General Discussion

But for rightwing ideologues with their lies and demagoguery about ‘socialism,’ ‘communism,’ and ‘I have to wait six months for routine surgery.'

It wasn’t always like this.

In the 50s, 60s and early 70s, 95 percent of medical treatment was done in hospitals – no surgery centers or outpatient clinics.

You saw your doctor for simple things – shots, prescriptions, a few stiches; and most Americans could afford to see a doctor, no health insurance needed.

If you needed more advanced medical treatment you were admitted to the hospital where you used health insurance – private or Medicare.

And in those days health insurance was like homeowner’s insurance or car insurance, you rarely used it – if at all.

Then came the explosion of medical treatment and technology – and an explosion of medical costs; now you needed medical insurance to see your doctor, you couldn’t afford to see a doctor otherwise.

Insurance companies responded to the cost explosion by prioritizing profit over patient care.