Poll - BTS v Bryn Mawr regarding health care - US posters only

Post by **spot** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:00 am

US Health Care poll

Bryn Mawr has invited a poll on whether US posters agree with BTS that "we (USA) have the BEST health system going.... PERIOD!!!!!!!"

There's a parallel non-US poll to go with this requested by BTS.

Please only vote in this thread if you live within the USA. Thank you for your cooperation.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:45 am

The French have the best overall Health System.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:01 am

I voted no based on what I've experienced here as a patient and as a loved one of a patient, as well as what I've *heard* about other countries. I am not saying any country has the best system. I am saying ours (US) needs an overhaul and that there are positive elements to many systems including ours.

Post by **spot** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:03 am

RedGlitter;699671 wrote: I voted nowell, actually...

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:09 am

I'm not too sure I didn't screw up my vote also. I meant to vote no. I sure as hell hope this isn't the best health car system anyone has come up with. I have no idea which is because I haven't experienced anyone elses.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:14 am

spot;699674 wrote: well, actually...

You mean I hit the wrong one? *gads!!* I've gotta stop coming to FG before I'm awake!! :-5

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:15 am

YZGI;699682 wrote: I'm not too sure I didn't screw up my vote also. I meant to vote no. I sure as hell hope this isn't the best health car system anyone has come up with. I have no idea which is because I haven't experienced anyone elses.

:wah: Well I voted no too, so someone 'fluffed it up' :wah::wah:

2 Yes

2 No

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:16 am

RedGlitter;699687 wrote: You mean I hit the wrong one? *gads!!* I've gotta stop coming to FG before I'm awake!! :-5

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:40 am

I definately voted NO

Patsy

Chookie · Post by **Chookie** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:02 pm

I'm not voting here, but the US healthcare system sucks.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:10 pm

I voted no..the rich can afford top of line care..the poor get better care than the middleclass. the backbone of our economy..and the highest percentage of uninsured..medical care is more about money and profits now..not so much the morality of good deeds and do no harm..nurses are overworkd and understaffed..quality of one on one patient care is low...in my humble opinion..

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:54 pm

I just have 1 thing to say about health care in America.

When I got cancer.......I had NO insurance. I paid over $60,000.00 to live. I kept asking why when I pay cash do I pay MORE for care than if I had insurance.

If I had health care insurance the insurance company would have only paid $30,000.00 for me and I would have paid $5,000.00 out of pocket.

This is what REALLY BOTHERS ME!!!!! Go freaking figure!!!!!!

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:58 pm

sore subject with me....in some places I've lived, if you didn't have insurance you were scum, and others, you were a patient and treated the same as the people that did have insurance.

I believe that my baby would be alive right now if I had insurance!:-1

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:13 pm

Our system is not the best-and I'm saying this on a day when they slammed a $68,000 already won in court suit against my husband for his medical bills. (with no legal notice until after the fact) With two insurances, their treatment of him after his illness is shameful-if they don't expect you to live, you are a drain on the insurance system and their profits. You receive substandard care, and feel horrid everytime you go to a doctor visit....they just shake their head, like, why are you still here bothering us?:-1

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:31 pm

nvalleyvee;700004 wrote: I just have 1 thing to say about health care in America.

When I got cancer.......I had NO insurance. I paid over $60,000.00 to live. I kept asking why when I pay cash do I pay MORE for care than if I had insurance.

If I had health care insurance the insurance company would have only paid $30,000.00 for me and I would have paid $5,000.00 out of pocket.

This is what REALLY BOTHERS ME!!!!! Go freaking figure!!!!!!

This is not unusual. PPO's (Preferred Provider Organization) typically negotiate a lower price for their insureds, however, that's only true if the insured uses a PPO doctor, hospital or facility. In the case of my wife's recent mastectomy and breast reconstruction, the surgeon was not a part of the PPO, but the hospital and everyone else was. Bottom line----even though I had insurance we had to pay a total of $18,500 out of pocket with the majority of the $134,000 TOTAL COST being paid by insurance. I am not complaining as I knew this ahead of time and was able to get the best surgeon in the USA for her particular procedure. People without insurance really subsidize those that have it by being billed a larger amount. What's the answer??? Make sure you have some kind of insurance.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:39 pm

I was with an American citizen when he collapsed - double pneumonia. We were in upstate New York. He had no insurance. The very decent paramedics had to do some fast thinking to calculate which hospitals in the area might be prepared to receive him. To an Australian, that was amazing, just for starters. Then, once at a possible hospital, we had to go through all kinds of administrative stuff with the accounts people, before he was even seen. After that, finally a very kind doctor agreed to treat him, out of the goodness of her heart, saying he could pay her whatever he could manage, eventually when he was able. He got good treatment and survived. Years later he is still being hounded by various other givers of incidental treatments...

In another thread, an American raised the issue of the "right" to good treatment and the right not to be driven into bankruptcy if a citizen has been unable to afford health insurance, or has a job which doesn't have adequate insurance as part of the package.

