So what ever happened to the patient's bill of rights?

[Cleita]

Back in 2000, that was pretty much what you heard coming from both candidates, number one, the patient's bill of rights and number two, prescription drug benefits for seniors and number three the lock box for Social Security.

Since Bush, with the help of Satan, started the right wing's determination to end Medicare with the passage of his prescription drug benefit for the pharmaceutical industry, one hears nothing about the patient's bill of rights anymore.

I was never for it until now. Being firmly of the belief that a single payer universal health care system would bring us into the twenty-first century alongside the rest of the industrialized nations of the world, I never gave it much thought. But slowly, I am coming to the realization that pigs will fly before that happens and the patients bill of rights is looking more attractive to me. Why?

First, I think the private health care industry needs to keep it's administrative costs to within 2% and 4% of revenue. The balance has to be used for health care, not the 23% administrative costs they use now (a conservative figure, incidentally).

Second, no one can be refused coverage. No more cherry picking the young and healthy for coverage.

Third, no one can be charged extra for pre-existing or chronic condition or age but must be charged the same as everyone else.

Fourth, health plans must negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for the best price. No more gouging the American people for profits.

I guess you can see where I am going here. The only way we are ever going to get national health care here is to drive the insurance and HMO's out of the business. The only way to do this is to make sure there is no profit in it anymore. Then and only then will you see an end to the lobbying and propagandizing from these entities.

[camero]

1. I haven't heard a thing about it

Since Clinton left office. Shows you were the priorities are.

[Cleita]

2. Yeah, it's really been buried. Not a single candidate or

politician of either party has uttered a word about it.

[camero]

3. It's funny because a patient's bill of rights

would help reduce unemployment. I'll admit I'm biased in this regard but I think with a ban on companies not covering pre-existing conditions, more employers would hire people with disabilities.

[camero]

4. Check out Liberalhistorian's thread

For some of the damage that our health care system has caused.

It's here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=679836&mesg_id=679836

We're also thinking of starting a protest to get Congress's attention on the matter.

[Cleita]

5. If you do some activism, let me know.

I won't be able to protest because I can't leave my husband alone for too long, but I might be able to help with behind the scenes stuff.

[camero]

6. It's just beginnning

We are looking for ideas and suggestions.

[The Democratic Kid]

7. The Democratic Kid is here to stay .

Hi I'm an activist for health care reform, AMEN! to what you wrote. My family went threw hell, My mother was in and out of the hospital for 4 yrs. before she died, The Drs lied and raped my family, my father and I where doing painting, roofing and home repair, in the middle of the Az. summer 5 months before he died of prosate cancer just so we could pay Med.bills. he died 2 years before my mom did. I am fighting mad, I am The Democratic Kid,Health Care Reform Activist. I call talk radio, write letters, protest in the street, and try to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. Check out my posts at AlFrankenWeb.com Awareness leads to action, action leads to activism, activism leads to change.
Take care,
The Democratic Kid...

[Cleita]

8. Welcome to DU Democratic Kid.

Things like what happened to your family are happening across America and we need to get these stories up front and not let the media or anyone brush them aside and try to bury them.

:toast:

[camero]

9. Welcome to DU

Our idea was to get people to mail all thier hospital bills, doctor bills, court dates, bankruptcy proceedings, etc. to a place and fill trucks with them and take them to Congress in protest.

To get thier attention that we need a single-payer system in this country.

[cryofan]

10. Welcome to DU, Democratic Kid! There are more healthcare activists here

....talking about getting universal health care, than anywhere else in the world, probably.

[Cleita]

11. Inquiring minds need to know why this has been buried.

:kick:

[camero]

12. kick