The Best Reason Now To Be An Expat In Argentina...

[Joe]

Since the topic was originally about Obamacare and why it is a good reason too be an expat in Argentina where private health care is very good and reasonably priced, it would be interesting to know which "off topic" replies you are referring to.

Yes, I stand corrected.

 

[ajoknoblauch]

Since the topic was originally about Obamacare and why it is a good reason too be an expat in Argentina where private health care is very good and reasonably priced, it would be interesting to know which "off topic" replies you are referring to.

Reasonably priced for Ayn, at least, since she's dead.

 

[scotttswan]

Since the topic was originally about Obamacare and why it is a good reason too be an expat in Argentina where private health care is very good and reasonably priced, it would be interesting to know which "off topic" replies you are referring to.

Its only good and reasonably priced because they have to compete against Universal Healthcare. Something these fine countries have realised is a good thing and the rest will eventually follow.

 

[steveinbsas]

Its only good and reasonably priced because they have to compete against Universal Healthcare. Something these fine countries have realised is a good thing and the rest will eventually follow.

No business would be able to charge for (compete with) something that was free if the free product ("Universal Health Care") was nearly as good.

It's reasonably priced because private health care providers have to compete with each other and Argentine lawyers aren't able to milk the system the way US lawyers do, driving the cost of malpractice insurance sky high, and that's a huge factor in the cost of health care in the US.

It's a cold morning near the Costa Atlantica. Anyone wanting an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow for "free" tomorrow will have to be in line outside the hospital at 6 am. The doors will open at 7 am. At 9 am the window that gives out the turnos for tomorrow will be open. Those who were in line early enough will get a turno.

Even without "tort reform" the folks in the US were told that Obamacare would drive down the cost of insurance in the USA. Now the insurance companies are being blamed for the increased insurance costs. Those pointing their finger at insurance companies don't mention the fact that insurance companies are now required to provide coverage that many individuals previously chose not to purchase because they did not need or want it...and that costs money.

The claim that the cost of insurance for an average family of four would decrease by $2500 per year was not an error. It was a lie.

So was the claim that everyone will receive the health care they need.

 

[ajoknoblauch]

No business would be able to charge for (compete with) something that was free if the free product ("Universal Health Care") was nearly as good.

It's reasonably priced because private health care providers have to compete with each other and Argentine lawyers aren't able to milk the system the way US lawyers do, driving the cost of malpractice insurance sky high, and that's a huge factor in the cost of health care in the US.

It's a cold morning near the Costa Atlantica. Anyone wanting an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow for "free" tomorrow will have to be in line outside the hospital at 6 am. The doors will open at 7 am. At 9 am the window that gives out the turnos for tomorrow will be open. Those who were in line early enough will get a turno.

Even without "tort reform" the folks in the US were told that Obamacare would drive down the cost of insurance in the USA. Now the insurance companies are being blamed for the increased insurance costs. Those pointing their finger at insurance companies don't mention the fact that insurance companies are now required to provide coverage that many individuals previously chose not to purchase because they did not need or want it...and that costs money.

The claim that the cost of insurance for an average family of four would decrease by $2500 per year was not an error. It was a lie.

So was the claim that everyone will receive the health care they need.

Ayn was an atheist - at least she got something right - but her faithful followers continue to depend on dogma.

 

[sleslie23]

Hey what do you guys think about these bittcoin thingers?

As much as I think about peanut butter and maple syrup.

 

[ajoknoblauch]

As much as I think about peanut butter and maple syrup.

Both of those, and Dr. Pepper, are better investments than any pseudo-currency.

 

[steveinbsas]

Ridiculous. I think Obamacare provides coverage for the uninsured, the uninsurables...and millions of others who would not be covered otherwise. You have been watching Fox TV too much.

The first sentence of this post is statement of your opinion. Obamacare mandates by law that all American citizens have (purchase themselves with or without government subsidies) "approved" health care insurance coverage, but it does not necessarily follow that the newly insured will get the medical care they want. Neither does it necessarily follow that the previously insured will be able to keep the insurance plans they wee "happy with" or even continue to receive their previous level of care.

As I posted earlier today, less than seven million of the 20 million Americans (the minimum number that was being thrown out when Obamacare was being propagandized) who were previously uninsured signed up during the open enrollment period.

One aspect of the law, the preexisting condition provision, may guarantee the failure of the health insurance "industry" in the USA. Allowing individuals to buy insurance after they need it is not insurance. It is a sure fire way to bankrupt the private system of health insurance. Health care insurance providers are already required by law to pay out about 85% of their gross revenue to cover health care costs.

That leaves 15% of gross revenue to pay salaries and operating expenses.

Any profits after that are subject to a 35% corporate tax.

Insurance companies that are forced by law to accept those with preexisting conditions and pay for "covered" care they will, sooner or later, reach the "breaking point" and that is exactly what Obama and his minions have wanted from the beginning.

Some think Medicare for all is a better idea. One of my best friends staunchly advocates this position.

But a relatively small number of individuals (compared to the number of those working today) who already paid Medicare taxes (if they worked) are enrolled in Medicare.

The Medicare tax revenue paid by those who are presently enrolled is long gone, and everyone who is "legally" working now is paying the costs of their care.

If there was suddenly Medicare for all, the Medicare tax would either have to increase dramatically for all or health care services for everyone would have to be severely rationed. Doctors would no longer be able to refuse to accept patients with/on Medicare and would only be paid what the government decides is "fair" compensation. Paying "out of pocket" for private health care (by "the rich") would probably be outlawed, and any American citizen who pays a doctor for medical services will be committing a crime....so will the doctor who accepts the payment.


The second sentence in you post, "You have been watching Fox TV too much." is a statement of fact, but you are not qualified to make it unless you have been tracking my DirecTV usage.

if you had, you would know that Fox News has not been aired by DirecTV in Argentina since March 31st, 2012.

 

[ajoknoblauch]

The second sentence in you post, "You have been watching Fox TV too much." is a statement of fact, but you are not qualified to make it unless you have been tracking my DirecTV usage.

if you had, you would know that Fox News has not been aired by DirecTV in Argentina since March 31st, 2012.

Agreed. If you have internalized the Gospel According to Ayn, you have no need for Fox.

 

[thorsten]

steveinbsas: What exactly is so different in the US that a public health insurance should not work there? Coming from Germany, the country with the oldest national health insurance system, I find it weird to believe that the world will end if one introduces such a system. It works in Germany as it works in many other countries. And if one compares key figures like infant mortality, life expectancy, number of practicing physicians, ... it works better than in the US, while the cost per capita is about half - and everyone has health insurance... So are you arguing against public health insurance in general or the actual implementation of the concept Obamacare?