Whatever one thinks about "rights", it's my view that in a civilised, western, ultra wealthy country, a citizen has a reasonable expectation of being protected and looked after, in bad times.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:31 pm

Then, once at a possible hospital, we had to go through all kinds of administrative stuff with the accounts people, before he was even seen.

Nothing's changed in 40 years. When I was a child I had trouble breathing once and my parents rushed me to the hosp. The nurse in charge insisted papers had to be filled out before I'd be seen. I was becoming blue. My dad threw his wallet on the counter and told the nurse to "take what the hell you want, I just got paid- get her a !@$*&@ doctor NOW!!" I was seen immediately, but now? They probably would have carted off my dad.

We still owe an absurd amount for treatments given to my mom in her last year. Seriously, every time an intern stuck his head in the door and asked "How's Mrs. Williams" that was considered a consultation. You non-US people probably think I'm exaggerating but sadly, I am not.

They sent one doctor in to see my Mom in her last few days because she had chest pain. It turned out she had fluid around her heart and it needed to be drained. This doctor came in and failed to address my mom at all, only spoke to me and my dad. Said a bunch of medical gobblydegook, spun around and split out the door. All my poor mom heard was "tap her heart." God. So I ran out the door and stopped him and made him explain to me in plain English what he had just said. Then I went back in and calmed down my mom and explained to her in real language what they wanted to do. Medical staff, generally doctors, often put their compassion somewhere else when they're at work.

I have spent a good part of my time in doctor clinics and hospitals; I've taken care of loved ones since I was about fourteen. I have learned that you NEVER leave your loved one alone in any hospital for any length of time. You must be their eyes, ears and mind while they often cannot. I am grateful for any worthy help given from medical staff, but that doesn't mean I trust them with all I have. When I'm sitting with someone in hospital, I am their guard dog. I am there to protect them, to guard against any human mistakes or poor attitudes that may come forth. And a lot of mistakes and poor attitudes have been caught. I'm fortunate that I can do this. It's not easy and many people can't just up and leave their work or kids or situation to do it. So who looks after their people?

watermark · Post by **watermark** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:58 pm

I don't know if US has the best health care system. I don't think healthcare anywhere is that great when dealing with masses of people who need it. All healthcare has problems.

Socialized medicine, I've heard, creates long lines at doctors offices and emergency rooms. I've seen long lines in hospitals around my area of the US as well and most of these guys that go to hospitals when sick do not have insurance, the basic reason they end up at hospitals instead of a family doctor. Many times people have not had adequate care up to the point they went to the hospital and would die if not seen at that moment. Sometimes people end up at hospitals because their kid has asthma attack, diabetes event, strep throat, etc...and they have no choice. This is bad healthcare management in my estimation.

US healthcare is not preventative enough. I doubt any doctor college in this nation trains doctors to use best preventative medicine, and I'm not talking about just westernized prevention. The best preventative medicine imho does not come from western medicine ideas but mostly from ancient cultures and natural/alternative means and just common sense that entails individuals taking more responsibility for their own health. So many people think it's someone else's task to take care of their diet, metabolism, flexibility and agility training. Come on, even I would never expect anyone to run to my rescue if I come down with smoking related illness. People really need to take care of themselves. Doctors are not magicians.

The thing is when you want the best doctors for surgery or diagnosis or whatever, why should anyone have to wonder if the doctor they are going to isn't just that, the best? Any doctor that manages to get through medical school and has the stomach for the job and takes their job seriously ought to be a good one. Why do I even have to question this?? Now that isn't right.

Erin

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:57 pm

I'm backing off out of this after just one more comment, not being an American. I do however think Watermark has made an excellent point. I have seen and been close to several instances where something minor - which remained untreated because of lack of insurance and fear of the cost of seeing a doctor - has escalated into something life threateningly major. My friend's double pneumonia is just one example.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:41 pm

RED

I completely understand your point - with my husbands condition, first a triple by-pass and then one year later cancer.

I never left his side - l slept in his room - I couldn't afford to miss a Doctors visit - I watched all IV's & meds. I was his advocate.

During all this I did catch several mistakes/errors

Drs ordered tests - over looked his file - my husband can't have iodine..

IV - check the IV and it didn't match his name or hospital number, the IV belonged to another patient..

WaterMark - One would think/expect in this Western modern, high tech day you could count on the best care - But does one get the best care ? Does one get a competent Doctor? Its scary

With all my husbands medical conditions - theres alot of side affects, yes, I ran him to emergency several time - Paperwork first - they got the Rath of Patsy..

So the fastest way to be seen by a Doctor is to call 911..

Call 911 - paperwork later

Patsy

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:56 pm

magenta flame;700044 wrote: Okay I went for a dental Xray today. it was a ful mouth Xray that cost me on the spot $60 I then went around the corner to Medicare and got $40 back.......So all up I paid $20 dollars for a full mouth xray.

How much does it cost in other countries. Oh and don't talk about the dentist bill $600 for three fillings. If the labour government gets in in the next national elections they will bring in medicare for dental. which means I'd get 3/4 of that $600 back................Here's hoping!!!!!

