Thousands Line Up for Promise of Free Health Care

[daniel green]

They came for new teeth mostly, but also for blood pressure checks, mammograms, immunizations and acupuncture for pain. Neighboring South Los Angeles is a place where health care is scarce, and so when it was offered nearby, word got around. Doctors On Call For the second day in a row, thousands of people lined up on Wednesday — starting after midnight and snaking into the early hours — for free dental, medical and vision services, courtesy of a nonprofit group that more typically provides mobile health care for the rural poor. Like a giant MASH unit, the floor of the Forum, the arena where Madonna once played four sold-out shows, housed aisle upon aisle of dental chairs, where drilling, cleaning and extracting took place in the open. A few cushions were duct-taped to a folding table in a coat closet, an examining room where Dr. Eugene Taw, a volunteer, saw patients.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/health/13clinic.html?em

[theal3]

I saw it on TV , and there was shortage of volunteer doctors and nurses in some areas as state law required they come from the state, not outside.

[February]

Oh, theal this is so sad. All they want is the basics.
A blood pressure check can prevent a stroke and save a life, a mammogram can detect cancer, and dental care is absolutely necessary.
Bad teeth contribute to so many other health problems.
It's a shame Americans are regarded as 2nd class citizens when it comes to their health.
IMO President Obama is way ahead of his time.

[daniel green]

It's heart-breaking to see what millions of Americans in the 21st century must do to get heatl care.

[daniel green]

[UPDATED 11:59 a.m. By 11 a.m. crowds of people were sitting in old basketball arena chairs set up outside the Forum, waiting for their numbers to be called by clinic organizers. “We’ve been here since 4,” said Vickie Zigetta, 52, of Lakewood. Zigetta and others waiting for their numbers to be called were disappointed when organizers announced that they would have no further dental appointments today. Medical exams and vision checkups were available, however. “A lot of adults don’t have medical or dental insurance,” said Zigetta. “My three children are covered under Medical because they’re not over 21. The number we’ve got to get in is like gold." Zigetta has No. 1,095. Organizers had reached No. 800 as she spoke. Zigetta said she wanted to get her eyes checked and a basic physical. She planned to come back for a dental checkup tomorrow. Inside the Forum, people were waiting in the bleachers to be called and, on the floor of the old aren where hockey and basketball games once were played, were large RVs that contained specialized medical and equipment. The old lockers rooms had been turned into examination rooms. In one of the old locker rooms, Phillip Clovis , 56, Inglewood was waiting to receive chiropractic treatment. Clovis said he arrived at 2:15 a.m. and was handed No. 348. “So far I’ve had acupuncture and seen a doctor. I have back problems and after the acupuncture I feel much better. “If this service was provided to a majority of Americans, you wouldn’t have 3,000 people lined up at the door of the Forum,” Clovis said. “It’s such a blessing.” Clovis, an unemployed auto mechanic, said he learned about Tuesday clinic while job hunting.]


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/hundreds-lining-up-for-free-health-care-checks-at-inglewood-forum.html

The pictures of Americans, hundreds deep, waiting for this health care is heartbreaking. And they are the lucky ones who were able to go to this event.

[Lady_Jean_La]

Great to see so many medical people helping out. :thumbsup:

[LisaM22]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjARiYEpEMQ

Very interesting.

yep, it obvious we need a universal health care plan, but don't expect many republicans to get this

[LisaM22]

Great to see so many medical people helping out. :thumbsup:

it is great, many people need help as you can see in the video

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

yep, it obvious we need a universal health care plan, but don't expect many republicans to get this

It is obvious we need health care reform, just not this HC reform.


What if the illegal immigrants were not in CA, what could have been done with that 10.5 billion for those without health care here LEGALLY?

American Immigration Reform (FAIR) examines the costs of education, health care and incarceration of illegal aliens, and concludes that the costs to Californians is $10.5 billion per year.

Among the key finding of the report are that the state's already struggling K-12 education system spends approximately $7.7 billion a year to school the children of illegal aliens who now constitute 15 percent of the student body. Another $1.4 billion of the taxpayers' money goes toward providing health care to illegal aliens and their families, the same amount that is spent incarcerating illegal aliens criminals.


10.5 billion for Illegal immigrant in CALIFORNIA ALONE. Why not fix these issues which are taxing our system and see how much easier it might be?

Why have one set of rules for Congress and Unions? ALL the same.. EQUAL HC across the board, period.


http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/immigrationnaturalizatio/a/caillegals.htm

[Lady_Jean_La]

it is great, many people need help as you can see in the video

In the USA people are so generous with their time. You won't see that many other places. :patriot:

[LisaM22]

Why not, Lisa?
IMO

do you finally get it? or do you still want to deny Americans the choice of a universal health care plan?

[LisaM22]

In the USA people are so generous with their time. You won't see that many other places. :patriot:

that is why I think Obama/s health care plan will pass in the end

[LisaM22]

It is obvious we need health care reform, just not this HC reform.
<snip>

well then tell us about your sides republicans health care plan? hows it works, how much will it cost, will it save us money, will it cover everyone? 3 1\2 pages doesn't seem like they put much thought into it

[desmom]

Free Health Care for Those Who Need It Most
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=8330961&page=1

Through his Remote Area Medical Foundation, Brock has staged 346 clinics in 12 states across the country since 1992, primarily in rural counties.

[Lady_Jean_La]

that is why I think Obama/s health care plan will pass in the end

How can it fail, he has all the votes?:confused:

[History Buff]

Health care is that bad in LA, has anyone taken the time to think about which party is in charge out there?

[Lady_Jean_La]

Health care is that bad in LA, has anyone taken the time to think about which party is in charge out there?

