This article is based on two articles--one Associated Press story posted at Yahoo News and one posted at the Attleboro Massachusetts Sun Chronicle on Wednesday.
The article at Yahoo News reports that at least nineteen states have cut back on their funding of a program that provides free medicine to people with HIV.
The article quotes an HIV patient:
""It's very frustrating to be stuck in this position at this age and not feel well and be wondering if I am going to die any differently than the people who I helped die in the '80s," said Stephen Farrar, 55, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who has HIV and is going on Florida's waiting list. "Am I going to be one of those people?""
Meanwhile in Massachusetts, the state is looking to cut back the state's healthcare program in order to cut the state budget deficit. The article explains:
""Obviously something has to be done," state Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, said. Timilty said the original hope with universal coverage was that by giving everyone health insurance people lacking coverage would stop unnecessary trips to hospital emergency rooms and use less expensive doctor's visits for their care.
"The savings, however, have not materialized, he said."
Remember the quote from Margaret Thatcher--
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." (Margaret Thatcher)
Mrs. Thatcher knew what she was talking about. It is becoming obvious that the government cannot meet its financial obligations to care for HIV patients or to provide health care for everyone. The thing that we need to remember here is that left to its own resources, the private sector might be able to meet these needs. There are many programs established by private pharmaceutical companies to provide drugs at discounted rates to people who cannot afford them. If private companies are allowed to pursue research and reap the benefits of their labor, they can afford to be charitable. However, we need to remember that charity is a voluntary thing--not something to be legislated.
If we are to see one of the best medical systems in the world continue to be one of the best medical systems in the world, we need to remove the government from the equation. Ultimately, that will be the only answer that will result in the best care for everyone.
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