Edwards says doctor visits mandatory under his health care plan

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

TIPTON, Iowa (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says his universal health care proposal would require Americans to go to the doctor for preventive care.

Edwards, speaking in Tipton today, says his plan requires that everyone in America has health coverage.

He spoke to a crowd that was sitting in lawn chairs outside the Cedar County Courthouse.

He says if Americans are going to choose to be in the healthcare system, they can't choose not to go to a doctor for 20 years. He says they need regular checkups.

Read more: Edwards says doctor visits mandatory under his health care plan

[partylessinOhio]

1. We have too much big brother in our private business now. This is nuts!

Edwards doesn't have much of a chance anyway but why put out this crazy stuff that has no bearing on what is wrong with America and how to save her.

:thumbsdown:

[wordpix]

70. give him a break, geez, he's just saying everyone should have health care & go to the dr. for preven

tive care. What's the big problem?

[smoogatz]

81. The article says doctor visits would be "required."

As in compulsory. As in, you'd have to go, or else. Does that not seem problematic to you?

[SOS]

100. Nothing is compulsory, each person can choose their insurance

Today's Edwards attack-fest is based on misinformation and outright bullshit. ("government doctors")

Check out Edwards health care PDF on his site. There you can read about with his Health Care Markets concept.
Within this concept, the Markets would offer at least one government option, essentially Medicare for all.
People could choose from private and public options.

Edwards said, quite clearly, "If you're going to be in the system...."

If you opt for the government "Medicare for All" option (lower cost, more benefits) then you will be required to visit your doctor once a year. This will save lives and lower costs in the long-term.
These check-ups would be free under the Edwards plan.

If someone feels that this is an outrageous infringement on their liberty, then they are free to buy their insurance elsewhere.

------------------------

(Maybe this phony tempest in a tea pot is designed to sidetrack us from Edwards' endorsement today by the Steel Workers and the Mine Workers?)

[bemildred]

102. Eh OK.

Fundamentally, it's a totalitarian sort of concept, but considering the likely consequences, I'll go along with it. Once people become fully aquainted with government run health care, they aren't going to put with any shit from the politicians, just like Social Security.

[smoogatz]

106. Silly me. I didn't understand that it was a non-compulsory

compulsory doctor visit. You don't have to go, but we throw you out of the program if you don't. Got it.

What a terrible, hideously politically naive idea. Good God. Edwards may very well have jumped the shark on this one. Trust me--if Edwards sticks around long enough, he'll have no choice but to back away from the non-compulsory compulsory doctor visit, and then he'll look like he doesn't know what the hell he's doing. It's a terrible idea, even if it saves money in the long run. Nobody wants to be forced to go to the doctor. It's got "intrusive bureaucracy" written all over it.

[papau]

2. that would not fly - require that Americans go to the doctor for preventive care and votes are lost

n/t

[meow2u3]

3. I don't like that idea that preventive care must be mandatory

What about healthy people who just don't like doctors?

[MODemocrat]

36. I'm happy to be able to have preventative care for these reasons

I fell down a tall set of stairs, went to the doctor for the injury to my eye, he discovered I'd
had a stroke behind my retina from high blood pressure, which started my going to the doctor on
a regular basis. There were no symptoms present when I went for my 4 months maintenance exam, and
it was found through an occult test, that I had blood in my stool, which turned out to be pre-cancer, and the Gastreonologist was successful in removing the fast growing tumor, which saved my life.

That's just my success story, and I like Edward's ideas on health care. Maintenance is a wise idea,
as early detection can save lives. However, it probably shouldn't be mandatory. He's trying very
hard to have medical care for everyone, which is noble in my opinion.

[dogfacedboy]

68. How does one know if they're truly healthy without seeing a doctor?

I see absolutely nothing wrong with Edward's proposal.

Two years ago, I went for a routine physical, just because I hadn't had one in a few years. I certainly seemed healthy, and I do all the right things, e.g., i get plenty of exercise and proper nutrition. A very serious health problem was found. All's well that ends well, but things could have gone very badly had this health problem not been detected. Also, I think that most of us could use more health education. Regular doctor visits could provide a large part of that.

[nadinbrzezinski]

138. And who drop dead from a myriad of conditions that

could have been prevented

[StarryNite]

140. What happened to choice

when it comes to our own bodies? I think preventative health care should definitely be part of a national health care program. But it should be our choice when we go to a doctor, not mandated by our government.

[nadinbrzezinski]

143. Sorry working here as a former medic

who saw way and I mean WAAYYYY too many tragedies

Yes it should be a choice

On the other hand, if you choose to be stoopid there should be penalties

Like higher rates

By the way if you go to his site that is exactly what he says

There will be discoutns for those involved in PREVENTATIVE health care, enrolling in wellness groups et al

But he never wrote that it should be mandatory to go to the doctor

If you READ his site, you will learn that he does expect you to pay more (aka not all them discounts for doing the right thing) than I who has actually no choice.

[tularetom]

4. So we're going to go from no health care

to health care shoved up our ass? What a shame, I was just starting to warm up to this guy.