It has been poor for a long long time. imo

[dinojen]

What percentage of the health care in Los Angeles or Southern Ca. goes to illegal immigrants... CA spend billions a year on medical for illegals... but yet legal citizens need to struggle to get help.. it's ridiculous IMO..

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

What percentage of the health care in Los Angeles or Southern Ca. goes to illegal immigrants... CA spend billions a year on medical for illegals... but yet legal citizens need to struggle to get help.. it's ridiculous IMO..

I posted the link above yearly:

$1.4 billion of the taxpayers' money goes toward providing health care to illegal aliens and their families, the same amount that is spent incarcerating illegal alien criminals.

In all 10.4 billion a year for CA alone.

[LisaM22]

How can it fail, he has all the votes?:confused:

58 democrats in congress, to votes short and we all know a couple dems are not voting for a universal plan either, so we need a handful of votes from the other side to get this passed, but I think it will pass

[LisaM22]

Democrats Election Strategy (mo)

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/49991

Hoyer Says Obama, Congressional Leaders United in Push for ‘Pathway to Citizenship’ for Illegal Aliens—Wants Action as Early as This Fall
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

what they need to work on is taxing foreign outsourcing, that is destroying America form the inside, US corporations are selling Americans out, guess that is the thanks we get for 8 years of trickle down economics - more of the, as long as we get ours, we could care less about you republican think - it is always those that have the most that want the most it seems

[Lady_Jean_La]

58 democrats in congress, to votes short and we all know a couple dems are not voting for a universal plan either, so we need a handful of votes from the other side to get this passed, but I think it will passA little pork here, a little pork there and it passes. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

I think that's what they mean by "universal" health care - taking care of the rest of the universe.Didn't SoS Hillary Clinton just give billions to Africa for their health care. Didn't President Bush give billions to fight AIDS internationally?

:confused:

[Lady_Jean_La]

So wonderful to see medical professionals volunteering, the American way. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

Wonderful. We should have more thread discussing the generous people in the health care profession. They are so great! imo

[desmom]

Free Health Care for Those Who Need It Most
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=8330961&page=1

Through his Remote Area Medical Foundation, Brock has staged 346 clinics in 12 states across the country since 1992, primarily in rural counties.

[LisaM22]

It's heart-breaking to see what millions of Americans in the 21st century must do to get heatl care.

it really is, all these people are very lucky these doctors are being so generous and donating their skills, we really need a universal health plan, no one should have to go without basic health care

[LisaM22]

What I do not understand is why do so many bash the notion that their country can take care of their own..yet rely on volunteers to administer basic HC to their citizens..There is indeed something wrong with that picture!!..How can good common sensical Americans believe showing the world..their own people have to line up for hours to get basic medical attention..That is just so ......So....unbelieveable!!

BTW..these people lining up are taxpayers...who cant afford Insurance for HC....what does that say about the "Status Quo" arguement??

LMS

if Canada had to do this republicans would be jumping up and down saying their system is a failure, but it IS happening here in the usa and what do they have to say about it?

[desmom]

"They came for new teeth mostly..........". Eye checks and physicals. My HMO does pay a little on the eye checks but very few of the insured are covered for eye exams, teeth or glasses. I love accupuncture and its a terrific chronic pain reliever but my Insurance does not pay for it unless I go to a DO who happens to practice the Art of Accupuncture. Nor does it pay for Chiropractic manupilation, either. These kind of services are not Basic Health CAre in my opinion. I don't see the Basic Health Care in this article. Basic Health Care to me is providing diagnosis and treatment of Hypertension, Diabetis. Well Baby Clinic, Strep Throats, Immunization, etc.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/health/13clinic.html?em
On Tuesday, volunteers provided 1,448 services to about 600 patients, including 95 tooth extractions, 470 fillings, 140 pairs of eyeglasses, 96 Pap smears and 93 tuberculosis tests, the organizers said. Hundreds of volunteer doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses and others are expected to serve 8,000 patients by the end of the eight days.

[LisaM22]

"They came for new teeth mostly..........". Eye checks and physicals. My HMO does pay a little on the eye checks but very few of the insured are covered for eye exams, teeth or glasses. I love accupuncture and its a terrific chronic pain reliever but my insurance does not pay for it unless I go to a DO who happens to practice the Art of Accupuncture. I don't see the Basic Health Care in this article. Basic Health Care to me is providing diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, Diabetis or Strep Throats, Immunization..

so your insurance that you pay for doesn't even cover some of the health care these people need, universal would

[LisaM22]

I don"t consider new teeth, eye doctor exams, chiropractic and accupuncture treatments Basic Health care. Do they in Canada?
To most of the world Basic Health Care like immunizations, child birth. etc is a total luxury let alone false teeth. Most Americans who have Insurance do not get coverage for these things either. Lots of confusion over what is Basic Health CAre.

your kidding right, bad teeth can cause all kinds of problems, same with hearing and seeing, these are very basic health care items - tell someone that eating without teeth is not a big deal, tell someone that has hearing or eye problems that it is not a big deal, those are definitely a big deal to those with those health issues and child birth, of course that should be covered as well

[LisaM22]

Wow - check out this list of free and reduced fee clinics in the country.
http://freemedicalcamps.com/

maybe the faith based fund could be redirected their way....

[LisaM22]

Of course, I am not kidding. All except for the child birth is not Basic Health Care, IMOO

I consider them basic health care

[Lady_Jean_La]

What I do not understand is why do so many bash the notion that their country can take care of their own..yet rely on volunteers to administer basic HC to their citizens..There is indeed something wrong with that picture!!..How can good common sensical Americans believe showing the world..their own people have to line up for hours to get basic medical attention..That is just so ......So....unbelieveable!!

