ACA Repeal/Replace: Progressives Face Moral Dilemma

[David Horn]

(08-20-2017, 01:59 PM)Kinser79 Wrote:

(08-18-2017, 10:31 AM)David Horn Wrote: The VA is the best service for PTSD and rehab of war injuries.

That can only be said by someone who has never used the VA.  I wouldn't go to the VA to treat a kidney stone much less PTSD.  Needless to say a kidney stone is very easy to treat without surgery.

I can't address the general case, but the VA Medical Center in Salem Virginia gets consistent rave reviews, even allowing for the intentional understaffing and low pay imposed by the party of 'No'.  I know many vets who use it for many reasons, and most are satisfied.  They need to be properly staffed and have the pay adjusted to match reality.  Only a truly dedicated MD is going to accept $90,000 a year when a PA makes that much in the private sector.

I have been there for disability evaluation and routine shots, but that's about it.  

Kinser79 Wrote:

David Horn Wrote:The Indian and Native American Health Services also have special knowledge and support staffs that are hard to replace by a one-size-fits-all system.  Of course, the CDC and NIH are specialized, important, but not direct providers.

A replacement of the current system with a "Medicare for Everyone" system would provide for the private sector to be in the business of providing healthcare while the state assumes the insurance part (except for perhaps specialized insurances).

The NIH and the CDC do not provide healthcare at all.  The CDC is to prevent diseases from erupting into an epidemic.  The NIH is to promote healthy living more generally, and facilitate the training and education of healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, etc)

I don't argue that Medicare For All is the most optimum system we're likely to get (I'm on it now), but health clinics on Indian Reservations and other similar specialized services are still a good option.  They seem to work, and are tied to the population being served.