by Bella A. Bowman

Created on: October 05, 2008

The health care system is a money-making business. Even though the stereotypical view of the medical field is considered as the "helpers of the community", it is still about money and that takes advantage of people. Before every visit, you have to make a co-payment; just to ensure your liability. If the appointment is cancelled without notification, you have to pay. Prices of the medical services vary, depending on the physician's preferences and the insurance policy. If given a prescription, you also have to pay for that. What about a standard markup that can be applied equally to all the patients? People are constantly being uninsured because the health care system has set a ridiculously high standards that it is almost impossible for some to contribute fully and financially. Why make the services so expensive but in order to make things payable, we have the insurance to fall back on? Insurance companies is another money-making business that links to the health care system. People who are financially well-off are typically the ones who have to pay more out their taxes in order to help those who are indigent. Not just that, but pay so much for their monthly premiums. And for those who are indigent usually do not have to pay much, are on welfare, disabled, or have backup insurances such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The Advance Directive needs to revise its legal document that states patients' preferences regarding health care will be considered. According to this, we may have a choice as a patient to decide what services we want rendered, as suggested by a physician, but we cannot make a decision based on what is affordable. It's either you pay or you get no treatment. Why? Because it is all up to the health care system and insurance companies.

The sliding scale fee is typically applied to those who are indigent. It should be applied to every citizen, equally. The same goes for Medicaid and Medicare. Those who are children, medically indigent, disabled, veterans, and elders should not be the only lucky ones. Those who work hard and earn honest money should be given the same kind of insurance. Sometimes the indigent citizens abuse the system and other people have to pay for that mistake. That is not fair, which is why I am imposing on the equality of payment and insurance privileges applied to every person. I understand that some people are indigent for a good purpose but who is that to blame? Society and its stereotypical governmental system. That needs to change

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