. GAWD, WHAT THE FUCK DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS !??!?!?!?! thank god she had a large actuarial pool to rely on so she actually could afford to purchase such a decent disability insurance plan on the cheap. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-anti-health-care-reformers/516745.md?page=13)