-=> On 12-29-97  19:56, Justin Baustert did testify and affirm <=-
-=> to Mark Logsdon concerning Re: 1/2] Smoking Costs  s <=-
 JB> It would be nice if every patient could pay those costs. 
 JB> For the ones that can't, someone gets stuck with the bill. 
 ML> Are you suggesting that there is a constitutional right to
 ML> health care? 
 JB> No, but I've yet to see an emergency case turned away
 JB> because the hospital assumes the customer can't pay. 
Only because there is a Federal mandate to that effect.
 ML> Do you believe that customers should pay for services
 ML> rendered? 
 JB> Most definitely.. Can everyone pay in every case?  Doubtful.
 
Not in full, not in one payment, no. But why not a payment
plan? 
 ML> Should non-customers be forced by the government to pay for
 ML> the services of customers?
 JB> , but who then, pays the bills?  Should the reliable
 JB> customer who can pay  be forced into a $10,000 tonsil
 JB> removal, or any simple emergency situation be  charged
 JB> $2500 for a few hours? 
You already are. How else does the hospital remain solvent
when 30-40% of care is unpaid for. 
 JB> The hospital is going to get their money,  whether it come
 JB> from increased rates
You already are.
 JB> or tax write-offs..  If you'd rather go  the increased
 JB> cost route, I'd hope you are careful.  :> I wouldn't doubt
 JB> that anyone with medical insurance also sees an increase of
 JB> outgoing funds.  How do we solve it,
 JB> Mark? 
... Remember: it's rape, loot, pillage and THEN burn...
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