PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

I decided to contact the Affordable (?) Healthcare website and to my utter and complete amazement and sheer delight, I got a recording by our Commander-in-Chief HIMSELF saying…
“This is your Commander-in-Chief, how may you assist me today? (I need all the assistance I can get) If this is a national emergency, please hang up and dial 911 immediately or you might try Hillary (Isn't she my Secretary of State?) OR that damn what’s-his-name Secretary of Defense (He’s a real pain in the ass! He gets so DEFENSIVE sometimes) They will return your call promptly as soon as they get back from a long underdo and well unearned vacation. As a matter of fact, I’M on vacation too so what the hell are you bothering ME for? Why do you think I made this freekin’ recording for god’s sake?”
“In closing, let me just say this about that… If this call is in reference to my somewhat unwieldy health care plan, please direct all future inquiries to Vice-President Biden (and yes, he DOES have quite a few vices which I will detail in my upcoming book) Now where the heck was I? Oh yeah…Anyway, he came up with the whole GD thing and it’s all his fault”…

***“Oops, did I say pain in the ass? (Ass, donkey, Democrat) Okay, let’s try this shall we? He’s a real pain in the Elephant’s hind quarters”....

Please stay on topic with your comments. Off topics comments may be removed. Thanks.

Brian Strand Date: 11/17/2013 10:22:00 AM Tim's blog has demonstrated what free, thinking folk elsewhere admire most about the US namely its openness,hospitality and free speech.Its called democracy, a precious and often rare commodity in this world now. So I for one am confident you guys will work out this issue some time soon, afterall you have done it on many other issues and have a reputation for 'getting it done '.(Witness JFK's words to put a man on the moon by the end of the 60's decade). Rgds Brian Login to Reply

Eileen Manassian Date: 11/14/2013 10:19:00 PM I don't understand all the back and forth here...but I know people I care about on both sides are arguing and hurting one another.....I'm sad. Very very very sad. Then the 3rd world needs to get sold on democracy and this is what we see..... :'(........I understand that this touches home for all or you and there is nothing wrong with debating....just don't tear each other down. Perhaps the concept of a benevolent dictator doesn't sound TOO bad right now. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 11/15/2013 1:46:00 PM Tim....always speak your mind. Freedom of speech. Debate is great. We should discuss things but I've learned that politics and religion are such volatile subjects that perhaps it's best to just realize that people won't easily be swayed to accept opposing views. Here people kill and are killed in the name of religion and politics. Friendships can be killef too. Be careful everyone. Craig, I understand, but remember too that democtacy isn't a solution for everyone... Tim Ryerson Date: 11/15/2013 4:31:00 AM Eileen - I agree! Your idea of benevelent dictator doesn't sound bad at all right now because what we have now sure isn't working. Also, if I am responsible for this debate starting to get personal, I apologize to everyone who has participated...

Richard D Seal Date: 11/14/2013 9:32:00 PM I'm sorry Craig but I'm not blinded by any definition. There simply is no compromise where health is concerned. We do not all pop out of the same pod, any civilized nation has a duty to provide for those not so well off in any form or favour, and the fairest way is to spread the cost amongst the whole. It is not as frightening as you may think. Login to Reply Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/15/2013 8:36:00 AM that does not blow my mind at all, Tim. (from other things you have been saying) hahaha. I was actually a Republican up until Bush started the war with Iraq. Now I look back and see that this party represents big business and does nothing for the little guy. I am not a Democrat either. I am an Independent. Luv ya as a friend, but I think your politics are whacked, my friend. Tim Ryerson Date: 11/15/2013 4:36:00 AM And please remember that I love you dearly Andrea...You have been a faithful friend to me from the beginning Tim Ryerson Date: 11/15/2013 4:04:00 AM I'm really gonna blow your mind here Andrea...I think that Richard Nixon was a great president... Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/14/2013 10:49:00 PM OMG, I LOVE YOU for this!!!!! So glad to see that you are forward thinking, Richard!!!!

Richard D Seal Date: 11/14/2013 8:00:00 PM Oddly enough Tim, having a health service empowers people more than you might imagine. When Margaret Thatcher announced her idea to do away with the health service in the UK, (coz she was privatization crazy) the country turned round and said, "Get stuffed". The very next day she shut her stupid face and left it alone. I also think you will find I am not a democrat and I am most certainly NOT a liberal. Login to Reply Richard D Seal Date: 11/14/2013 9:23:00 PM I accept what you say Tim thank you. The point I was making was that the health service in the UK is considered such a sacred cow that not even the mighty can touch. Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 9:11:00 PM Richard - My last comment was never meant to imply that you were a democrat OR a liberal...It was made only to re-enforce my argument...I realize that there are many intelligent, independent thinkers in this country such as you who support this plan. However, I think that Margaret Thatcher was the greatest leader of the UK since Winston Churchill...