[DavidMS]

66. I can't see whats wrong with it.

The price to pay for cheap(er) health care is cost containment. This means someone won't have the 'freedom' to move the costs of their laziness or foolishness onto the rest of us. An annual checkup wouldn't be that invasive. Get basic information (height, weight, possibly quick vision test in the same building, questioner, some blood drawn for tests) and in 25 minutes you are out the door. We also could use computer expert systems to rule in/out medical issues. Or better yet, have a pre-appointment interview where the patient sets down in front of a pc and answerers a series of questions

I feel there is nothing wrong with requiring participants in the program (which would be voluntary) to do their part. Make preventative care cheap, available and hassle free.

Cheap and available care for all requires changing how its delivered, not just who pays for it.

[fed-up]

5. Edwards just lost any chance of my vote-NOBODY tells me hows to handle my medical care nt

[depakid]

6. Good for you!

Get sick then. LOL.

It never ceases to amaze me how many Americans are so willing to cut off their noses to spite their faces....

[fed-up]

12. want the short or the long list of deadly/potentiallly deadly medical f*ck-ups to my family/friends?

I will never participate in mandatory doctor visits

what next, they dictate how an illness is treated???

there are many ways to treat some health care needs, many of which do not require the pharmaceutical industry

[psychopomp]

51. It would be no big deal, really

Here in Japan we have this already if you are working for a company that provides your health insurance. Every year you go in for some measurements, pee in a cup, do a vision test, get a chest x-ray and say whether you have felt well or not lately. The whole thing is over in about twenty-five minutes and off ya go.

What could be so difficult about that in the U.S?

[StarryNite]

53. I agree with you 100%

Nobody is going to force me to go see a doctor. I go to a doctor if and when I want to go to a doctor. What in the hell is Edwards thinking?

[Karenina]

99. An ounce of prevention is worth

a POUND of cure. Hot damn, y'all be some SICK PUPPIES... :eyes:

[wordpix]

107. you're right; however, the overfed, underactive American population needs preventive care

If a dr. can persuade someone to eat healthy, stop smoking and exercise every day, it would prevent such diseases as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema.

WTF is wrong with that? If you refuse to go for a check up, so be it.

[StarryNite]

119. People can't figure out for themselves

that smoking and obesity are bad and exercise and eating properly is good? They actually have to have a doctor tell them that?

[nadinbrzezinski]

139. no, they need the doctor to tell them THEY HAVE

the actual disease

FYI most diabetic patients have been pre diabetic or diabetic for an average of five years, wiht NO treatment

And the complications that come from it

[NotGivingUp]

150. Our 'medical field' does not practice prevntive care. They know slice and dice and drugs.

They know practically nothing about nutrition.

[Megahurtz]

147. That's The Problem

that I see. They probably would dictate how an illness is treated.
No way is anyone going to force me to be pumped up with deadly Pharmaceutical Drugs.

[Zavulon]

19. Why stop there?

Why not enact mandatory exercise periods and strict diets? Why not make everyone eat in government chow halls three times a day to make sure nobody is taking in too many carbs or too much fat? Why not drop another few billion on gym memberships for everyone and force everyone to work out?

There's a difference between knowing something is a good idea and giving government the power to shove it down our throats. Americans as a rule don't like being told what to do, so even if you think Edwards has a good idea (and you seem to be the only one so far), do you think the majority of the country will like it? Do you think we'll pick up a lot of swing votes? Even DUers in this thread are overwhelmingly against the idea (as of this writing, at least) - so if Edwards' idea isn't getting DU support from anyone other than you, if nothing else it's certainly a dumb idea politically.

We can't afford four more years of GOP "leadership." Wouldn't it be better for Edwards to win the election first with more mainstream ideas rather than uncorking something that doesn't even fly among those in his own party? Let's just hope none of the other Democrats try something this dimwitted.

[LanternWaste]

117. I know! I really hate being told to stop at red lights...

"Americans as a rule don't like being told what to do"

I know! I really hate being told to stop at red lights-- I think if everyone disregarded that little inconvenience for three straight days, we'd all have a much better realization of how intrusive government really is... :sarcasm:

[Zavulon]

121. Be as sarcastic as you want, but

the idea doesn't seem to be flying very far in this thread. When someone who DOES bitch about red lights - and there are plenty of such people out there, all of who get one vote apiece just like you and I do - hears this, we can kiss a lot of the swing vote goodbye if our nominee is running on such an idea.

In this very thread we've got people saying "dumb idea," "he just lost my vote," etc. I'm saying mainstream America won't like it, but as long as we've got you and your brilliant sarcasm I suppose we can afford any mistake or dumbass idea between now and next November. Thanks a ton for weighing in! :)

[LanternWaste]

131. I just have a knee-jerk reaction to knee-jerk reactions...

I just have a knee-jerk reaction to knee-jerk reactions...

[Megahurtz]

148. Well Put LOL!

:spray:

[FiveGoodMen]

127. I hope you're really smarter than that.

[LanternWaste]

132. let's hope...

No... I really am smarter than wishing for three days with no red lights.

