John Lennon once wrote a song called “Imagine.” It’s a ridiculous song in which he wants everyone to “imagine” conditions that don’t exist–like no heaven, no hell, no countries, nothing worth dying for, etc…He then has the foolishness to believe that under these conditions, all men would live in peace and a “brotherhood of man.” Exactly how Satan’s philosophy reads.

Reality and the Bible contradict that conclusion. Man is not basically good although I wish he was.  In fact, man is by fallen nature, really bad. Just read the newspaper everyday and see how man treats man. But let’s play John’s game a little and imagine what would happen if there was no Medicare or Medicaid programs. “It’s easy if you try,” as John would have said, for it existed prior to 1965.

People would still get care but I think at a much reduced price. The cost of medicine has grown significantly with the government programs in place because their regulations require physicians to hire 4.5 people rather than the 1 they used to. And they aren’t paying their financial obligations so the costs are shifted to the insured and private care patients which drives the costs upward.

The poor, like my family, saw a physician when we were sick rather than when we had colds and this senerio would happen again. There is a tremendous amount of unnecessary care being given since there is no barrier to access for those on Medicaid. Believe me, I know this first hand.

The elderly would still get care as well.  According to my older collegues, these elderly patients also had relationships with their physician’s that were characterized by love and respect rather than entitlement as it often exists now. They have paid into the system and naturally they expect something in return. I agree and that is why I still provide care for more than my share. I appreciate what they have done to make this nation great.

But the “great society” has changed all this, and not for the better. It has taken personal responsibility away from the patient and has given it to the government. It has taken away the joy and privilege of providing care and made it a regulatory nightmare. Imagine there’s no governmental interference with the health industry. It’s easy if you try.