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 7:43:00 PM To my intelligent, well-spoken friends Debbie and Richard: About 10 years ago I saw an interview with a very bright, young black lady who also just happened to be a political conservative. The crux of what she said was: 'YOU are the true racists (liberal democrats) by drugging us with your welfare programs, trying to pacify and 'keep us in our place' so we won't riot and revolt again...ALL we want is equal opportunity, PERIOD. We are intelligent and strong enough to make it on our own just like everyone else. You are only trying to shut us up because you are afraid of us. Wow... Login to Reply

Richard D Seal Date: 11/14/2013 7:05:00 PM More power to your elbow Craig, you're good man if a little harsh on the ladies. Protests, marches, pointing fingers and giving a voice to whatever the issue be, is the best way to go. Governments are only to happy to rely on people like you and charities to fill the holes in society, so they can ignore them. In the end it's the protests and voices that get things done by removing the need. Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/14/2013 7:17:00 AM Re OBAMA's Quote which I can't find in all our ballyhoo Tim. No one said he wasn't a politician, did they? I am PROUD America has matured enough to have a multi-ethnic President who is such a FINE MAN. Even fine men with good intent speak in error on occasion, speak wish hope & reassurance and then have everything go haywire. This is a COUNTRY of IMMIGRANTS.. NOT a country of RICH WHITE OLD MEN, they're just the ones with all the money STILL! Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 3:13:00 PM Deb - Although I did not vote for Mr. Obama, NO ONE was prouder than me to see a multi-ethnic American finally elected President than me! It boils down to this...I DISAGREE WITH HIS POLITICAL VIEWS...that's it! As I said before, I would proudly and enthusiastically cast my vote for Condalezza Rice if she ran for president

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:22:00 PM Hey we're free & we can get a cheap flight to India for heart surgery LOL and that's HOW good the US medical system is! Go on try to find some one anyone who can diagnosis ANYTHING any more ALL specialists now, can't find an arsehole unless its their specialty! Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 3:26:00 AM I would LOVE to see Condoleeza Rice run against Hillary Clinton in the next election...Talk about making HISTORY! Guess who would get my vote Deb? She would be by far the most intelligent president we have had in many decades, she was Secretary of State so that takes care of foreign policy...She was a Washington insider and I think she would bring Congress AND this country together... Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 2:58:00 AM You have stated your case very well cher, we shall have to agree to disagree....One question: What do you think of the direct quote by our president that I posted below?

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:09:00 PM Hey you encouraged me to talk LOL you should have left it with a bit of tongue ;) :P Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:06:00 PM Well, cher I stuck out my tongue at you :P because as well as making a raspberry there are many most pleasant things to do with a tongue ;) I LOVE O'BAMA sure he hasn't been as liberal as I'd like him to be [now you can stick your tongue out at me, any time ;) ;)] Let the whole thing re: the healthcare program play before you judge it! The states you took the handling of their own programs [a MUCH smaller job] into their own hands are doing OK. This country should have been ASHAMED of itself NOT making sure its own citizens were taken care of health & education wise before spending MEGABUCKS on foreign WARS or Foreign Aid - here were I leave the liberal front - screw the rest of the world Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 2:53:00 AM The statement below I mean...NOT the one above! Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 2:51:00 AM I DEFINITELY agree with that statement Cher! Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:08:00 PM first you take care of YOURSELF [very libertarian aye!] then you take care of YOUR FAMILY!! then you take care of your TOWN, then your state, THEN if someone sets foot in the USA and tries to kill any of the aforementioned I'll get a gun, until then feed the hungry here, aid the sick HERE, educate the children HERE

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 8:59:00 PM One more thing and then I'll shut the hell up...This is a little off the subject so please indulge me. I took SS early (age 62-1/2) The difference is not that much and what the heck, I might not even BE here at age 67 (yes, they keep pushing the age up) and besides, SS might not EXIST by then anyway. Most likely, the baby-boomers will bankrupt the system (sorry!) So I decided to get it while the gettin's good...Selfish? Nope, I've worked my ass off to get a few bucks once a month... Login to Reply Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:11:00 PM ditto and my medicare is 1/3 the cost of what my state assisted [since I have no group & preexsisting condition ie:I'm occasionally nuts LOL] healthcare? was and covers MORE

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/13/2013 3:59:00 PM sorry, I went off. I have a lot more I want to say but no time or space to say it. Our country has got to wake up and smell the coffee and this should have taken place years ago, Tim! I'm very sad today because the new health care is an abomination under the control of our insurance companies. Login to Reply Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:13:00 PM It WILL be OK Andie you know computer software when it's new has tons of glitches it will work its way out & 90% of those applying will have either BETTER insurance for a wee bit more OR ..way cheaper insurance with a lot MORE coverage! Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 8:37:00 PM You go girl! Interesting little fact...Blue Cross coverage varies from state to state, at least here in the South. I had them in Louisiana and the coverage was decent but when I accepted a job offer in MS, it was TERRIBLE. My wife had to wait a YEAR because of her pre-existing condition. How does a 5,000 deductable for a hospital stay strike you? Outrageous...