[Hieronymus]

22. I agree with you .. it's doubtful that the previous poster ever intended to

vote for Edwards. :eyes:

[depakid]

25. It's not that, so much as the realization that so many people

would LOVE to be able to get annual check ups - but cannot. Or that people in others countries often do that as a matter of course.

The conspiratorial bent that I hear when preventative public health matters are proposed is downright self destructive.

For example, you should have seen the furor when recommendations went out that all women of child bearing age take folic acid!

[saracat]

24. Undoubtedly you would not even listen to your doctor. Fine.Exempt yourself.

You don't need to get medical insurance at all if you don't want to.What is your problem?

[aggiesal]

32. I don't understand why anyone would be upset with this? ...

This is no different than a dental plan that requires you to
have daily teeth cleanings every 6 months.

The sooner they find a problem, the cheaper it is to fix it.

[napi21]

60. Well, I do! I'm one of the people who didn't visit a Dr. for 20+ years

because I had no reason to do so! I'm now 64, still healthy, and the last time I visited a Dr. was last year when I broke my ankle. It's healed, and I still am fine. Why should I go to a Dr. The damn fools thought they had a prize when I broke my ankle and had me in the hospital to set it. They put me through almost every test known to man! Guess what? They didn't find a damn thing! Not even the std. stuff like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

I think anyone who doesn't feel well should certainly find out why, but to demand that everyone have an annual physical is pushing things too far and giving way too much free $$ to the Drs!

[aggiesal]

84. Yes, but not everyone gets their teeth cleaned every 6 months either ...

but if you have dental insurance, more likely than not, the insurance
will cover your cleaning whenever you decide to use it.

I believe that's how this plan should work. The insurance should carry
the mandatory tag, but the patient should not be required to mandatory
check ups, but when you need it, it is available to use.

[napi21]

85. I agree, if the mandate in on the ins. co's to cover the exams, and NOT

on the insured to go when they don't want or need to.

[aggiesal]

98. The thing that will get me is ...

when the insurance companies decide to apply their own rules.
For example, if you haven't had a physical in 2 years and you're diagnosed with
some life threatening illness, that they feel could have been caught and
treated if you had come in those skipped 2 years, then they'll say some of the
cost is passed on to the parient.

[alarimer]

135. Yes and maybe that is what he meant

I agree, insurance companies (or Medicare) should be required to cover annual exams but you as a patient can do that if you so choose.

Personally I do not go my GP every year, only when I am sick or injured. I hate going to the doctor.

[LanternWaste]

134. People actually know when they need to visit a doctor?

People actually know when they need to visit a doctor?

See, all this time I thought those little things like lung cancer would never have the temerity to actually announce their intent to roost in one's body; that they would in fact, gradually creep in unnoticed until it was too late in more cases than not.

I'll be up late tonight looking for the dial/meter/display on my person that reads either: All Clear or Go To The Doctor Now!

[LanternWaste]

116. I guess we cancel each other out...

I guess we cancel each other out as he just received a better chance from me for my vote...

(I hope you allow doctors to tell you how to handle your medical care...)

[harun]

133. Ummm, actually they do tell you, and it is quite obvious they do

• Jobs require physicals
  
• Insurances require physicals
  
• Jobs require drug testing
  
• Colleges require certain vaccinations
  
• Traveling out of the country can require proof of certain vaccines and tests done to you
  
• Some state may require blood tests before you get married
  
• Say you are out walking and you drop unconscious, someone will likely call and ambulance, they will bring you to the emergency room, and guess what a doctor is going to try and make you better without you even talking to him/her and you won't have a say in it.
  

Edwards said that because he wants to make sure poor kids get looked at and treated for things like malnutrition, and many other things their parents might not spot.

[Critters2]

152. Not even your HMO or PPO?

This is what annoyed me about the opposition to Hillary's plan: "Nobody tells me when to see the doctor or which doctor to see". So the plan died, and we got HMOs and PPOs...telling us when to see the doctor and which doctor to see.

If we want universal care, we have to work to keep costs down to make it viable. Focusing on preventative care over accute or catastrophic care makes good economic sense. It's better than no care at all.

[Kutjara]

7. And what would be the penalty for not going to the doctor?

Exclusion from the health plan? If so, we'd quickly see about half the country once again with no health coverage.

Dumb idea.

[high density]

8. I'd rather not

We do not need a president that tells people when they should visit a doctor. We've got plenty of laws already on the books that need fixing before we start with adding big brother/nanny society BS like this.

[LisaL]

9. Oh dear lord.

I hate going to the doctor. Every time I go to the doctor, the waiting seems like forever. First you wait in the waiting room with everyone else. Then you wait in another room after nurse takes you there. The doctors seem to think time has no meaning. Let's say you have an appointment at 10:00. Let's say you arrived 15 minutes yearly as they ask you. What are you chances of actually seeing the doctor at 10:00? Not so good in my experience-in fact I don't think it ever happened to me that I saw a doctor on time. Now someone wants to make doctors visits mandatory. And if everybody is ordered to see the doctor, I can only imagine how long you would have to wait before the doctor actually sees you. Nice.
:eyes:

[enki23]

73. doctors think time has no meaning?

you clearly have no idea how many people the typical physician sees in a day, and how fast he or she must shuffle them through.

