Dr. Do-Good

It appears our economic crisis has been averted because our fearless leader is now on to bigger (spending) and better (even more spending) things. The wheels have already been set in motion for the coming of socialized healthcare. This is what we heard on the campaign trail, in the President's inaugural address, and his recent "State of the Union" address. We knew this "change" was coming...it's just the details that have been left blank.

One innovative American may have beaten the government to the punch.....and they are not too pleased. Dr. Muny, a doctor in NY state, has come up with a cost effective way to provide affordable heathcare to many patients who find themselves without jobs and health insurance. He has drafted a contract between himself and his patients that provides unlimited office visits, some tests (such as mammograms) , and in-office surgeries (such as mole removal) for one monthly fee of $79 and a $10 co-pay. Dr. Muny is not offering an insurance policy to his patients...just the services that can be performed in his office. How can he afford to do this? By cutting out the insurance companies, it relieves the burden of processing mountains of paperwork, claims, and hours spent on billing. Cutting bureaucracy = Lower costs.

But not so fast, the New York State Insurance Department is trying to shut him down. The NYSID is arguing that Dr. Muny is offering an insurance policy; therefore, he has to adhere to the pricing guidelines set by the Department. The NYSID is pushing the Doctor to charge more for unplanned procedures - such as an ear infection- because the $10 copay is under the current fixed rate set by the Department. Does the government have the right to set prices for goods and services rendered by private business?

You'll be happy to know, Dr. Muny is not giving up this fight. He does not want to be forced to charge his patients any more than he already is. In fact, he is hoping to sign up additional patients in order to lower the monthly cost even more.
Here are a few things to consider:
+ Look at how much cheaper healthcare is when insurance companies are cut out of the loop.
+ Look how the government's involvement is screwing things up for the people it's supposed to be helping.
+ Look at what the government has done to the Social Security System. Do you really want them in charge of your healthcare?