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Obama: Health Care a 'Time-Bomb'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 15, 2009 11:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – The current health care system is a “ticking time-bomb” for the federal budget, Barack Obama told the American Medical Association today, speaking before a crowd of doctors in Chicago. He sharply criticized the current system, which pays doctors for each test or treatment provided, saying it “has taken the pursuit of medicine from a profession—a calling—to a business.”

“You did not enter this profession to be bean-counters,” he told the gathered doctors. “You entered this profession to be healers.” He called for measures to make medical education cheaper, a public insurance option, and more funding for medical research, though he promised the government wouldn’t dictate best practices. He also laid to rest another potential fear: “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. Period.” he declared.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

President Barack Obama waves as he prepares to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force in Maryland, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama delivers remarks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 12, 2009, about passage of the tobacco legislation. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

President Barack Obama waves as he leaves the White House, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

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No matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what. - Barack Obama

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 10 comments

Chudluv

Jun 16, 2009 5:10 AM CDT

Is that how Riffran posts on Newser everytime? Anyway, If Obama is going to take this position of "for the greater good of many", then I can't support it if it cost our right to keep the Medical field in check eg the courts. Because the AMA, Doctors, nor the State's Medical Licensing Board aren't doing their jobs by regulating the screw-ups out of the medical field. Second, my wife works for Medical Clinic in Vancouver WA, it is Doctor owed but ran by HR and CEO who doesn't do it for the love of medicine...But for the love of money. It is well known in the company that they are expanding as fast as they can before the Medical Reform Bill is even put on the floor of Congress....I wonder why? Btw that was a rhetorical question. Most, 80 percent, Doctor's go into the Medical field for the money...

cornelison

Jun 16, 2009 1:03 AM CDT

It doesn't cost me thousands of dollars when I have to go to the hospital. I just show my health card. When everyone pays taxes for universal health care our financial troubles are reduced.

cornelison

Jun 16, 2009 1:01 AM CDT

I used to be an American. I've enjoyed socialized medicine here in Canada since the 1960's. I've been able to retire early because I wanted to be "forced" to accept a govt. run health care. Canadians will never give up their health care plan.

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