[LisaL]

110. Well, don't take it literally. I said it seems to me

the doctors (and I am not talking about all doctors, but only the ones I go to) don't seem to to think the actual time of the appointment means that's when they got to see you, because I usually do not get to see the doctor at the actual time of the appointment, no matter how early I arrive. So, I try to avoid visiting them if I can help it, because I hate waiting.

[Betty]

86. and when you finally do see the doctor

you're lucky to get 15 minutes with him/her. I hate going to the docotor too and try to avoid it as much as possible.

[seriousstan]

10. Let the "company" doctor report to the company. How far behind is mandatory treatment.

If you require people to go to the doctor, you certainly are ready to require people to adhere to the treatments. Reduce your calorie intake and reduce your "recreational" hobbies. Will this preventative care include a blood test? Of course it will.

[Trillo]

11. If true, if Edwards said this, is there a deeper story in it?

Bush started the electronic sharing of medical records with 27 federal agencies, if I remember correctly.

I'd like to read more about this in more detail.

[fed-up]

13. LBN is REQUIRED to have a Link (especially for controversial topics) -please add to OP- thanks nt

[Trillo]

15. Google has it.

slightly different from text of OP
http://www.wlos.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.nc/38b746d0-www.wlos.com.shtml

Yahoo search:
http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=7017479
http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7017540
http://www.whotv.com/global/story.asp?s=7017540
requires login:
http://www.heraldsun.com/state/6-877670.cfm?

The last looks to be the longest.

[madaboutharry]

14. Oh No!

I hope this is some big misunderstanding. This is the dumbest thing I ever heard come out of the mouth of a presidential candidate. You can't force people to go to the doctor, and there aren't enough doctors to meet this requirement. Can you imagine the backlog? What was he thinking? This kind of stuff is very upsetting, especially since I would like to vote for him. Now I wonder.

[LisaL]

57. That's what I am saying. I already have snowball's chance in

hell to see a doctor on time of the appointment, now if it's mandatory and everybody has to see a doctor...I don't know what he is thinking. First he himself lives in a huge house but suggests people should get rid of their SUVs, now he wants mandatory doctor visits for people.

[triguy46]

16. Needs to refine this a tad. This is a stupid statement.

Look, prevention is important, but compelling care is idiotic. Erase this and start over. You can go to the doctor every year but if you do not take steps, then what? Health nazi is going to be the hottest job in the Edwards administration. Oh well. It isn't going to happen cause he isnt going to win.

[JTFrog]

17. Need more info on this.

I've been required by some employers and also insurance companies to have an annual physical. I didn't really think anything of it.

I'm not opposed to mandatory doctor's visits for children.

[Zavulon]

18. What's next, mandatory weigh-ins and excercise periods?

Just because preventive care is a good idea doesn't mean I want the government making it mandatory and telling me when I have to go. There are lots of good ideas that everyone should do, but I don't want to have Big Government make them all mandatory either. This is just too much.

[THUNDER HANDS]

20. not a big deal

it's just his proposal.

(A) it's not like universal health care is going to get enacted anyway.
(B) even if it was, it wouldn't look anything like what he's proposing.
(C) mandatory doctor visits wouldn't get 10 votes in the congress.


it's a non-issue.

[LisaL]

28. Then why propose it?

LOL.

[THUNDER HANDS]

31. probably because it gets attention

even if it's negative attention.

[CTyankee]

95. No, it's a f* ck up in his campaign. Expect to hear a different version, probably

tomorrow if this gets any traction in the MSM. The word "mandate" has to disappear. It's impossible anyway in a free society. JE is smart; he'll see what's wrong and fix it.

[bbgrunt]

29. and it is an idiotic one. REALLY BAD idea

[saracat]

21. So what? Big deal.Many policies already require wellness checks and

there is a schedule of things that have to be done every couple of years anyway.Like Pap smears for women and breast exams. I have NO problem with this.This could save many lives.Maybe more people would take the time to take care of themselves if they knew they had to make an annual visit.Isn't it considered child abuse if you don't take your child for annual visits? Why is adults medical care any less important?

[Rydz777]

23. Compulsory phys ed next? Give me 20 push-ups, you fat slob! nt

[Hieronymus]

27. We used to have mandatory physical education as well as civics.

[DemBones DemBones]

40. Yes, and mandatory health classes, too.

Civics is something that needs to be taught again.

[knight_of_the_star]

43. They have that actually

Its called Freshman PE in high school.

[tomhayes]

26. They are ONLY mandatory if you want to use the government program

You'll still have the chance to buy private insurance if you don't want to use the government plan.

And I also believe that if you skip a physical that Edwards is not advocating hunting you down and forcing you get the physical - it'll just knock you off the rolls.

He is proposing a program wherein people who are afraid of doctors have an incentive to go to the doctor BEFORE it becomes a life threatening or chronic disease that'll cost more money to treat.

