Senate Majority Leader Thune Publicly Offers very Reasonable "Off-ramp" to Democrats

[Seymour Flops]

Well, first, Canada had a much better health care system than we have. They don't want to come here for health care.

Canadians disagree!

Medical tourism,<i></i> when people go to another country for medical treatment, happens frequently. In fact, there’s a common myth that Canadians go to the United States all the time for treatments. Given Canada’s health care system’s struggles with doctor shortages and long waits for procedures, it’s believable. But do Canadians really go to the U.S. for medical treatment?

While it’s not known exactly how many Canadians go to the U.S. for health care, according to a poll conducted by Ipsos in March 2024, 42% of Canadians<i></i> would go to the U.S. and personally pay for routine health care if needed. That’s 10% more when compared to January 2023. Of those who responded, 38% said that they would travel to the U.S. for emergency care, a number that's up 9% from the previous year.

Why might Canadians go to the U.S. for health care?​

There are a few reasons that Canadians might visit the U.S. for health care.

• Quicker access to medical services
• Accessing care not available in Canada
• Low satisfaction<i></i> with our health system
• Recommendations from friends and family with prior experience
• The opportunity to combine medical care with a vacation

 

[Seymour Flops]

Well, first, Canada had a much better health care system than we have. They don't want to come here for health care.

But why don't Americans close to their border just go to Canada for health care? Same for people near the Mexican border?

 

[JoeB131]

For healthcare so high quality, that anyone who can afford to goes immediately to the United States for their medical treatments!

Socialism: so good that it's mandatory (unless you can buy your way out of it)!

That really isn't true either. Medical Tourism is a myth.

It's like saying you've cured hunger because there's a really fancy restaurant in town that you can't afford to eat at.

Now, when it comes down to cases, the rest of the G-7 that has some form of UHC, have longer life spans, lower infant mortality rates, lower rates of obsesity, and, oh, yeah, spend far less on health care per capita.

"I want a shitty health care system that will bankrupt me if I ever get sick because I don't want them ******* Mexicans getting any."


Now, I'm going to lay a bit of truth on you. Whether you are on a government program or private insurance, US Health Care is Socialist, or at least collectivist. You are either paying in more than you are taking out (through taxes or insurance premiums) when you are healthy, or you are taking out more than you put in if you get really sick.

 

[JoeB131]

Canadians disagree!

No, they don't.

In fact, quite the opposite is true. A lot of Americans go to Mexico for cheap medical treatment because medical care here is too expensive if your insurace considers it "elective".

 

[JoeB131]

But why don't Americans close to their border just go to Canada for health care? Same for people near the Mexican border?

Actually, they do.

https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Mexico/medical-procedures-in-mexico

As health costs continue to soar in the U.S., some people have found an efficient way to lower their medical bills while also enjoying some quality time in Mexico: medical tourism. The savings can be so significant, in fact, that a treatment can effectively subsidize an entire trip.

Medical tourism in Mexico is hot, according to Patients Beyond Borders, a medical tourism association that reports that Mexico is the world’s second-most popular destination for medical tourism, following Thailand. The organization estimates that patients can save 40 to 60% on medical services compared to the U.S., noting that nine hospitals in Mexico are certified by Joint Commission International, a U.S.-based nonprofit that accredits

 

[Seymour Flops]

That really isn't true either. Medical Tourism is a myth.

Oh tell me more, please!

You are a far more reliable source about Canadian healthcare than these guys I cited:

It's like saying you've cured hunger because there's a really fancy restaurant in town that you can't afford to eat at.

No, it's like saying "we who can afford to eat at nice restaurants or can cook good food for ourselves at home don't want to be forced to eat at McDonalds because that's all most Democrat voters can afford."

Now, when it comes down to cases, the rest of the G-7 that has some form of UHC, have longer life spans, lower infant mortality rates, lower rates of obsesity, and, oh, yeah, spend far less on health care per capita.

"I want a shitty health care system that will bankrupt me if I ever get sick because I don't want them ******* Mexicans getting any."

All of those numbers will go way up for us, now that we are no longer importing the third world's poverty.

Now a pregnant woman crossing the Big River to give birth who loses her baby in an El Paso emergency room won't count against U.S. infant mortality, to name one example.

