JBG
Liberal democrat
Mushrooming health subsidies are creating sick incentives for government to push suicide (link). Let me start off by saying that I do not agree with the thrust of this article, though I do agree with certian of its assertions. Let me explain, but first some excerpts:
How does this rationing work? Musical holds for talking to "doctor practice groups" and insurance companies for "pre-approvals." What should be done? I think there is nothing immoral about people deciding to exit in an orderly, compassionate manner.
In 1965 Congress passed and LBJ signed a bill creating the Medicare system. It was certainly well-intentioned. Among many problems, it permitted and incentivized treatment of enough illnesses that people started living longer. To a point that's a good thing. People began routinely surviving into their 90's and triple-digits. The medical means exist to do this though they are increasingly expensive; Congress cannot supply nonagenarians and beyond things that are useful and enjoyable to do. Even ones that are not demented may be bored out of their minds, as their friends, spouses and relatives become addled or worse, dead. In my family, my wife's stepmother spends her days ferried to and from various kinds of doctors. This has forced what amounts to rationing of health care to younger people.“Any society that rejects that truth about life as a gift from our creator and adopts a culture of death . . . is in the process of crumbling,” Johnson (R-La.) warned.
He’s right. Alas, parts of America already welcome assisted suicide.
Eight states and Washington, DC, permit medically assisted death for their own residents....
Together, Medicare and Medicaid account for nearly 40% of national health expenditures, or more than $1.7 trillion.Those are eye-popping figures. One day soon, medical assistance in dying may look appealing as a way for the government to avoid paying for expensive procedures for those who need them.
When the state is charged with paying for someone’s health care, its incentives don’t always align with those of its citizens.
How does this rationing work? Musical holds for talking to "doctor practice groups" and insurance companies for "pre-approvals." What should be done? I think there is nothing immoral about people deciding to exit in an orderly, compassionate manner.