If you don't like it, again, buy private insurance or choose to be uninsured. Right now 45+ million are uninsured NOT by choice.

OR wait until the healthcare fairy brings the perfect plan that solves everything 100%, all the time, and that EVERYONE not agrees to but falls in love with BEFORE you try to fix the (broken) status quo.

babies.

[bbgrunt]

30. Egad. Just when I was getting over my aversion

to his attendance at CFR and his IWR vote, he comes up with this. Well, buh bye, Edwards.

[Fovea]

33. My long term private disability insurance already requires it.

And I have to pay the non-health insured rate because I can't get health insurance and get too much disability insurance to get the low income discount. I am currently spending well over a grand a month. I go, and let them tell me at what current rate I am dying.

My old employer could work me 60+ hours a week, cancel my vacation, force me to reschedule my check ups, and now I am disabled. What could I do? Quit. Did I? No.

I recommend prevention. And if you are too stupid to do it, you should have someone twist your flabby arm. Better that than having a stroke, heartattack, or dying of no longer curable cancer. You think being told to get a check up is invasive? Try injecting insulin 5 times a day.

How many of you have given up your job, or insurance because they require you to get check ups? ...
I didn;t think so.

I will trade my current state of health with any of you who can still get or afford health insurance, and go to every damn checkup they want me too, particularly if I don't have to bankrupt myself to do it.

God, I wish stupid was painful.

You want to be a couch potato that lives exclusively on deep fried grease and flips cigarettes out their SUV, go vote for Thompson. If you live to 08, that is.

[Mandate My Ass]

42. This reply deserves its own thread

Jeebus. An ounce of prevention....and all for free. Egads! The medical brownshirts are coming! Hide!

[robcon]

34. Ridiculous nanny-statism.

The government has no place to tell me how often I must see a doctor or other health professional.

[tired_old_fireman]

35. I have madatory check ups for work.

I don't thinks it's a bad idea. There's a bid difference between mandatory check ups and mandatory treatments. I worry, though, that the majority of people will freak out about this.

[DemBones DemBones]

37. Uh oh. Big mistake. Americans don't like "mandatory"

things. Especially mandatory doctor visits.

Last night tv news talked about a town that has been part of a Tufts University experiment to improve health. People were encouraged to walk or bike to work or school, new walking paths were built, new playground equipment for schools that would provide more exercise, and more fresh fruits and veggies added to school menus. Results were that kids gained weight normally rather than gaining too much and I think a lot adults lost weight. I thought it was kind of nice -- would like to have a nice safe walking path near my home -- but Mr. Bones said it was a police state tactic and "What next? Health police?"

Wait 'til he hears this! We're not supporting Edwards, anyway, but it's interesting to see this story right after last night's story. (Not saying Edwards has anything to do with that town's experiment, just noting the coincidence.)

We go to the doctor for regular check-ups now but we didn't when we were younger, poorer, and didn't have chronic health conditions. I'd guess that's true for most people.

[dflprincess]

38. My friend's dental insurance is like this

If she doesn't have her teeth cleaned at least twice a year, it pays less on other treatments.

I don't see this as that big a deal. I don't know many women who don't have annual pap smears and mammograms (as long as they have insurance)... I wonder if men are more apt to object to this?

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rodeodance]

78. I agree

[Raine]

41. Don't like this

NO ONE is making me go to a doctor, if and when I go it's MY choice.

[skids]

44. Well I don't like this but...

...first before I go off, I'm going to wait and see if Edwards actually did say that, or whether the words were surreptitiously inserted into his mouth by the AP.

Because I trust them even less than I trust many doctors.

(It's really a silly point, as 95+% of people end up going to the doctor for a strep test if for no other reason on a fairly frequent basis, and a good number of people go to them at the drop of a hat.)

[bluestateguy]

45. That should split the hypochondriac vote

Between those who are afraid to ever go to the doctor verses those who go to the doctor all the time.

[woo me with science]

46. Get rid of your SUV. Go to the doctor.

Don't forget to brush your teeth.

[StarryNite]

54. Yeah, what's with him lately?

I don't see how so many people can think this is a good idea. I think it's a little heavy handed.

[burrowowl]

47. In France

pregnant women have to show up for regular check-ups which is sensible, all paid for, TB exams or X-rays mandatory, but you don't pay for it, etc. When you reach critical ages you have free colonscopies, mammograms, pap smears, etc. though not mandatory highly recommended.

[krabigirl]

48. I don't like it. What kind of mandatory tests would they require?

Blood tests? Drug tests? Smoking tests? Trans-fat consuming tests? lol

[JTFrog]

58. How about

TB tests so the guy you are flying next to on the plane doesn't give you something you'll have to live with for the rest of your life.

Or aids tests. Or hepatitis tests. ALL THINGS THAT EFFECT OTHER PEOPLE, not just the person who doesn't like being told he has to go to the doctor once a year or so.

So sick of people whining about this when I know so many that would wait in line for DAYS to be able to go see a doctor when they want or need to.

I will always believe that all children and pregnant women should have mandatory doctor visits.

On the other hand, however, I don't support this plan. It's obvious that the best solution is DK's HR 676. The real question is why are the others so reluctant to embrace DK's plan.