Without illegal labor, employers will have to pay Americans a living wage with health benefits. No more counting it as a "U.S. Death," when a teenager dies of rabies from an untreated rat bite in a two bedroom apartment with five families. No more counting guys like this:

As an "obese related American death" if he manages to get his fat ass hauled to a San Diego Golden Corral just before his heart gives out.

Unless . . . we are ever stupid enough to let Democrats within a country mile of immigration policy.

Now, I'm going to lay a bit of truth on you. Whether you are on a government program or private insurance, US Health Care is Socialist, or at least collectivist. You are either paying in more than you are taking out (through taxes or insurance premiums) when you are healthy, or you are taking out more than you put in if you get really sick.

Private healthcare insurance does not have to be socialist. Government forces it to be, but that is not an indictment of the free market.

 

[JoeB131]

All of those numbers will go way up for us, now that we are no longer importing the third world's poverty.

Now a pregnant woman crossing the Big River to give birth who loses her baby in an El Paso emergency room won't count against U.S. infant mortality, to name one example.

Without illegal labor, employers will have to pay Americans a living wage with health benefits. No more counting it as a "U.S. Death," when a teenager dies of rabies from an untreated rat bite in a two bedroom apartment with five families. No more counting guys like this:

SO you argue that those ******* Darkies are making us look bad? You know, instead of our bad system making us look bad.

The fact is when medical care is a commodity instead of a public service, poor people will be reluctant to try to access it. Heck, I make decent money, and I try to avoid the doctor when I can, because even after insurance, that shit gets expensive.

Last year, my wife had a cancer scare (turned out to be nothing), but we still cleaned out our HSA with just all the testing.

 

[Seymour Flops]

SO you argue that those ******* Darkies are making us look bad? You know, instead of our bad system making us look bad.

No, those are terms that Democrats like to use.

The fact is when medical care is a commodity instead of a public service, poor people will be reluctant to try to access it. Heck, I make decent money, and I try to avoid the doctor when I can, because even after insurance, that shit gets expensive.

Why aren't you using the Affordable Care Act?

Last year, my wife had a cancer scare (turned out to be nothing), but we still cleaned out our HSA with just all the testing.

Yes, prices started skyrocketing after the government started subsidized employer-provided health care. Conservatives said at the time that it was a very bad idea.

Once the consumer is not the payer, prices can climb exponentially, because the consumer does not feel the pain. At least not until the next premium hike.

When treatment got so costly that the insurance companies balked at paying it, they didn't bring them down. They Just charged the consumer what they used to pay for treatment without insurance and call it "co-pay" or "deductable."

Now we get to pay for our treatment and also pay for insurance to pay for our treatment.

Brilliant, and you fell for it.

 

[JoeB131]

Why aren't you using the Affordable Care Act?

Because I get insurance through my job.

Yes, prices started skyrocketing after the government started subsidized employer-provided health care. Conservatives said at the time that it was a very bad idea.

Are you some kind of ******* retard?

Republicans were the ones who encouraged HMO (Horrible Medical Options) because it spared them from setting up a single payer system like every other country has.

The reason why Health Care is so expensive is the usual laws of supply and demand don't really work. Nobody is going to forgoe cancer treatment or screenings, to the Medical-Industrial Complex can charge whatever the hell they want. Which is why an MRI costs 1080 in the US but only $280 in France.

The rest of the world has figured this out. Single pay

 

[Seymour Flops]

Because I get insurance through my job.

That's your problem then. Use the Affordable Care Act. It's affordable, duh!

Or . . . is it?

Are you some kind of ******* retard?

Are you a fifth grader?

Republicans were the ones who encouraged HMO (Horrible Medical Options) because it spared them from setting up a single payer system like every other country has.

Not how I remember it. Your proof?

The reason why Health Care is so expensive is the usual laws of supply and demand don't really work. Nobody is going to forgoe cancer treatment or screenings, to the Medical-Industrial Complex can charge whatever the hell they want. Which is why an MRI costs 1080 in the US but only $280 in France.

They will forego it if they have no way to pay. So prices will go down, or health care providers will go broke.