BTW..these people lining up are taxpayers...who cant afford Insurance for HC....what does that say about the "Status Quo" arguement??

LMS

The world sees a nation of love where people help those in need. This is wonderful so many people can help. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

Wow - check out this list of free and reduced fee clinics in the country.
http://freemedicalcamps.com/

Fantastic! I didn't realize thwey were so organized. imo

[Stellagant]

your kidding right, bad teeth can cause all kinds of problems, same with hearing and seeing, these are very basic health care items - tell someone that eating without teeth is not a big deal, tell someone that has hearing or eye problems that it is not a big deal, those are definitely a big deal to those with those health issues and child birth, of course that should be covered as well

Child birth IS covered under Medicaid. And most Medical and Dental schools offer low-cost clinics. Very basic health care services can be found if one only looks.

[Stellagant]

My medical insurance has never covered dental or vision. It is a separate policy for those. I went for 10 years with health insurance because it was provided for by my employer, but couldn't afford dental or vision.
I took my kids as often as I could and paid out of pocket for the essentials, but went for 10 years without a teeth cleaning myself. (now that I have dental, they are impressed with how well my teeth looked!)


My dental and vision insurance are separate from medical as well.

[blueberri]

Actually, I don't think Canada is on many American's radar. We love you guys and are there for you, forever as you are for us but Canada is not on our minds too much and have NEVER heard anyone say Canada is a failure. I voted McCain/Palin and sure do trust them. Other then having a partriotic duty to support the duly elected President of the United States, I don't think Trust is part of the deal.
And most of the care, per the article was teeth, eye glasses, chirpractic and accupunture.A Canadian :beer: for you! BTW, if you don't have additional medical insurance that includes dental, you are SOL, here too. Thank God, I have both through my work place. I wouldn't trust BO as far as I could throw him. Just my own opinion, of course.

[blueberri]

Well you are right -all can create all kinds of problems - but they are not not covered - along with glasses and hearing aids. As I undertand my medicare program - I think I can get my eyes or ears tested, but not fixed. Certainly no dental at all! My DD and GD have regular insurance -dental not covered. With the price of these things it might pay me to run over to France - get glasses and hearing aids and some teeth implanted - or a bridge or two. Hmmm - have to look into that.
No way I can afford to get anything taken care of here in the US.Who would pay the doctors in France for your care?

[LisaM22]

what is sad is people that need a simple root canal and they can't afford it so they have the tooth pulled in America

[LisaM22]

Me??? I love different opinions and I believe "only boring people get bored".
2012 Palin/Rudy G. For the People :patriot::patriot::patriot:

And it was not Health Care but mostly teeth, glasses, chiropractic and accupuncture.

that mean your admitting your a republican now

[Stellagant]

It is most certain you wouldnt..as you have extended coverage you get thru your workplace!!Lucky you111 However many middleclass Americans cant even afford basic healthcare...so must seek any free HC offered...Are you gloating??or making fun of a country that lacks the basics that YOU Enjoy!!

LMS:blink:

If a person can't afford basic health care, they aren't in the middle class of America. Basic healthcare is readily available at clinics on a sliding scale based on income. If someone considers themselves middle class, they should have no problem walking into WalMart and paying for an eye exam and glasses.

The bigger issue is that many middle class Americans can no longer afford health insurance premiums for a variety of reasons, including job loss. They get sick and need hospitalization, their savings is quickly wiped out.

[daniel green]

We’ve been so caught up in dissecting the technical arguments over health care reform that it is easy to lose sight of the human dimensions of the crisis. That was impossible last week when we saw pictures of thousands of people waiting stoically outside an improvised clinic in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles. It looked as if it was happening in an underdeveloped country, where villagers might assemble days in advance for care from a visiting medical mission. But it was happening in a major American metropolitan area. This vast, palpable need for help is a shameful indictment of our health care system — one that politicians opposed to reform insist is the world’s best. The operation was run by a group called Remote Area Medical, which was formed to deliver care to Indians living in remote areas of the Amazon basin. It soon found great need here. It started delivering free services in rural America, progressed to medium-sized cities, and last week set up a free clinic at The Forum in Inglewood, where the Lakers used to play basketball.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/opinion/16sun1.html?ref=opinion

[daniel green]

Eugene Taw, an ear, nose and throat specialist with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic in Alhambra, was one of many Forum volunteers who has worked in other parts of the world. Yes, he said, there are far too many parallels between the uninsured in the United States and the residents of impoverished Third World nations. At the Forum, his patients included a diabetic amputee who had not been able to buy his medicine for months, a retiree who couldn't afford an X-ray for a lung problem, and a 30ish female diabetic with a kidney ailment so serious that Taw called for an ambulance to take her to a hospital. "This is great for helping people in need," Taw said of the Forum clinic. "But it's not a good way to do healthcare."

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez16-2009aug16,0,3959652.column

[blueberri]

All I can say is you are very fortunate..and if you compare your costs versus normal American Citizens..when HC is applied to monthly costs..You should be ashamed to claim Universal HC is so objectionable..It seems you are fairing well in your East Coast Community..however many hard working American cant even afford the basics...which is the only level Obama is seeking..So shame on you..Canadian!! to flaunt your callousness!!

BTW..your insight and condemnation is rather a double flip..as you benefit from a UHC System..yet...condemn it in the next breath..How rediculous is that??

