I have a good feeling about 2011. I think it is going to be a year of progress, a year that will allow more people to get back on their feet, and it will be a year where we, the people, will make our thoughts heard louder than in the past. At least I hope so.
Starting this new year off I think I need to clear my head of all the cobwebs and get some things off my chest.
Reducing Medical Costs
Now as our politicians continue to do their best to mess up any chance of guaranteeing every American has affordable access to health care, I can't help but wonder what these idiots use their brains for? When I was a trainer we used to have a saying, "Rise up to the basics", which is exactly where our government needs to start when the discussion turns to medical care and reducing costs. Here are a few Ideas I'll share with them.
Let the "patient" be a "consumer". You want to save money on medical costs? The answer begins with making Doctors and Dentists provide costs before the work is done. Make them post a schedule of their charges and fees just like any other business that does not have a huge, rich lobby. The average American does not want to waste tax payer money and if they could price compare "elective" care, you might be surprised at the result.
As an example I recently went to my Dentist for some work and I came away mad as hell. I am fortunate enough to have some form of Dental Insurance. The total annual benefit is $1,000 so going in I felt pretty comfortable I could get my teeth cleaned, 4 x-rays (computer generated) and take care of some decay that was noted under a back crown. I didn't ask about cost, shame on me, but I received a bill today for $378 that went over and above my $1,000 benefit. Now that was a crown and a filling, no root canal, and a basic cleaning on the 24 teeth I have left in my mouth. $1,378! Had I had the opportunity to know the costs up front I can guarantee you I would have shopped around, and I will be looking for a new dentist now.
The point is that more often than not, whether we are talking a Doctor or a Dentist, the patient has no idea what the charges will be up front. If the government were truly serious about wanting to reduce health care costs they would enact legislation to correct this huge flaw in the system.
Homeowners Insurance
Speaking of legalized rip-offs is there a bigger one out there than homeowners insurance? Here is another "Gorilla Lobby" industry that our legislators let get away with murder. They, our government, would like us to think that they are watching out for our best interests but that's a load of crap and every American knows it.
What are you actually covered for? Beyond a house fire what isn't excluded or limited by an obscure clause in your policy? Floods? Nope! Broken plumbing? Uh uh. Slip and fall? Yes with limits. Tree falls on your house? Only after your deductible.
And then there is my favorite "Replacement Cost" policies. Every year I have to argue with my insurance company that they don't need to raise my coverage. They say it'll cost $230k to replace my house worth $140k that I owe $170k on. I explain only if I have to replace the underground utilities and buy the lot. When I say I want only enough to cover my mortgage obligation they say they cannot sell it to me, or if they do it will cost the same or more? Does this make sense to anyone?
Commercials
I know you're waiting for me to rip on all of the obvious fraudulent products advertised on TV and in the print media. And if I had several hours I might but let's just agree that the media has morals as long as they don't interfere with their revenues.
No my comments are about the way commercials have evolved and what we are willing to accept into our living rooms. If you are over 50 did you ever think you would see commercials for erectile dysfunction, massage cream that make everything more intense, or vibrators designed to blow your hair back? Seriously, if you are a parent of a 10 year old today I pity you. You have way more explaining to do than I ever had did.
Sports
Does anyone still believe professional sports should be called sports? Aren't they just entertainment? The money made in sports by the player and owners passed obscene several years ago, and the extends down into the college ranks as well. The NCAA suspended 5 OSU players for half of the 2011 season due to a beach of the rules, but they are allowing them to play in this years bowl game. Gee, I wonder if the money paid to the NCAA by the bowls sponsor had anything to do with that? Based upon what I have seen in the sports world in the last 10 years we better quit making fun of the wrestling fans.
That's all I have today. I know it was short but part of my new outlook includes trying to talk less and listen more. So what do you think?
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