Alternative to Socialized Medicine - We Care Jacksonville

The topic of a government alternative for health insurance - or socialized medicine - has been hotly debated here on Active Rain and everywhere else in our country.

Here is an alternative which is gaining momentum here in Jacksonville.

Dr. Sue Nussbaum is the new Executive Director for We Care Jacksonville, which is a non-profit network of doctors who are making a difference for citizens of Jacksonville.

Dr. Nussbaum is contacting physicians all over the city to encourage them to join in providing medical services to Jacksonville residents who have no health insurance. The doctors do not have to go to a clinic - the patients come right to their offices.

Treating patients early and often will prevent diseases and conditions from escalating, which will be good for the patient, good for medical costs, and good for the economy. A well patient is a contributing member of society and medical costs are low for such people. Dr. Nussbaum's goals are very practical, and she is approaching it that way with the doctors she speaks with.

As a condition of being accepted into the network, patients agree to absolve We Care Jacksonville and its physicians from malpractice lawsuits. This is done through a special law that only the state of Florida has which allows the medical profession to establish "special taxing districts." There is a small amount of revenue coming from the taxpayers to fund We Care Jacksonville which gives it this status.

Additional funds are donated from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Family Foundation, as well as hospitals, individual donors and fundraisers for We Care Jacksonville.

Check to see if your area has anything like this. This is a private citizen alternative to help people with no insurance. This story was reported in the Jacksonville Business Journal last week.