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/13/2013 3:57:00 PM Our system is broken and has been broken for AGES. And now people are all complaining because they now understand what it means to suffer without insurance, which has happened for YEARS now to people like me and Joe, since joe was denied coverage and could not afford the obnoxiously high premiums of Utah's stupid state insurance. My desire is that everyone realizes how ridiculous it is to let the greedy bastard insurance companies control us ANY MORE. Give them a shove out the door. WHy do we tolerate them??? WEll, one reason is because they are paying bribes to certain members of congress to keep them alive!! It's been documented. as for our wonderful doctors, sorry, I've not ever had one! Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/13/2013 3:53:00 PM I can't keep quiet any longer. This whole damn mess started back in the early 70's when one of our worst republican presidents, Nixon, made our insurance go through our jobs in a way that insurance companies would benefit. since then, it has gotten worse and worse and worse. what obama has done is "too little too late." also. the original intent of the democrats was "universal health care" like that of other civilized nations such as Denmark, france and Australia, etc. Heck, even my Mexican and Brazilian students would rather go back to their own countries for health care rather than stay here and pay out the nose!!! I'll continue this ...... Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 4:04:00 AM Charma - I don't know about the rest of the country, but here in Louisiana we have charity hospitals, supported by taxpayers of course, patients have been assaulted amd robbed in the one in New Orleans, however, in by-gone days it was one of the best hospitals in the state...It was closed after Hurricane Katrina... Charmaine Chircop Date: 11/13/2013 10:48:00 PM ? Charmaine Chircop Date: 11/13/2013 10:47:00 PM In Malta where I live we pay taxes ..but cause We pay taxes during the year We have free hospital services..no matter how much money one earns..Then if some people are comfortable enough they pay private insurance which is expensive ..yet by paying one can go to a private hospital which has more luxuries..but its good to have an option for free healthcare..but I don't know exactly how things are there.Is there a free healthcare hospital for citizens who cant afford to pay Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:16:00 PM yeah YOU tell TIM, my son went to one year of school in Denmark & lived with a girl friend after 6 months he was covered as common law married to her! YES Scandinavian ahhh the Nordic Code NON-Christian heathens all who care for the health & wealfare of each other as one human being to another GO VIKINGS

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 2:53:00 PM This was copied and pasted directly off the internet ('Nuff said)---- On June 15, 2009, Obama said this: "We will keep this promise to the American people. If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period.”In 2012, he echoed that sentiment, saying, "If [you] already have health insurance, you will keep your health insurance.” Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2013 3:50:00 AM Richard Nixon was forced to resign for lying...Hmmm

Carol Eastman Date: 11/13/2013 10:52:00 AM The government could have passed a law saying the insurance companies couldn't exclude people for pre- existing conditions... Oh Wait... They did in 2010... but refused to enforce it until 2014... In the mean time half this country lost their jobs and insurance, TONS with pre- existing conditions were un insurable... How many died because of that... And Obama was proud of himself in 2010 when he allowed it to wait til 2014... He turned a blind eye to us, then and is forcing a badly thoughtout plan now... so he can have his legacy say he did health care, now before he's out of office... There's no health CARE in that. Login to Reply Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/13/2013 9:19:00 PM She's NOT agreeing with You cher, she's mad he wasn't MORE LIBERAL and didn't find some way to stick it to the REPUBLICAN's who OWN the country, the oil companies the pharmaceutical companies, the banking industries! Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 3:01:00 PM Thank you Carol for your intelligent and well thought out input!...I think by the time Mr. Obama is out of office the care we will be most in need of is mental health care...

Karen Anglesey Date: 11/13/2013 10:19:00 AM It's the result of the unrelenting greed of insurance companies (and banks and government, etc) who have been profiting from sick people for decades, while denying claim after claim because some smart dimwit came up with pre-exisiting condition so the insurance companies could get even richer. Taxpayers have been paying the healthcare costs of the uninsured for just as many decades. This is just one more step to an earlier financial grave. Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 2:44:00 PM My bad! Pre-EXISTING conditions... Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 2:42:00 PM You have absolutely nailed it here Karen! My late wife was an expert on pre-consiting conditions! When I changed jobs AND insurance companies, she had to wait one YEAR before she was covered by anything related to her condition...I nearly went bankrupt because of medical expenses, mostly for prescription meds...

