[SmilingBluEyes]

But who takes accountability for our health if not us OURSELVES? just a question....

[dazzle256]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

But who takes accountability for our health if not us OURSELVES? just a question....

That is a good question and exactly what I'm trying to get across to these jokers.......as my doctor slams my chart on his desk and says "Do what you want!" Good thing I have his nurse on my side helping me get through all this red tape. Sorry to sound so negative but its just something that I'm going through and frustrated with at the present moment.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I bet you are frustrated. I am so sorry. I hope things work out to your satisfaction, really.

[dazzle256]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

I bet you are frustrated. I am so sorry. I hope things work out to your satisfaction, really.

Thanks and sorry about the rant

[vickster]

Originally Posted by Grushenka

I am interested in your opinions about introducing a national healthcare system in the United States. What do you think about introducing free basic packet of healthcare services (e.g. emergency services and annual medical, eye, dental exams)? Do you know anything about national healthcare systems existing in other countries such as Sweden and Germany?
I would also be happy to get some information on this issue from abroad. Grushenka

Kinda like here in Canada except we don't cover eye exams or dental, just everything else. Works for me, but be prepared for your taxes to sky rocket and nurses wages to plummet, (and forget the sign on bonuses and incentives!)

[vickster]

Originally Posted by Kyriaka

I think we have to be careful about definitions. Nothing is free. Nothing. Someone always pays.

I mainly deal (at this time) with Lyme disease patients. Yes, Canadian patients can get antibiotics "free". However, they are limited to very old antibiotics that are not nearly as effective. Many come to the US to try Zithromax or an experimental drug.

I have also heard stories of patients being moved up on Canadian surgery lists by paying under the table in US dollars (cash).

You're quite wrong my friend to the south! Unless you have drug benefits you pay for drugs, and we do not administer "very old" anitibiotics in Canada. And we have Zithromax! Lots of it! For everyone!
What a crock, do some reading!
PS may I remind you that Americans flocked to Canada by the tens of thousands for the flu shot this winter?

[sanctuary]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

well would you please just tell that to my friends who *are* working and are MEDICAID-INELIGIBLE, please? Then, maybe they can get on "easy street" like your son.

My friends can only get COBRA, which they cannot *AFFORD* so they have NO medical insurance whatsoever. I think it royally sucks that anyone who puts in 9 or 10 hours a day at work can't get medical coverage, dont' you?! So sorry, I stand by my original post. Before we build more bombs, spend more money on overseas charity, we need to take care of the ones who have to do without basics like healthcare first.

When people realise that Insurance Institutions are the reason that health care costs so much, we will be on the way toward mending our system here. If we pay a single payor, (yes, the government) directly, there would be no increase in fees paid, or co-pay, or whatever. Large insurance companies pay MILLIONS to their CEOs, who take our payments and gamble on the stock market. Take profit out of health care, and we could afford the care we have now, and more. It is always about the money in the US.

[dazzle256]

Originally Posted by sanctuary

When people realise that Insurance Institutions are the reason that health care costs so much, we will be on the way toward mending our system here. If we pay a single payor, (yes, the government) directly, there would be no increase in fees paid, or co-pay, or whatever. Large insurance companies pay MILLIONS to their CEOs, who take our payments and gamble on the stock market. Take profit out of health care, and we could afford the care we have now, and more. It is always about the money in the US.

I take it you've never worked for the government.

[begalli]

Originally Posted by sanctuary

When people realise that Insurance Institutions are the reason that health care costs so much, we will be on the way toward mending our system here. If we pay a single payor, (yes, the government) directly, there would be no increase in fees paid, or co-pay, or whatever. Large insurance companies pay MILLIONS to their CEOs, who take our payments and gamble on the stock market. Take profit out of health care, and we could afford the care we have now, and more. It is always about the money in the US.

EXACTLY.

The money is already there to cover every man woman and child in this country. The problem is that it's grossly mis-managed.

[fergus51]

I don't think there is any perfect system as far as guarateeing the money is well spent. It is true that America spends more per capita than countries with "socialized" or universal systems.