The rest of the world has figured this out. Single pay

Then go get your treatment in the rest of the world. There should be plenty of seats on flights to Single pay countries as planes return from flying patients to the U.S. for life saving and timely treatment.

 

[JoeB131]

That's your problem then. Use the Affordable Care Act. It's affordable, duh!

Except not if you are making money.

Here's the thing. My wife was on an ACA Program before we got married. However, after we got married, our joint income increased. Which means the government clawed back the subsidies she got before we married.

Not how I remember it.

Yes, you guys seem to forget a lot.

Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

They will forego it if they have no way to pay. So prices will go down, or health care providers will go broke.

Nobody should die because they can't afford treatment.

It's like the fire department charging you to save your house, and if you don't have the money, **** you

Then go get your treatment in the rest of the world. There should be plenty of seats on flights to Single pay countries as planes return from flying patients to the U.S. for life saving and timely treatment.

Nope, we are going to fix this country. As Trump's popularity swirls the bowl in a dying economy, he'll take the GOP with him.

 

[Seymour Flops]

Except not if you are making money.

Here's the thing. My wife was on an ACA Program before we got married. However, after we got married, our joint income increased. Which means the government clawed back the subsidies she got before we married.

So, who lied to you?

Yes, you guys seem to forget a lot.

Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I'll read that later, when I'm real bored. Please feel free to quote the exact part that proves me wrong, if you are in a hurry

Nobody should die because they can't afford treatment.

Nobody should have have to ride the bus when other folks can afford cars. Nobody should have to live on beans and rice when other people eat caviar and drink fine Bourbon.

Etc.

Anyway, how many illegals have died because of that law that makes it literally illegal to give health benefits to illegals?

None?

So even banning a group from getting ANY taxfunded health care does cause them to die. Not giving another trillion dollar gift to the health insurance providers won't either.

Argue like a grown up, with facts please.

It's like the fire department charging you to save your house, and if you don't have the money, **** you

It's not like that at all. The overwhelming majority of small towns are served by volunteer fire departments, just as the indigent could be treated though private charities and doctor's pro-bono work.

Nope, we are going to fix this country. As Trump's popularity swirls the bowl in a dying economy, he'll take the GOP with him.

First you have to win some more elections.

Who do you have for president in 2028? A name, please, that will go on the ballot and win.

 

[JoeB131]

So, who lied to you?

nobody, the law is just set up in a goofy way. When we got married, our salaries combined and she no longer qualified for the subsidy, even though we weren't married when she got it. The IRS clawed back something like $8000 from us.

Nobody should have have to ride the bus when other folks can afford cars. Nobody should have to live on beans and rice when other people eat caviar and drink fine Bourbon.

Etc.

Anyway, how many illegals have died because of that law that makes it literally illegal to give health benefits to illegals?

None?

So even banning a group from getting ANY taxfunded health care does cause them to die. Not giving another trillion dollar gift to the health insurance providers won't either.

Argue like a grown up, with facts please.

You're comparing health care to riding the bus? Seriously?

Health care should be a public service, just life security and fire fighting.

If anyone is acting childish, it's you screaming, "Mine,mine,mine". When in fact, single payer would probably cost you and everyone else a lot less.

It's not like that at all. The overwhelming majority of small towns are served by volunteer fire departments, just as the indigent could be treated though private charities and doctor's pro-bono work.

No one cares what is going on in Hootersville. Those "volunteer fire departments" are still supported by tax dollars buying their equipment and facilities. (In fact, the small town where my vacation property is just built a new facility that is pretty impressive.)

As for those small town clinics for the indigent, the reason they have health care at all is because the government mandates it.

First you have to win some more elections.

Who do you have for president in 2028? A name, please, that will go on the ballot and win.

I think we have very good candidates, Newsom or Pritzker would make fine presidents.

The bigger problem is that after Trump is done wrecking the economy, someone like AOC could probably get elected.

 

[Zincwarrior]

The suggested offer is a vote on the subject of extending healthcare subsidies. Before he makes that offer firmly, with details, he wants to see the five to ten votes he needs in exchange in order to fund the nation.