[LisaL]

71. That TB guy had plenty of doctors visits. In case you forgot.

He just decided to go on his honeymoon even though he knew he had TB.

[bbgrunt]

49. .this reeks of government over reach---

and what would happen if they said you should be on medication and you refused to take it?

[Ilsa]

50. I don't wanna go. There are too many sick people at the doctor's office.

And I don't take my kids to their pedi for wellness checkups during cold and flu season either.

[lynne]

52. Edwards needs to go home. Every time he opens his mouth -

- he again confirms that he has about a snowballs chance in hell of even surviving the primaries - much less the general election.

[StarryNite]

55. Maybe it's actually a good idea

that he keeps talking because at least we know what he's thinking and whether or not he should get our votes. I'm not down with this forced doctor's visits crap at all.

[Socal31]

56. Just plain scary......

Period.

[NotGivingUp]

151. Very scary! n/t

[Terri S]

59. Is this for real? AP has been known to not always get quotes quite right

I can't really imagine Edwards pulling a big-brother 'you must' thing, but I haven't looked that closely to the specifics of his plan. Think I should do a little investigating. This mandatory stuff wouldn't sit well with me.

[Terri S]

61. Well, I checked out his plan on his website and found this...

from: UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE THROUGH SHARED RESPONSIBILITY



"Promote Preventive Care: Health Care Markets will offer primary and preventive services at
little or no cost. Incentives like lower premiums will reward individuals who schedule free
physicals and enroll in healthy living programs. Edwards will also support community efforts to
improve health, such as safe streets, walking and biking trails, safe and well-equipped parks, and
physical education programs for children. "

link

I didn't see anything about mandatory doctor visits :shrug:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

67. what, you looked at the FACTS?

it's so much easier to bash Edwards on soundbites, don't you know it?

Feels like the message board for the Drudge Report sometimes here..."He wants to take our SUVs!" "He's forcing us to go to the doctor!"

Good god.

[Vinca]

62. What bothers me more about his plan is that it is still connected

to the insurance companies. How on earth can you get true, AFFORDABLE, universal healthcare for everyone when you've got companies involved that are in business to make a profit? It's too bad, really. I supported Edwards until he came out with his healthcare plan. IMHO, he would win the election if he adopted Kucinich's plan. Maybe if everyone emailed him he'd look at it again. I already did.

[Skittles]

63. GET A GRIP PEOPLE

he is saying to participate in the health plan you need to get regular checkups - it is COST EFFECTIVE to get preventative care - no one is saying you HAVE TO GO TO A DOCTOR - you just OPT OUT OF THE PLAN. Understand???

[Forkboy]

74. After reading three threads on this today I've come to one conclusion;

People don't understand that.Or more accurately,don't WANT to understand that.If they admit to understanding then they can't be outraged,and we can't have that.

[NoodleyAppendage]

88. Three threads on this today is a concerted effort to smear Edwards with grassroots.

Hillary can't generate support among the grassroots, so she and her corporatist overlords are attempting to destroy Edwards.

This story is on Drudge. Drudge is PAID by Murdock. Hillary had fundraiser paid for by Murdock. Murdock supports a Hillary run.

Coincidence?

J

[Nutmegger]

109. The house crap was started by Drudge too.

Hmmmmmm ...... :think:

[HockeyMom]

64. No, No, No

I would forego medical insurance ENTIRELY if I had to do this.

This is a big loser. Just look at the responses on this.

[Exultant Democracy]

79. Really? As a mother you would rather not have medical insurance?

Now that blows my mind.

[Keefer]

65. The only time I was forced to see a doctor regularly was

when I was in the USAF. After all, the military had a vested interest in keeping me healthy.

[tomhayes]

80. And under national healthcare the INSURER has a vested interst...

in keeping you healthy. See, it's the same!

And my private insurance requires an annual physical.

[Keefer]

92. I have an excellent health plan through work.

I have no mandatory exams, blood work, x-rays, etc. Nothing. I can choose any doctor I want, any time. $15 dollar copay. I had six heart byasses in March of 2006. My cost? $100 annual deductible. The last notice my insurer sent me was telling me they paid the entire $33,627 bill and I didn't owe a dime since my $100 deductible was paid. This year, I had my gallbladder removed. Again, it cost me nothing. (My $100 deductible was already paid again.)

[StarryNite]

93. Do you mean to tell me

that you are in charge of your own body? What a novel idea. I didn't think any of us were capable of making decisions when it came to our own health.

:sarcasm:

[Keefer]

94. Yes.

Scary. isn't it?

[lojasmo]

69. Good idea, from a medical perspective.

Registered nurse here.

[Vidar]

72. He's going to lose votes on this, though not mine. Kucinich has my vote,

Edwards only being a backup plan.

[Socal31]

82. And I thank the god that I dont believe in....

that niether one of those two have a shot in hell of winning anything. One wants to mandate me getting a finger in my ass every year, the other wants to do a forced Govt. buy-back of all privately owned firearms. I think the write in candidate "Micky Mouse" has a better chance for nomination.

