What is the best way to reduce health costs in America?

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   arizonataylorposted 11 years ago

   What is the best way to reduce health costs in America?

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   bankscottageposted 11 years ago

   Personal responsibility.  If we would take responsibility for our actions, eat better, exercise more, drink less alcohol, and don't abuse drugs or smoke, we could cut a significant chunk out of our total healthcare expenses.
   If you have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 (morbid obesity), there is a good chance you are diabetic, hypertensive, have problems with your cholesterol, have obstructive sleep apnea, are at risk for coronary artery disease and are probably also hypothyroid.  Smoke, and your chances of having these increases plus you will eventually have COPD or emphysema.  All of these conditions require doctor visits, often result in hospitalizations and almost certainly require several prescriptions to manage.

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   Admiral Murrahposted 11 years ago

   The idea of personal responsibility mentioned by bankscottage is a start. The other way to reduce costs is to rein in the frivilous law suits that lead to high medical costs. Putting caps on damages and having strict rules on what is required in order to bring a health based lawsuit,a and seriously evaluating the burden of proof would certainly reduce the costs. Since much of the high cost is in compensation for the added legal burdens. When it comes to health care people not only do not take care of themselves, they blame the health care workers for their irresponsibility.
   
   An example of this is the Texas Medical Association suing the podiatrists in Texas over what is the definition of a foot. Frivolous lawsuits and lawsuits over turf battles like the definition of a 'foot' are the kinds of lawsuits that make health care outrageously expensive.
   
   Another step that would help is to reduce the amount of paperwork and needless regulations. Excessive regulation is another way that health care costs are increasing. Along with the excessive regulation is the practice of medicine by insurance companies. Health care decisions need to be decided by the health care provider and the patient, rather than having a third party, like insurance companies making decisions for them.

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   JON EWALLposted 11 years ago

   ''Health care decisions need to be decided by the health care provider and the patient, rather than having a third party, like insurance companies making decisions for them.'' Repeal OBAMACARE for starters.
   Get the people back to work, that will increase the insurance pools hence lowering cost/claim on the over all users.
   Washington needs to work together and honestly come to a bi- partisan agreement making both sides not happy  ( COMPROMISE ). Every elected official should cast a  vote on issues that are submitted by committees. .
   The 111th Congress brought on the recession. The 112th Congress just made things worst.

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   Brandon E Newmanposted 11 years ago

   Stop paying for health insurance and overpriced prescriptions. Give all those dollars to the IRS, and die with a patriotic grin on your face. Put 50 slot machines in every US post office and use all of the profits to buy health insurance for everyone. Spend tax dollars to put American kids through medical school, and have them work in government-run hospitals for a fraction of what private physicians earn. Or better yet, move to Canada and marry one of them. Maybe we should just leave it up to the super-billionaires. They know what they're doing right?

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6. 85

   SidKempposted 11 years ago

   My qigong teacher, 77 years old, in excellent health, and spending only $15/month on one supplement is a living answer to this. Let us take responsibility for our health, master the balance of our energy with meditation and inner healing, and take good care of ourselves.
   
   This teacher fell off a roof about 2 months ago - and had one mild bruise! He went to the emergency room only at his wife's insistence - waste of time and money! He was perfectly fine.

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