Career question

[Wes Tausend]

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Bobcat brings up an interesting point that I wasn't going to mention. I, too, think there may be a US "health-care" bubble that is also poised to burst.

Recently, I tried some Chiropractic sessions to increase my range of motion. They were given by a nice young man who shared some of his brief history in the business. He related how much it had cost to buy a used later model of X-ray machine and other equipment for his office, plus lease costs etc. Of course it was pretty expensive and he was counting his beans pretty close.

He had plans to build a moderate sized house and already bought the lot at firesale prices. With care, and a bit of headache, acting as ones own contractor can save thousands, perhaps 20-40%, and he was prepared to do this.

As with many young families, there is a horrific outlay to get started since most start with nothing or very little. An additional cost was his firstborn was due very shortly. Since he was self-employed with minimal insurance, he was going to pay most of the birth out-of-pocket. One of the ideas he had to save money and give the finest attention to the child was to try to keep the child overnight in the hospital room instead of the nursery, also avoiding a hefty nursery charge. When told that a pricy nursing attendent would be required, he said that he would serve that role. The hospital relented but wanted $1500 for him to stay the night. Everyone was to go home the following day, barring complications, of course.

One can rent a hotel room far cheaper than a hospital room and a little extra plumbing shouldn't account for the vast difference. America has twice as good as care as some 3rd world countries, but costs ten times as much. With the most expensive health-care in the world, we are not tops in low infant mortality rates and many other aspects. It's embarrassing.

The reason there is a shortage of help is they are now underpaid (overtime pay recently vanished) and overworked, so the money is not going here. Like the banking crunch and the majority of modern corporate management, somebody at the top is walking away with billions and I think the wad is about to hit the fan. The situation is truly outrageous and I can hardly believe anyone here thinks it's OK the way it is now.

Health-care, like refineries, might not be a great place to be when it hits the fan. Food for thought.

Wes


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