[bemildred]

75. He's either stupid or he's trying to kill health care reform.

Take your pick.

[Socal31]

83. Hmmmmm.....

Would mandatory tests = mandatory prescriptions if diagnosed? Thats pretty damn scary to me. And the Pharm industry is salivating.....

[rodeodance]

76. Great idea. Prevention is Key to cutting suffering and costs.

[rodeodance]

77. Contact Edwards here------

http://johnedwards.com/about/contact/form/

[NoodleyAppendage]

87. PROPAGANDA. Hello. People bear in mind what he's fighting against.

The corporatists will do ANYTHING to destroy populist messages (e.g., Dean's 2004 run). This stupid twisting of words is meant to further damage the prospect of a populist 2008 candidate.

Fall for anything...

J

[natrat]

129. hello corporatist scumbag thread-wake up smart people

[StarryNite]

89. It sounds like Edwards

is trying to get the backing of the AMA and Big Pharma.

[Megahurtz]

149. Exactly.

That's what I think.

[rayofreason]

90. Mandatory mental health care...

...should begin with Edwards.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070902/ap_on_el_pr/edwards_2

"Edwards said his mandatory health care plan would cover preventive, chronic and long-term health care. The plan would include mental health care as well as dental and vision coverage for all Americans."

[StarryNite]

91. Oh for god's sake,

it sure should start with him. How can he think this stupid half-baked idea will help him get elected. I was leaning towards voting for him, but not anymore. I sure hope Gore gets in the race.

[tomhayes]

97. Gore? Are you DELUSIONAL??

How many times does the man have to say NO for you to hear NO??

Plus Gore might require you to do something you don't wanna do.

[StarryNite]

123. Delusional? Oh?

Tipper Gore tells Peretz that following the loss, “we were roadkill … it took a long time to pick ourselves up from what happened.” Tipper also says that Al has made no moves that would suggest a run for the presidency, but adds that if he turned to her one night and said he had to run, she’d get on board, and they’d discuss how to approach it this time around, given what they’ve learned.

..................

more at:
http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Gore_breaks_silence_on_m...

This sure doesn't seem like a complete rule out to me. But I forgot, you know everything. You're a real legend in your own mind. :eyes:

[tomhayes]

96. Well, responses to this thread prove the republicans will win in 2008

It's a damned shame that even DU's don't want no one tellin' em nothing about nothin'.

Might at well vote for Romeny or Thompson now.

Dummies.

[SOS]

101. Darn right

The Wall Street propaganda machine is really doing it's job.

[tomp]

108. ya know, i try to be open-minded about these things...

...but when someone opposes edwards' idea and gets called stupid or a freeper or a dummy or helping the republicans...well, let's just say it helps me decide my position.

[SOS]

111. Oppsosition to Edwards or lack of research?

This "story" was not even reported, other than on Fox news and Yahoo.
The "facts" presented, even here at DU, were mostly false i.e. "government doctors".

Whether the story was pushed by opposition researchers or just by Fox news, it's a farce.

[tomp]

126. so, he's not saying mandatory doctor visits? nt

[StarryNite]

130. He did say mandatory checkups.

Listen for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9SgIwzumB4&mode=related

[tomp]

137. i hear his campaign retracted today. he didn't really mean that.

i remain decidedly unimpressed by edwards (and his knee-jerk defenders).

[Feral Libertarian]

103. A slow motion train wreck

....... for those that never figured out why Bush was re-elected in 2004, it is this type of off the wall self-destructive foot in mouth disease from his opponents. Edwards is clearly an intelligent educated man, but then he opens his mouth.

[rodeodance]

104. Saw a DU poll today whereby 2/3 agree with Edwards. Am glad.

[Alameda]

105. mandatory dr visits

I'm not too happy with seeing "regular" doctors, but if I don't have to accept their allopathic treatment it would be Ok. I much prefer homeopathic, and other types of treatment.

[redqueen]

112. Single Payer?

This is just crap icing on the crap cake (if he's still in favor of keeping the profit margin for universal coverage intact).

[bunkerbuster1]

113. Nooo! Don't tell me stuff that makes me uncomfortable, John!

Next thing you'll be telling us that Americans are gas-guzzling pigs. It hurts my fragile widdle ego!

[surfermaw]

114. I think the old saying a stitch in time saves nine

Going for an examination early saves the health of the and the government a lots of money. We will have to practice preventive medicine in order to meet the cost.

[surfermaw]

115. If you are retired and get Medicare, you already

practice preventive medicine, what do you consider a Pap smear , brest exams, blood presure checked, sugar checked, and your big one C screening, haven't you heard of lipitor, that is a preventive medicine.

[TexasBushwhacker]

118. Regular doesn't mean annual

People need to get a grip. Would you refuse to get life insurance because they required a physical? Would you refuse to let your child join an athletic team because they required one? What about required immunizations for children entering public schools?

[Manifestor_of_Light]

120. Preventive medicine is much cheaper than treating after disease has shown up.

That's a basic medical concept. Republicans don't understand it and refuse to fund it. It saves money in the long run. Kinda like putting little kids in Head Start so they can learn at an early age and be ready for school, or giving women prenatal care and good nutrition while pregnant, so the baby will be healthy and not have expensive medical problems at or after birth.