LMS:thumbdown:I most certainly am not condemning Canada's health care system! I am just being honest, telling it like it is. I also work and pay my share for the extended health insurance, judging from posters on here; many Americans can do the same. You seem to be of the belief that Obama is going to serve up HC equal to that of Canada, when it couldn't be further from the truth. In the first place everyone is not going to be covered equally, secondly the illegal immigrants are eating up millions in US health care dollars as it is now, do you think that will change anytime soon? Posters on this board have told you, over and over, backed up with links, that there are already several medical plans in place for the poor and the elderly. Comparing our HC with the one purposed by Obama.....how ridiculous is that?

[blueberri]

It is most certain you wouldnt..as you have extended coverage you get thru your workplace!!Lucky you111 However many middleclass Americans cant even afford basic healthcare...so must seek any free HC offered...Are you gloating??or making fun of a country that lacks the basics that YOU Enjoy!!

LMS:blink:And if you have worked in the health care system for forty years, as you have claimed in prior posts, you would have extended HC insurance, as well. Are you is going to answer, who would pay the doctors in France for the poster's care and treatment? Probably not……. prime example of the ignorance of some on how they perceive universal HC in other countries.

[Lady_Jean_La]

And this is exposes the richest nation in the world...some legacy, eh?..Normal every day people cant afford regular or basic health care...hummmmmand being compared to 3rd World Countries..How does that make you feel US ??..Republicans want no change in the system..Status Quo..and just who does that benefit??..Of course..Corporate agenda's...I find some of the nit-pickig going on here somewhat partisan...maybe because they feel comfy with their particular service now...humm..It that coverage in concrete..and it will never change???..OK..one needs to look beyond today an review what could happen down the road (individually)..and maybe pray life circumstances dont change..but that isnt reality..Things always change..and are you prepared????

Long and short..tho some may feel comfy NOW..are they totally secure on what could happen if Life circumstances change??

That is all I am wishing to point out..and blaming Govt for all isnt the answer either..If you dont wish for Governrment supports in your lives..then stop demanding Govornrment support thru your resps..silly notion I know....but you elect reps to support your individual needs..but ignore the over all needs..Hummmmmm.Sometimes I wonder just what "Candidates" run on..and what their record is??? Do they do what they do for themselves or their communities..I havent figured it out yet..??

LMS

Richest nation in the world? :confused: Aren't they in debt?

[blueberri]

I have been self employed for almost a decade..so yeppp I pay extended HC premiums...but your silly France Pysicians??I have no Idea of what you speak to....I know there are programs like "Physicians without Borders"..but what the heck are you speaking to??..Not applicable IMO..

Such rhetoric against a President of another country just boggles my mind??? Dont quite now what or why you feel the need to enflamme the party of NO..but that is your right and priveiege?? But why??? But as a Canadain I am ashamed of your condemations of Universal Healthcare..Its very easy to condemn when you dont have to deal with the adversity yourself..and THAT is why I dont much care for you rhetoric..

Have a good evening..bluuuuu

LMSI am not surprised that you don't know what I was referring to concerning the doctors in France, you just jumped in and relpied to a question I posted to someone else. Either that, or you are posting under several nics? If you don't want to read my posts, just put me on ignore, no skin off my nose! You keep drinking the BO koolade, and posting from behind those rose coloured glasses! and I will continue posting my opinions, sans your permission.

[blueberri]

Well, you just slammed me again. I employ 3 nurses in my office and provide the best possible health care coverage for them which is not part of their salaries. They are not political activists, they are too busy with patient care. My life's work is oncology, I'm sure that doesn't amount to much in your eyes, to quote yourself. Right now I am recovering from hip replacement surgery and it will no doubt astound you when I say my care here in the U.S. has been outstanding in every way.
I am very happy with my health care insurance, does that make me one of your "Nasty Agenda driven people"? :laugh:Sad isn't it? I guess "look before you leap" never crosses her mind? Wishing you all the best with your recovery.

[blueberri]

What absolute BS.
:drool:Not only a BS but a PhD, too! (Piled higher and Deeper)That would explain the intelligent posting.:rolleyes:

[blueberri]

You are right on point.

There are many programs in the US for the poor, elderly and disabled.

It is not a common practice that middle income people cannot afford a policy that would provide basic services. Someone with a pre-existing condition would have a harder time, but many insurance companies have open enrollments and also many states have programs in effect for those who can't get coverage. The fact is that many people do not have health insurance because it is not a high priority to them until they become ill.

The problem with the reform package as presented up to now is there is no truth in how it is going to be funded and it doesn't take much to realize that they can mandate these insurance companies right out of business.

As far as the line to get free health care services. Anytime there is something offered free, people will go to get it. It is human nature. We have free and reduced rabies clinics for dogs and people will go stand in line. These same people are on their cell phones while waiting.Thanks, flareon. It sounds like this reform package has the potential to make things far worse for those responsible enough to already have insurance.

[Stellagant]

Which one is it?

Middle class can afford basic health care

or

Middle class can no longer afford health insurance


You posted both.

imo


Yes, I did post both and didn't realize you don't know the difference between CARE and INSURANCE. Pretty basic.

:rolleyes:

[Stellagant]

Eye exams, frames & lenses free every 2 yrs to qualified SSI recipients. Health & human services (aka welfare)

dental care also including dentures, fillings, bridge work etal. implants in some cases.

mental health care, Rx's free to qualified persons.

The same dentist and optometrist I goto who are very fine doctors provide these services free to qualified welfare, ssi patients all paid for thru federal and state programs; funded by tax dollars.

I've posted some of the links 2X's already. Don't want to get booted by posting them all in every post. People need to google.

University medical schools nationwide provided many of these services. I support many of these clinics and some of my friends and also other doctor's families.

