Universal Healthcare...an idea whose time has come??

[6thGen]

They have the same incentive they had before - profit - just a shorter time period of monopoly on it. Perhaps a compromise could be that the government could use generics or get a major discount while the general public still pays for name brand.

I realize that developing and testing new drugs is a costly process, but would love to hear stats from someone in the know (skunk, rapunzel) as to the profit margin/marketing costs for drugs. The stories of insane marketing that I hear from local pharmaceutical reps are ridonkulous.

Providing a lower cost option sooner is not forcing something on the marketplace. If folks who can afford it don't want the generic, they don't have to choose it. Isn't that the whole idea of the free market system you're always touting?

Here's a chart that might show how profitable drug companies are in general. I used Eli Lilly and Merck, because those are the first two that popped in my head. I'd love to find a composite if someone has one. Stock prices are driven by earnings, so this should give you a hint as to how well drug companies currently perform against the Dow and S&P. MRK and LLY are flat over 5 years, while the S&P and Dow are up considerably.

Providing a lower cost option sooner is not forcing something on the marketplace, it is taking something away from the marketplace. It takes away incentive to produce and innovate new drugs, and thus the drugs themselves.

 

[seacrestkristi]

:scratch: :scratch: :scratch: :breakcomp: I just felt like doing that. That was funn. This is a very thought-provoking thread.

 

[scooterbug44]

Here's a little healthcare FYI showing where each state ranks.

http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/state_health_performance/?campaign_id=yhoo

 

[30A Skunkape]

Here's a little healthcare FYI showing where each state ranks.

http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/state_health_performance/?campaign_id=yhoo

The bottom 10 always looks like an SEC football schedule. See if you can find this stat: quality of healthcare versus the amount of cash poured into the healthcare system by the state governments...

 

[kathydwells]

The bottom 10 always looks like an SEC football schedule. See if you can find this stat: quality of healthcare versus the amount of cash poured into the healthcare system by the state governments...

I swear when I read that skunky, I thought the exact same thing.

 

[dbuck]

$$$$$ is the first general answer. I'm constantly frustrated by how we have limitless coffers when it comes to spending money on foreign aid and military actions, but are constantly trimming programs that benefit our own citizens.

I also suggest they expand the range of subjects in ther trials - I think a lot of the "surprise" complications and side effects are because of the extremely limited scope of test subjects. I also wouldn't mind if drugs went into a 2nd phase where they were only approved for use on volunteer subjects (with a wider range of criteria than the current test pool) after getting a preliminary approval.

The time it takes for drugs to get approved is frustrating, but I don't see a way to change that without putting more lives at risk.[/quote]

Except for Viagra. Made it to the marketplace in less than 10 months. Fastest drug in history.

 

[scooterbug44]

Micheal Moore was on "the Daily Show" last night to discuss his movie and health care. He was bummed because he was going to be on Larry King to discuss universal healthcare .......... and got bumped for Paris Hilton, which he thought showed our country's priorities!

 

[seacrestkristi]

but, wouldn't ya'll agree?

 

[DuneAHH]

but, wouldn't ya'll agree?

YES...agreed.
She's an Em-Paris-ment...May she RIP already.

 

[goofer]

Healthcare is one of the greatest crisis facing the country. Along with global warming, terrorism, immigration, and the social security/medicare shortfalls, the next president will face awesome problems. The solutions will be painful for all Americans...I hope we have the will to face the challenges and sacrifices.