[colorado_ufo]

122. This makes damn good sense.

I never could understand the people who brag about never seeing a doctor because they are in such terrific good health. How in the world do they know? Many conditions, like high blood pressure, are silent killers that don't announce their presence until the person suffers kidney or lung failure, a stroke, or some other medical catastrophe. A problem that could have been handled by maintenance will now cost an astronomical sum to save the patient, much less restore him or her (if possible) to any level of functioning close to what he or she previously had.

This would be a tremendous cost saving measure which I would support 100%, as long as one could continue to choose any licensed physician.

[StarryNite]

124. And many people have been harmed

by doctors over prescribing drugs and making blunders. What do you have against choice? Do you think it's okay to take a woman's right to choose away too?

[colorado_ufo]

125. Please don't mix apples and oranges.

We were not discussing a woman't right to choose, which I support. This also does not eliminate getting second and third opinions on a diagnosis.

[StarryNite]

128. I'm not mixing a damn thing.

This IS about choice. Why should we not have the choice as to whether or not we go to the doctor? Why would you be against this choice?

[colorado_ufo]

141. It is my opinion, but I also respect yours.

[Egnever]

136. I think Edwards should go for a mandatory checkup right now.

To a shrink!

This is just a stupid decision. First his health plan is going to be mandated by law and then he is going to mandate that you have to see a doctor every so often.

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.


preventative health care may make sense but mandating it reeks of big brother. Better to provide for it and encourage it and teach people good habits than to try to force them. Sorry but this dog ain't gonna hunt.

[Felix Mala]

142. The trouble is Rush can do three hours a day up until election

on words like "require" and "mandatory." Someone needs to get Edwards' vocabulary under control.

[NotGivingUp]

144. fuck edwards then. you know what's next....they'll force you to follow

the doc's advice, too. our medical field is a total fuck-up. nobody is going to tell me i have to see one of these 'know-nothing about nutrition and everything about drugs' shmucks.

[NotGivingUp]

145. Don't give government more power. They will only abuse it. nt

[Megahurtz]

146. NOT!

:argh:

No Fucking Way is someone going to force me to go to an Allopathic Doctor if I don't want to.

What is this, a push for Big Pharma???:wtf: It sounds like Big Pharma lobbied Edwards.

I thought Edwards was a good candidate, but he has certainly lost my vote over this one.:grr:

[NotGivingUp]

153. That's the same thing I thought....big pharma payoff.

Edwards was the only other dem that i thought i might vote for besides Kucinich. It's a big NO now.

[StarryNite]

154. Same here

Well it sure made my decision easy. Kucinich will get my vote. Unless Gore runs.

[rodeodance]

155. John Edwards campaign Official Response about REQUIRED preventative care

Forum Name John Edwards Supporters Group
Topic subject John Edwards campaign Official Response about REQUIRED preventative care
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=257x927#927
927, John Edwards campaign Official Response about REQUIRED preventative care
Posted by rodeodance on Thu Sep-06-07 02:42 PM

Forum Name General Discussion: Politics
Topic subject John Edwards campaign Official Response about REQUIRED preventative care
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3498895#3498895
3498895, John Edwards campaign Official Response about REQUIRED preventative care
Posted by jsamuel on Wed Sep-05-07 03:03 PM

On the record from the campaign (email correspondence):
"Senator Edwards believes it is critically important to take preventive steps that help reduce health care costs and prevent disease. The truth is many people do not currently seek medical services because they aren't covered or can't afford to see a doctor. That is why Edwards' universal health care plan would require most insurers to cover preventive measures at low or no cost. Though incentives like lower premiums, the Edwards plan would also encourage people to use preventive health care, from checkups to cancer screenings, which will result in lower costs for both the individual and the country."


as posted in other threads, his plan says exactly that. When he spoke of mandated preventative care, he was mandating that it be covered by the insurers, not that it be followed by the subscribers.


This confirms what is on John Edwards website:
(2) Invest in Preventive Care and Health. Study after study shows that primary and preventive care
greatly reduces future health care costs, as well as increasing patients’ health, but our health care
system is focused on treating diseases, not preventing them. Insurance companies have little incentive
to bear these costs. As a result, many people do not receive preventive care such as tests and
immunizations. Other Americans suffer from preventable, chronic conditions that can lead to
complications and disability. Edwards will help Health Care Markets lead the effort to realign
incentives in the health care system that reward healthier outcomes and lower costs.

• Promote Preventive Care: Health Care Markets will offer primary and preventive services at
little or no cost. Incentives like lower premiums will reward individuals who schedule free
physicals and enroll in healthy living programs. Edwards will also support community efforts to
improve health, such as safe streets, walking and biking trails, safe and well-equipped parks, and
physical education programs for children.

http://www.johnedwards.com/about/issues/health-care-overview.pdf

[rodeodance]

156. "he was mandating that it be covered by the insurers, not that it be followed by the subscribers."