They do cover chiropractic services and even therapeudic massages for some patients. It just depends on income, need, doctor's orders, etal.

SO MUCH MISINFORMATION. Honestly I'm shocked at the misinformation.

I goto health clinics and some dental and univ medical schools and take people in need to show them the ropes and how good the care is, even though I'm insured. These free services need to stay available to people but they can only continue with participation. That's why I goto some of them. To help keep them available to all. My docs ask me and others to do that & I'm more than happy to. Myself and friends also support medical and dental students at universities.

believe it or not. People need to start checking around instead of having these gross misconceptions of available health care USA.

ITA. Good post, Adalena!

[MiamiNice1]

Most drug stores have free blood pressure checks.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=US+drug+store+blood+pressure+checks&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
I have friends who tell me their doctors also recommend going to their nearest firestation where they have the most accurate equipment and happily accomodate your testing needs for free.

imo

[Stellagant]

I have friends who tell me their doctors also recommend going to their nearest firestation where they have the most accurate equipment and happily accomodate your testing needs for free.

imo

So taxpayers are footing the bill for something that people could do in their own home if they would invest $40 in a blood pressure monitor?

[MiamiNice1]

I've heard that also. Also they will hold classes sometimes at community centers to teach people CPR, how to help drowning victims, etc. Thanks for that reminder. Wonder if they have hunk calendars too. just kidding. Most of the kids in my areas could be my grandchildren. lol They're cute tho for the young girls. lol

LOL about the "hunk calendars!" - :loveeyes:

True about the CPR classes and it's exactly as you say - people need to research a little out of their comfort zone and they will find services that meet their needs.

imo

[MiamiNice1]

So taxpayers are footing the bill for something that people could do in their own home if they would invest $40 in a blood pressure monitor?
Who said anyone "pays?" It is a free service provided by the Firestations with equipment they have/use for their profession. It may come as a shock to you, but there are some people who do not have the $40 to pay for their own machine. ANd do you think a $40 machine is very accurate? That is why the doctor recommends if you have any doubts, just go to the nearest firestation to check - for accuracy.

imo

[MiamiNice1]

I've heard that too, plus the nurse in your doctor's office will do a quick check.
Another good option. Some people just try to create a problem where there is none.

imo

[Stellagant]

I really am shocked at the misinformation being put out. I am left to assume Obama's supporters on this forum are doing this on purpose since we all have access to google.

A dental program in my area will clean teeth for $10.00. It takes a little longer because they have to be checked by the instructors but it doesn't get any cheaper than that. So many services available.

A lot of the hospice care and other services to seniors or any family needing daily RN care too. All google-able.

A friend coordinates a nearby mental health services at univ. I told her I won't be availing myself there anytime soon. But they do have free care for so many for care, meds or whatever they might need.

To hear people saying these health care services do not exist is just so wrong. They should be ashamed. I'm pretty sure they know they're putting out "inconsistencies" about our health care systems long-in place. I'm pretty sure there's method to their madness as it were too.

If the US fails under Obama's spend I can't see any other nations faring well in it's wake. So I'm at a loss to know what their purpose is in trying to help the US fail under Obama's wild spending further into debt when it's not warranted in any way, shape or form.

Teeth-cleaning is a preventive service. There aren't a lot of options right now for the uninsured if they need emergency care. It is one thing to be willing to wait for a clinic appt for a tooth cleaning and quite another to be suffering an abcess that needs immediate attention. Or to have an injury that could be taken care of at an urgi-care center rather than a more expensive ER.

There is plenty of misinformation for the extreme right as there is from the extreme left and I don't blame either of it on Obama. Obama isn't proposing the government provide free health services to everybody, he's proposing that the government provide a health insurance option that is affordable to those who currently want or need it but can't afford it, such as those laid off from their jobs who can't afford to pay the employer's share of their medical insurance premium. He's proposing that health care providers such as hospitals and doctors bring down the cost of their services. I support both efforts.

[MiamiNice1]

Sometimes the home BP machines are even cheaper and they are quite accurate. It also is good to take your machine to the doctor during your visit to check its accuracy.
See all the helpful things we learn here? :smile:

[Stellagant]

Free at the fire station. People have told me the home monitors don't last very long.

We've had the same monitor for nearly 20 years. Works fine.

[MiamiNice1]

Do you expect anyone to believe that's the sum total of USA health care? How desperate and insulting to reader's intelligence that false info is.
Yes, it is insulting. This poster is just baiting, Adalena, please ignore. :)

[Stellagant]

Who said anyone "pays?" It is a free service provided by the Firestations with equipment they have/use for their profession. It may come as a shock to you, but there are some people who do not have the $40 to pay for their own machine. ANd do you think a $40 machine is very accurate? That is why the doctor recommends if you have any doubts, just go to the nearest firestation to check - for accuracy.

imo

It's the doctor's job to check for accuracy not the firefighter's. My $40machine is very accurate. You think firefighters work for free? Most pharmacies and even Walmart have machines to do it without the need to take up time and resources.

[forensicpsy~]

Yes, I did post both and didn't realize you don't know the difference between CARE and INSURANCE. Pretty basic.

:rolleyes:

DUH!

OK. So your point is that the middle class can afford health care but they can't afford health insurance? :confused:

[MiamiNice1]

That whole thing seemed out of touch to me. It seems like it is a family issue and certainly something that can be handled without any government interference or payment. In one breath they say they are going to cut costs (ha ha) and then in the next breath they are putting in spending provisions that are useless.
I've bought some Dramamine Stock! :laugh:

imo

[MiamiNice1]

I think for many the illegal status is why they don't venture out asking for help especially in a big city such as Los Angeles. Since we've provided Lynda with so many links in this and other threads and she continues her USA bash it's obvious she might be enjoying what she's doing. I don't think what one person thinks, says or does will change what the USA is. I know and work with many Canadians who are good people.