Richard D Seal Date: 11/13/2013 4:01:00 AM Germany, France, UK, Greece, in fact most of western europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, there's lots have it Tim. I'm well aware which one you are reffering about. Don't forget that Sweden also enjoys one the highest standards of living on the planet per person. There's no comparison between America and them. Cost should always be weighed against income. America is the richest country in the world with a very poor health services record. Login to Reply Richard D Seal Date: 11/13/2013 2:15:00 PM Hi Craig, yes we have great hospitals, brilliant doctors, that only the well off can afford, or at best others struggle to afford, and at worst those that can't afford. All of which ironically, makes them, not the best hospitals. Richard D Seal Date: 11/13/2013 2:09:00 PM Hi Craig, On your recent visit to France, did it really look as though that country was about to go down the pan? I've been working in UK for the past few months and things are getting better here. Unemployment going down, house prices slowly moving up. Everywhere was hit by the recession and the effects will go on for a long time yet. The signs across Europe are that things are improving. Richard D Seal Date: 11/13/2013 1:56:00 PM Yes nothing is free but i can assure you the payments made into similar schemes across the world are much less, for much more, than the average american private medical insurance. Richard D Seal Date: 11/13/2013 1:53:00 PM I agree with some of what you say Tim, It is being made complicated by politicians trying to gain points off each other and fear of the pre-existing condition, unless this is included, the ideal of a universal medical service is lost. Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 4:24:00 AM Well said Richard...Nonetheless,THIS paricular plan is a botched, chaotic and confusing mess...You cannot even successfuly log on to the website!...I am also wary of 'Big Brother' taking care of our needs...NOTHING is free and we are already over-loaded with taxes, some for idiotic and needless programs...

Brian Strand Date: 11/13/2013 2:35:00 AM Tim I can't say I am following the detail of this story from 'across the pond' but the objective if achieved will be a lasting legacy for good.In the UK, in my seventy plus years there have been only two positive significant acts by parliament,our free at use National Health Service(1947) and the free at use Education Act (1944) both of which made a significant difference to the majority of my generation compared to that of my parents.Both of these changes made a level playing field for all and are what my parents generation came back from WW2 to achieve in the UK. Politicians usually do little but 'talk' but these two acts are 'the basis' of a society governed by consent.Rgds Brian Login to Reply Carol Eastman Date: 11/13/2013 10:42:00 AM Brian our Health Care Act was not well thought out... online security was none. No Doctors or insurance companies were allowed to make suggestions. Nothing was ready to be rolled out. Glitches and problems everywhere... It will hurt more than it helps. If they had taken their time to present it, it would have been beautiful. Unfortunately it is a total mess. I'm on disability and my husband is a diabetic. We will be hurt by this because my hubby has a minimum wage job. Our cost Will go up A LOT with high deductables. We won't be able to afford it. We had great insurance before. The government did not help us at our house. Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 4:33:00 AM Hello my friend - Of course I respect and value you and your opinions immensely...I just think that in a country as large and diverse as the USA, such a plan would be impractical and nearly impossible to implement...Thank you so much for your input sir!

Richard D Seal Date: 11/12/2013 9:30:00 PM How come then, the countries that have successful health services run by their governments are still able to be properous, many of which are presently run by conservative governments, and not in the slightest way being on the brink of becoming communist countries. Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/13/2013 1:16:00 AM Thanks for the comment Richard - Which countries? True, countries such as Sweden have successful health care programs but they also have the highest tax rates in the world...Also I am referring to THIS SPECIFIC health care plan which is a complete disaster and will eventually bankrupt our country...

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/12/2013 7:38:00 PM :P :P :P :P :) Login to Reply Tim Ryerson Date: 11/12/2013 9:21:00 PM Hi Cher! - Does this code mean 'pleased-pleased' etc. or 'pissed-pissed' etc??... I kinda thought my most favorite liberal lady in the world might be somewhat interested... (maybe pretty-please-put-your freekin pinky up?...)

Carol Eastman Date: 11/12/2013 6:40:00 PM Loved this blog... Very origional and lets us laugh at a worrisome situation. Login to Reply

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/12/2013 3:17:00 PM Thanks for the comment Craig...I guess what I meant was that the ideas in themselves were good (in a perfect world) I also realize that providing insurance for those who cannot afford would probably bankrupt the country and if not that, it would push us futher down the path to Socialism which is what Obama wants...I wish he'd at least be honest and come out and admit that he's a Socialist, and I'm sure you know what the next step to THAT is.... Login to Reply

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/12/2013 12:17:00 PM I sure do hope that none of my liberal leaning or Democrat friends on the Soup take offense here, just poking fun... SOME of the presidents plan I think are great ideas, such as the pre-existing condition exemption and providing insurance for those who cannot afford it. Why not put a hold on the whole thing for a year until a reasonable compromise can be hammered out? Login to Reply