What is wrong with mandatory check ups?

[rodeodance]

Forum Name General Discussion
Topic subject What is wrong with mandatory check ups?
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1725368#1725368
1725368, What is wrong with mandatory check ups?
Posted by tired_old_fireman on Mon Sep-03-07 03:08 PM

A lot of people have been outraged that Edwards Universal health care plan requires mandatory check ups. I've spent the past day wondering why people would have such a problem with this. If everyone had regular check ups, it appears it would drive health care costs down. It would also save lives. If my going for a check up every few years would make it possible for millions of uninsured Americans to become insured, of course I'll get that check up. If my going for a check up every few years will save thousands upon thousands of lives, of course I'll go for the check up. But, many people won't go for that check up.

I feel like we're a country full of babies that cry every time someone tells us what to do. We saw it during the Carter administration when people freaked out when he suggested that people wear sweaters in their house during the winter to conserve energy. We see it every time someone suggests people drive less or drive smaller cars. We see it when people are told they shouldn't own assault weapons.

I don't know how things are ever going to improve in this country--from global warming, to repairing infrastructure, to fighting poverty without a small amount of sacrifice. I wish more people could look at each issue about how they effect all of us as a whole instead of looking at everything from such a selfish point of view.

That's my thought this labor day.

[JDPriestly]

1. They should not be mandatory. That may even be unconstitutional.

But there should be meaningful incentives for getting them -- such as credit toward co-pays on medications or other free things like a free day at a hospital-affiliated gym or money or something. It is so important to get check-ups and tests.