Los Angeles Times has always been liberal and I believe moreso in recent years.

About illegals, I forget which prop was voted on yrs back that school teachers should report any families suspected of being illegal, but the courts tied it up as they often do. It's a huge problem especially in southern California. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer have cautioned congress for years that it's breaking the financial backbone of the border states but to no avail. So the problem and the financial burden on the people continues.

The news article specifying that the docs do charity in foreign countries. So many of them do but the times wrote it as if to compare foreign health care to US. So typical of them to twist reality like they incessently do.

Regarding illegals - Here in Miami, a few friends of mine have live-in nannies. These nannies are always out going to appointments - getting FREE mammograms, dental care, health check-ups and many other procedures that our citizens have no idea even exist for FREE.

imo

[Stellagant]

DUH!

OK. So your point is that the middle class can afford health care but they can't afford health insurance? :confused:

No, my point is that the middle class can afford basic needs such as an eye exam and glasses but they can't afford health insurance that provides them with a full-range of preventative care and protects them from expensive hospitalizations. I'm surprised my point confuses you.

[Mimi428]

Wow - check out this list of free and reduced fee clinics in the country.
http://freemedicalcamps.com/

OMG, is that a joke?

I am already familiar with what is available in my county. I learned the sad truth 3 years ago, when a friend of mine got terribly sick & had two hospitalizations in 3 months.

So I looked for what would be available in my county, according to your link. There is not one thing "free". There is one clinic in this county for adults, another for children. They are sliding scale - & if your income is high enough, that slide can go pretty far up there.

A one-person household can make no more than $1497 per month. My friend makes more than that, so no services are available.

I invite everyone to click on that first link, go to your own state & find out what REALLY is available for people in your own area.

It's an insult to pretend that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can have access to "free" health care - or "reduced fee" health care.

JMO

[Mimi428]

psst! Try misinformation


These health clinics are primarily set up for what's known as the working poor. People who have jobs, but since it's not mandated by law that everyone buy health coverage some chose to live in new homes and drive leased beamers instead or spend their money on other things. Not all, but some. Many of them could opt not to spend their money on that new truck and buy health insurance instead. Just like Mike Huckabee and others have been saying during these debates.

Okay how about I start some misinformation that Canadians pay 95% taxes for health care and run begging in the streets? Would that suit you?

Well that's precisely what's being fed here! All you have to do is GOOGLE the info. But you trust a msg board stranger instead. Charming. LOL

http://www.hhs.gov/

Health and Human Services

http://search.hhs.gov/search?q=dental+care+los+angeles&site=HHSgov&entqr=3&ud=1&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&lr=lang_en&client=HHS&proxystylesheet=HHS

Dental care

http://search.hhs.gov/search?q=eye+exams+los+angeles&btnG=Search&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&entsp=a&client=HHS&lr=lang_en&entqr=3&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&ud=1&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=HHS&site=HHSgov

Eye exams, corrective lenses, surgery

http://search.hhs.gov/search?q=eye+exams+los+angeles+interpreters&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&entsp=a&client=HHS&lr=lang_en&entqr=3&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&ud=1&proxystylesheet=HHS&output=xml_no_dtd&site=HHSgov

Language interpretation services in health care services

I sure hope someone besides me clicks on those links. They certainly do NOT direct you to websites where you can get free or reduced fee services.

Here, in the order in which they appear, are the first few results under your "dental care" ---be sure & notice the DATES, which I have highlighted in red.

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/1998pres/980807b.html
1998.08.07: HHS ANNOUNCES $17.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR HIV/AIDS ...

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/1998pres/980112.html
1998.01.12 : Clinton Administration Awards $445 Million to 49 Cities for HIV/AIDS Care

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/1996pres/961125.html
Small Investments In Health Care Yield Big Payoffs For Poor, Uninsured & Underserved

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2000pres/20000907.html
HHS ANNOUNCES $22 MILLION IN NEW GRANTS TO
IMPROVE SERVICES TO UNINSURED AMERICANS

http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/b970304c.html
Testimony on the National Institute of Dental Research's FY 1998 Budget by Dr. Harold C. Slavkin

So why are you pretending that your Google search results show where "free" or "reduced fee" services can be found - because every last one of the ones you posted does NOT do what you claim.

:no:

I think I have only used that icon twice before in all my years on this message board, but it is well deserved right now, IMNVHO.

[Mimi428]

If a person gets too ill to work and they lose their income, they can't pay the premiums anyway.

Check out all the wonderful University medical facilities nationwide please.

Closest one to me would be the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, so I looked at their website to see what is available to a person needing dental care.

http://dental.uthscsa.edu/becomeapatient.php

Predoctoral Clinic: In this clinical program, patients are treated by dental students under the direct supervision of the faculty. Patients are admitted based upon their treatment needs and their availability. Fees in this program are the lowest of all the School’s programs (approximately 60% lower than private practice) but the time commitment is the greatest. Patients should be available for at least 2 appointments per month. If you are interested in becoming a patient in the predoctoral program, you must be evaluated through a screening process to determine if your needs support student training needs

So...maybe you get in, maybe you don't, just depends on what you need.

Next they have this...

Advanced Education Clinics: The fees in the advanced education clinics are approximately 30% lower than in private practice.

So that $1000 crown after a root canal would cost about $700 there.

And then they have this option...

