More thoughts on health care.

At Time Goes By, their is a look at insurance and the lack there of.

One tragic story.

Due to poverty and Medicaid bungling, on 28 February, a 12-year-old boy died when an untreated dental problem led to a severe brain infection. An $80 tooth extraction could have prevented his death.

This is the sort of story that SHOULD NOT be occurring in this country in the 21st century. The fact it could happen in the 20th was a shame.

Health care. It is a matter of life and death. Duh!

But how do we handle it. Most all plans that are being touted, from Bush to Schwarzenegger to Edwards focus on private providers.

All [the various political schemes] retaining for-profit insurers which would effectively expand their customer base creating more profits and, presumably, even higher salaries for executives.

...the big carriers simply accumulate more power over healthcare providers and patients, using it to their own advantage...

So what is the alternative. Du...cough...obviously I'm leading to a universal government-run single-payer system.

Phil Mattera, at Alternet, looks at the issue of Private vs. Public. And interesting and good read.
The fact that basic dental support, is not more readily promoted, widely offered, or assured is pathetic. And, obviously, the same goes to the ears, nose, and throat issues. Kids, especially the kids, need that support. Beyond a few vaccinations, their are number of medical tests and treatments that will ensure the well being of the populace and the nation.

As anyone is health care can tell you, preemptive treatment and assistance saves a whole lot of money, and wear and tear.

Many years ago, I had a dentist with a mordant sense of humor who said, "Nobody ever died of teeth."€ Now we know differently. It will do everyone who has been wakened to the healthcare crisis good, as we follow the weeding out process of presidential contenders in the coming months, to keep in mind that 12-year-boy in Maryland who died needlessly of teeth.