I had said in another thread that the Senate Republicans should consider the so-called "nuclear option" of a rule-change to stop the Democrats's and "not Democrats'" filibuster of the nations funding, but only after making a very public and very reasonable offer to the Democrats.

Post in thread 'OK, enough of the DC pissing contest, it's time for good government, where are the adults? (Poll)'

Oct 9, 2025

Republicans are the majority, they need to push for a solution to end the shutdown:
1. Go nuclear and say "CRs only need 51 votes". A very wimpy solution, it just guarantees more CRs
2. Go nuclear for CRs, Appropriations, and Rescission Bills. A less wimpy solution, but it may bite them in the ass in the future.

If the democrats don't put up a suitable counter offer, just go with option #2. End the shutdown now.

Yes, very wise thinking, as far as political strategy for the GOP.

IF the GOP decides to use the nuclear option, they would be very wise to offer some kind...

• Seymour Flops

• 

It seems Thune is an avid reader of my posts and is following my advice. I'm honored to have helped to solve this impasse, if it works out.

MAGAZ shut down the government before helping poor people. Good look,!

 

[Seymour Flops]

nobody, the law is just set up in a goofy way. When we got married, our salaries combined and she no longer qualified for the subsidy, even though we weren't married when she got it. The IRS clawed back something like $8000 from us.

Somebody lied then, when they named it "the Affordable Care Act."

You're comparing health care to riding the bus? Seriously?

Health care should be a public service, just life security and fire fighting.

If anyone is acting childish, it's you screaming, "Mine,mine,mine". When in fact, single payer would probably cost you and everyone else a lot less.

Fine, but nobody in American wants single payer, except a few fringe types.

No one cares what is going on in Hootersville. Those "volunteer fire departments" are still supported by tax dollars buying their equipment and facilities. (In fact, the small town where my vacation property is just built a new facility that is pretty impressive.)

If someone refuses to pay those taxes, then they don't deserve the service.

As for those small town clinics for the indigent, the reason they have health care at all is because the government mandates it.

I think we have very good candidates, Newsom or Pritzker would make fine presidents.

What is Newsom's stance on males in girls' sports?

The bigger problem is that after Trump is done wrecking the economy, someone like AOC could probably get elected.

Good luck with that.

 

[JusticeHammer]

How is that any different than what they have been saying all along?

They have been right all along also. Demoncrats need to stop crying for illegals.

 

[JusticeHammer]

MAGAZ shut down the government before helping poor people. Good look,!

Demscum shut the government down. Specifically the two clowns Schumer and Jeffries.

 

[JoeB131]

Somebody lied then, when they named it "the Affordable Care Act."

It was very affordable for her before she married me.

Fine, but nobody in American wants single payer, except a few fringe types.

Really?

Increasing share of Americans favor a single government program to provide health care coverage

63% of U.S. adults say the government has the responsibility to provide health care coverage for all, up slightly from 59% last year.

www.pewresearch.org

A majority of Americans continue to say the federal government has a responsibility to make sure all Americans have health care coverage.

And since last year, there has been an increase – especially among Democrats – in the share saying health insurance should be provided by a single national program run by the government.

What is Newsom's stance on males in girls' sports?

When Trump collapses the economy, no one is going to care about that bullshit issue.

And this is what frustrates me the most, dealing with Wingnuts. You guys lock onto these bullshit culture war issues, getting working-class whites to vote against their own economic interests.

Remember in 2004, when Dubya was going to save us from Eeeeeevil Gay Marriage? Forgot all about it after the election, crashed the economy, and you got Gay Marriage anyway. And guess what, guy, it wasn't the end of the ******* world.

Good luck with that.

If you told me in 2005 that we were going to elect a black guy with a funny-sounding name, and he'd win by the largest margin since Reagan, (before or since) I'd have laughed at you.

This funny thing happens when Republicans wreck the economy. Democrats get elected because they don't seem so scary anymore.

 

[Zincwarrior]

Demscum shut the government down. Specifically the two clowns Schumer and Jeffries.

Explain shutting the government down to deny people medical care.

 

[JoeB131]

Demscum shut the government down. Specifically the two clowns Schumer and Jeffries.

Yes, but they shut it down to protect health care for Americans, which is why people are going along with it.