Faculty Practice Clinic: Fees are comparable to those in other private practices

Now if someone in my area wanted to take advantage of any of these wildly generous programs, the round trip mileage would be over 270 miles - and one appt would most definitely take up an entire day for that trip, so forget working on appt day.

[theal3]

In your opinion, of course, and no links to any services in your area accounting for those costs.

BTW - how do you and your friends feel about your part in breaking the law?

Good question. And all these so called links for free service, clinics etc: you pay with your tax dollars, via directly, or thru grants, or for fellowships, or be guinia pigs at univ. and that's tax funded.

I want a system where no one cheats: we all get the same access and services to medical care, especially for children, I've been at both ends of spectrum.... the with-outs and now the "comfortable" not rich but doing Okay..., and I'm proud Dem. I want all citizen to have the benefit of a good health care system: now just for the haves.....don't we want healthy children and workers for the future?

[theal3]

Good point. I am very much aware I pay for both the uninsured and the underinsured; as maybe i should. However, since I am paying, I would prefer that actual health care be provided, not 'hit and miss.' It does not require mastery of the quadratic equation to understand that the single-payer option provides universal health care, at a savings to those of us who are paying.

:wink: As to your question? Ask the mega industries, who think it's a savings to deny children now.

I see what you mean, I could have answered my own question. They don't NEED to have our children healthy educated or middle class, the mega industries can do it cheaper overseas, like now, where all our jobs went. Next they'll turn us into a 3rd world country, that's what this last CRASH tried to do.... that's why this Admin. is doing everything to NOT let that happen. Heck we don't make anything anymore anyway, we import everything, like the original colonies did. We got to restart making and selling to each other. IMHO.

[desmom]

Even though I and many others have health coverage we still support these clinics in our area. They're wonderful. Many specialists consultations for FREE open to the public. Free immunizations. Free screening, blood tests for many many areas of health related preventative care.

University medical schools offer extremely low care at it's finest to anyone wishing to take the time to walk in.

Guess what, also mental health care services thru welfare. Guess what, for qualified families dental implants. I know a teenager who grew up on welfare and got her teeth knocked out in a motorcycle accident riding with her boyfriend. Free dental care including yes! dental implants, crowns, et al.

Believe it or not. I can't believe the sky is falling crowds here!

Funding: Federal AND state.

Health & Human services: type any key words or phrases into the search engine provided here -> http://www.hhs.gov/

Social Security Online: type in any key words or phrases into the search engine provided here -> http://www.ssa.gov/

SSI Supplemental Security Income: http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Don't take my word for it. All you have to do is read. :rolleyes:

bolding mine.

We have a University Medical School in the city. They charge the same fees the other medical clinics charge. For two months last spring, they would not accept any new medicaid patients.

jmo

[desmom]

Most drug stores have free blood pressure checks.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=US+drug+store+blood+pressure+checks&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Those things are not accurate unless they are maintained and recalibrated.

I have noticed though they are real popular with the kids while their parents are waiting for a Rx.

jmo

[desmom]

OMG, is that a joke?

I am already familiar with what is available in my county. I learned the sad truth 3 years ago, when a friend of mine got terribly sick & had two hospitalizations in 3 months.

So I looked for what would be available in my county, according to your link. There is not one thing "free". There is one clinic in this county for adults, another for children. They are sliding scale - & if your income is high enough, that slide can go pretty far up there.

A one-person household can make no more than $1497 per month. My friend makes more than that, so no services are available.

I invite everyone to click on that first link, go to your own state & find out what REALLY is available for people in your own area.

It's an insult to pretend that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can have access to "free" health care - or "reduced fee" health care.

JMO

It is the same here Mimi. There were 2 listed for our area. One is the county health department and they only offer school physicals, immunizations and flu shots. The other is sliding scale clinic. jmo

[desmom]

I think the point was that many people don't know to ask/find out what is/may be available in their area. MO

That is quite possible, but a lot of areas in this country do not have free clinics as been posted on several of the health care threads.

Way back when, we were drowning in medical debt and yes we had health insurance. Our GP was aware of our situation and suggested the public health dept for our oldest's school immunizations. Yes they were cheaper than what I would have had to pay at the Doctor's office, but they were not free and they were not covered by our health insurance.

I also want to add re the fire dept doing free BPs at the firehouse. Maybe in some areas, but I know they have curtailed a lot of that around here.

jmo

[Mimi428]

And of course, the point is that there is lots available for the uninsured, poor and needy. Raptor published a great list which surely is a starting point for finding out whats available in different areas. I can't imagine people standing in line or going to a Health Fair to get there BP taken when they can go into the nearest drug store, which in mine has pamphlets about different diseases and How To information.

<snipped>

No, there is NOT "lots available for the uninsured, poor & needy". That is a pure fallacy. If there WAS a lot available, the LA clinic would not have been so overwhelmed, as we saw in the video.

Why would ANY of those doctors go to the time & hassle of setting up that clinic, recruiting health care professionals to give their time, round up all the equipment, etc. IF, as you claim, there is "lots available"?

I do know of one person who has used the adult clinic that is in my county, back when he was first hurt & not working - & asked him to give me some specifics about trying to get an appt there. He had remarked some months ago how difficult it was, but our conversation wasn't specific. This morning, it was. At the adult clinic (don't know about the pediatric) the way you get seen is to make a phone call as soon as they open, for an appt that day. Nothing else available to make appts ahead of time. He said when he was due to go in for a re-check, he started calling at 8:00 a.m. For 4 days in a row, he was not able to get through for over an hour & a half average, even though he made one phone call after another after another. By the time he got an answer, they were booked up for the day. The young woman he spoke to said every slot available is taken by 8:30-8:45 each day - & if you aren't lucky enough to get a call to go through, too bad.

