Critics of universal healthcare will argue that the uninsured are generally low-income individuals and children; therefore they are eligible for state and government funded healthcare programs—Medicaid, Medicare, or some other health coverage program funded by Social Security. The problem with this system is the middleman—HMOs. Whether you have private health coverage or qualify for a state assisted health coverage plan, the money used to pay for medical expenses passes through the HMOs’ hands before reaching the doctor’s office or hospital that performed the procedure. But most importantly, HMOs determine healthcare eligibility!

So if the HMOs are the problem, the solution would appear to be the removal of their existence and roll in healthcare completely. Not necessarily, or at least not yet. We merely need for them to function as what they were initially intended for… health insurance. Many nations that practice universal healthcare—the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Canada, Cuba, etc.; also offer their citizens additional healthcare coverage at an expense to the insured. Basically this form of health insurance allows those with the means, to receive premium health services; such as shorter waiting periods to see specialists and private hospital rooms.

These countries don’t allow HMOs to determine the level of coverage individuals are eligible to receive.

Instead, everyone receives the healthcare they are in need of—no questions asked!

Shouldn’t Americans be allowed that same freedom? …All Americans, from Navajos, the homeless, veterans, Blacks, Whites, the elderly, Hispanics, Texans, New Yorkers, Muslims, Democrats, and even Detroit Pistons fans??

RJ