Civilized medicine, Part IIa. Myths
Aug/15/09 14:49 Filed in: Healthcare Policy | Politics
Although so many others have debunked this myth, I want to make sure that I add to the roar (of laughter, derision and anger) about the latest right-wing attempt to demonize healthcare reform.
Stephen Hawking, the world’s preeminent theoretical physicist, has a form of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the United States), a progressive neuromuscular disease, which has left him paralyzed and unable to communicate except through an advanced communication device. Despite his disease, he has published numerous books and starred in an episode of Star Trek:The Next Generation. On August 3, an Investor’s Business Daily editorial stated, “People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the U.K. where the National Health Service would say the quality of life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless."
Well, Dr. Hawking is having his disease treated by the UK’s National Health Service. And though I cannot begin to describe how he has dealt with the disease, he has survived and contributed to the world’s knowledge. And guess what? Hawking says, “I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high quality treatment without which I would not have survived.”
I don’t know for sure, but I doubt an American who depends on an HMO will get this type of treatment. You know, with all of those preexisting conditions, lifetime caps and deductibles, the level of care we would receive would probably wouldn’t be close to Dr. Hawking’s. Maybe the insurance company would deny a benefit for whatever reason. Or maybe they wouldn’t. But we know the UK’s National Health Service provides outstanding care for it’s citizens. That’s Civilized Medicine.
By Michael W Simpson
Stephen Hawking, the world’s preeminent theoretical physicist, has a form of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the United States), a progressive neuromuscular disease, which has left him paralyzed and unable to communicate except through an advanced communication device. Despite his disease, he has published numerous books and starred in an episode of Star Trek:The Next Generation. On August 3, an Investor’s Business Daily editorial stated, “People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the U.K. where the National Health Service would say the quality of life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless."
Well, Dr. Hawking is having his disease treated by the UK’s National Health Service. And though I cannot begin to describe how he has dealt with the disease, he has survived and contributed to the world’s knowledge. And guess what? Hawking says, “I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high quality treatment without which I would not have survived.”
I don’t know for sure, but I doubt an American who depends on an HMO will get this type of treatment. You know, with all of those preexisting conditions, lifetime caps and deductibles, the level of care we would receive would probably wouldn’t be close to Dr. Hawking’s. Maybe the insurance company would deny a benefit for whatever reason. Or maybe they wouldn’t. But we know the UK’s National Health Service provides outstanding care for it’s citizens. That’s Civilized Medicine.
By Michael W Simpson