By the time it was all said & done, he decided to skip it entirely, because it was burning up all the minutes on his cell phone, which is his only phone.

As for the health fair doing blood pressure checks, surely you know that they would be doing that for all the participants they could. I doubt any of the people who were willing to wait for hours upon hours were there ONLY to verify that their blood pressure was within normal limits.

And regardless of where anyone gets their blood pressure checked, finding out the reading sure as h#ll doesn't result in medication being dispensed, for those who need it. That requires more than a blood pressure reading done for free at the pharmacy, fire station, health fair, doctor's office, etc.

I am sure Raptor meant well by posting that link. Problem is, it verified what I learned 3 years ago - there is d@mn near NOTHING available for a working person with no insurance & what is available to the poor is so overwhelmed that the odds they can get in for medical care are better at a crapshoot.

[Mimi428]

It is the same here Mimi. There were 2 listed for our area. One is the county health department and they only offer school physicals, immunizations and flu shots. The other is sliding scale clinic. jmo

A single person working 40 hours a week at a $9 an hour job would make too much money to qualify for care at the clinic in my county.

[Mimi428]

I think the point was that many people don't know to ask/find out what is/may be available in their area. MO

I know I sure didn't, until a little over 3 years ago when friend I have known for many years had his first heart attack. In less than 3 months, he had a second one.

What an eye opener that has been.

As a result of his declining health, he lost the job that had medical insurance The one he has now quit offering it some time ago (don't know when, I never asked, I just know they don't).

In this state, if you are working but uninsured, your health care options are prayer - God help you should you get sick or hurt with a serious condition that needs regular trips to a specialist.

Would it surprise you to learn that after you rack up $15,000 in unpaid surgery bills with a cardiology group that they are going to decline seeing you for an office visit?

[FurthurBB]

Child birth IS covered under Medicaid. And most Medical and Dental schools offer low-cost clinics. Very basic health care services can be found if one only looks.

I have a friend that got all their dental care at a dental school when they were a kid, they didn't drill any of their cavaties entirely and when she grew up she needed $32,000 worth of dental care to correct the problem. Her dentist told her she would have been better off to have never gone to the dentist at all. IMO

[Mimi428]

$15k in cardiology surgery?? I don't think so. Not in this country. That may just cover the cost of doctor.

Why didn't your friend exercise his COBRA rights when he left the job with medical insurance??? Surely he had to know having a heart problem would make him uninsurable under an individual plan so he needed to keep his insurance going. Was he irresponsible?

There must be more to this story b/c one can't be fired over medical issues.

Texas is a right-to-work state. Anyone can be fired for any reason. Cause or no cause, doesn't matter. I'm sure his employer was smart enough to not say "we are letting you go because you are sick". He wasn't unemployed for very long, IIRC. We did have more than one conversation about how in his field, an employer wants them under 35 years old - & he is over 55.

He did take his COBRA insurance - I remember him remarking that the premium was over $500 a month, but I do not know how long he had it. I do know he got sick twice, fairly close together - 1st with the flu, then with a sinus/ear/throat/chest infection (I don't know specifically, I didn't ask him at the time, just recall he was on 2 rounds of antibiotics for something, not long after he had the flu) & was out of work for several weeks by the time it was all over.

Is there more to the story? I'm sure there is. Was he irresponsible? Elephino - is it more responsible to keep your health insurance but be evicted from your house? I am 90% certain that is the dilemma he was dealing with, but I don't know every tiny detail of his life, so I cannot offer up every choice or every decision he has ever made.

[Mimi428]

No, the only thing that surprises me is the Docs let the bill get that high before cutting off services and recommending a clinic. That is why we have free or sliding scale clinics for to help folks who can't pay. Applying for SS disability would help bring in some money. I absolutly want and willing to pay for a lowering of the Medicaid cap and extension of health care to the poor and needy.

He isn't disabled. He works. He does NOT qualify to be seen at the clinic.

[Mimi428]

You are speaking for the ONE that you are familiar with. I will assume your story is accurate. I will also share that the one near my area that people rarely have a problem getting into. Maybe it is because I live in a small town area. IDK.

The sliding scale is commonly used. If you make more than their scale, it usually means that they think you could afford some insurance on your own. Or that they could at least do what I did for my dental for years.....I paid for the basic needs out of pocket in full at the the time of service.




I am most familiar with the county I reside in. I am not recently familiar with what is happening in the Austin/Travis county area, although I do get the majority of local & state news from that location. It has been reported for several years that all the facilities that have traditionally been in use for the poor, the uninsured, etc. have had to deal with budget cuts, reductions in services, etc. The news that 1 in 4 Texans are w/o insurance has been known for some time. I doubt there is a week that goes by when there is not one story or another on the news about how this service or organization has been overwhelmed with requests for services they cannot provide. They are out of money, they are out of space, there are not enough hours in the week to address half the needs they are asked to help with. And this, in an area that was touted as being not nearly so bad off as others in the country. The unemployment rate is less here than in many other areas, last I heard it was about 9.5%.


How much insurance do you believe a single person making $9 an hour could afford? That person, working 40 hours a week, is over the limit by more than $60 a month for eligibility to go to the clinic that charges on a sliding scale basis. If their gross pay is $360 per week (before taxes) & they have a condition typical to lots of folks - let's say high blood pressure, because that is a common one - how much do you think would be reasonable for them to pay for a doctor's visit, with lab work?

Keep in mind the cheapest apts in this area are $500 a month, before any utilities are paid. Price of a gallon of gas yesterday was $2.59.