Why is there such flack over childrens health insurance?

[napi21]

I've been listening to all the arguing from all sides, and I question just how much could this possibly cost? Most kids are healthy and rarely need mufch more than an office visit for an ear ache, severe congestion from a cold or flu, and the normal immunization treatments that should be given to all kids. The risks of serious and expensive illnesses are fairly low, at least in comparrison to seniors who's aging bodies are much more inclined to get LOTS of different ailments, yet we cover them with medicare! I know I never had any serious stuff when I was a kid, and neither did my husband, his brother or 2 sisters, and neither did my 2 sons.

It seems to me that the people doing the estimating on the cost of children's health care are grossly overstating the prices!

[supernova]

1. Because they don't want to admit

that a government program can be useful, efficient, and effective, especially if it's for services and not for the military.

To the conservative mindset, any gov't spending that isn't military spending, is a waste. Pure and simple.

If it's military spending, OTOH, not amount is too great.

Nice philosophy, huh?

[Beelzebud]

2. Because with conservatives, humans are worthless, and health care should be for-profit.

[Warpy]

3. Kids are cute and cheap to insure

and thus good PR for Congressmen who are owned by the insurance companies to trot out to prove they're doing something about the health care disaster in this country.

[Tesha]

4. If you let kids have health care, they might grow up to expect it! Can't have that now, can we? (NT)

[spinbaby]

5. Deserving poor

It all comes down to the Victorian concept of deserving poor. It's a notion that's seen quite a revival since Reagan came into office.

The theory goes something like this:

1. The poor are poor because they are lazy, stupid, ignorant, etc.

2. But SOME poor, by virtue of hard work, innocence, bad health, cuteness, or generally pathetic condition, deserve to be helped.

By this theory, ALL people do not deserve health insurance, but children are innocent and cute enough to deserve it. It makes no sense whatsoever, but that's what it comes down to.

[RedCappedBandit]

6. I see your point.. and..

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I feel the need to point out that there are various cases regarding children where, if they don't receive medical care in childhood, the rest of their lives could be very negatively affected. It isn't fair or morally correct to deny these children the care they need because of the economic situations of their family. (It isn't fair to deny health care to anybody, IMO, but you have to start somewhere.. maybe thats why those who oppose health care are afraid of giving leniency in such cases)