Well, here the full X-ray would run between $80-100 (depending on state and dentist) and there would be no Medicare. Our Medicare does not provide for dental or eye exams/glasses. Now some people may have dental coverage through their employer or AARP (retired people) but I never have and can't offer you any idea what that may run.

Fillings....about $100+ each one if you get silver. Enamel colored fillings generally run a bit more.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:00 am

I've had fillings done is Australia, UK and America - and found the cost similar in all. There isn't any medicare coverage here for dental, but I carry some private health insurance on top of that, and so, get something back (for fillings done in Australia. Travel insurance covers foreign emergency dental procedures). I think medicare covers eye examinations, but not glasses. Again, I get something back for glasses from my private health cover.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:41 am

magenta flame;700044 wrote: Okay I went for a dental Xray today. it was a ful mouth Xray that cost me on the spot $60 I then went around the corner to Medicare and got $40 back.......So all up I paid $20 dollars for a full mouth xray.

How much does it cost in other countries. Oh and don't talk about the dentist bill $600 for three fillings. If the labour government gets in in the next national elections they will bring in medicare for dental. which means I'd get 3/4 of that $600 back................Here's hoping!!!!!

I've just been to the dentist. He did an examination and three x-rays, found decay under a heavily filled pre-molar and decided that I need a crown fitting as there's not enough tooth left to drill and fill.

I now have two more appointments (to cut the mold and to fit the crown) and the bill will be Â£194 (approx $400).

Had the examination found nothing the bill would have been Â£17.50 ($35).

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:10 am

I need a Porcelain Crown------The charge by dentist is $860 USD, negotiated down to $750 by my PPO Provider (private insurance). Private insurance will pay at 50 % of that ($375). My cost will be $375 USD.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:40 am

I pay for my dental treatment, root canal and crown two fillings Â£134 from an NHS dentist.

My wife has just had a cataract operation, diagnosed and new lens within a month. The other one get done next year as it's not too bad yet. Free apart from the thirty odd years she has paid her NHS stamp.

With socialised medicine it is most definitely not free-everybody pays through taxes. When you need treatment you get it. There are waiting lists in some areas and for some kinds of treatments but the one thing that is not in doubt is that you will receive treatment if you need it.

Looking at some of the earlier posts I wonder why you put up with such a system. We have an NHS because we demanded it not because a nanny state gave it to us. We keep it because we won't tolerate politicians that try and privatise it.

How much does it cost in the US for all expenses paid every kind of conceivable illness cover? because if you are comparing the two that is what we have. All in medical cover regardless of the cost of treatment (well almost but that's a different issue)

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:47 am

My daughter just had 2 crowns that cost me $1000! In the UK, children's dental care is included in NHS (unless thats changed recently ?) and the parents are not presented with a bill.

I also pay $150 a month for my sons medication (thats the co-pay, insurance pays the rest). Also in the UK, children's medication is paid for by NHS, and adults is only partial payment.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:50 am

My son recently completed a medical program which cost $9,000 - the insurance will only pay 50%. Didn't see that coming!!

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:56 am

It's something the thread's not pointed out, I agree - no medical or dental charges at all in the UK for under-18s, either for treatment or for prescriptions. I'm not sure about opticians, I'd need to look that up.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:01 am

spot;700216 wrote: It's something the thread's not pointed out, I agree - no medical or dental charges at all in the UK for under-18s, either for treatment or for prescriptions. I'm not sure about opticians, I'd need to look that up.

Neither do the over 65s or pregnant ladies (whereas pregnant gentlemen still have to pay).

As for opticians, because I work with computers I am entitled to reclaim all opticians fees from the taxman as an occupational hazzard - I don't 'cos it's only Â£17.50 once a year and it's more trouble than it's worth to do the paperwork.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:02 am

spot;700216 wrote: It's something the thread's not pointed out, I agree - no medical or dental charges at all in the UK for under-18s, either for treatment or for prescriptions. I'm not sure about opticians, I'd need to look that up.

Also, OAP's and low income I think too.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:05 am

Also when I had private insurance living in UK - I don't remember paying a co-pay - insurance paid it ALL if I remember rightly

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:11 am

spot;700216 wrote: It's something the thread's not pointed out, I agree - no medical or dental charges at all in the UK for under-18s, either for treatment or for prescriptions. I'm not sure about opticians, I'd need to look that up.

Bryn Mawr;700219 wrote: Neither do the over 65s or pregnant ladies (whereas pregnant gentlemen still have to pay).

As for opticians, because I work with computers I am entitled to reclaim all opticians fees from the taxman as an occupational hazzard - I don't 'cos it's only Â£17.50 once a year and it's more trouble than it's worth to do the paperwork.

Wow that's crazy. A real eye opener.

911 · Post by **911** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:28 am

I've heard so many pros and cons for both services. One radio talker stated that for the US to go to socilized health care then every four years we would be blackmailed into voting for those that state if you vote for the other one you'll lose your health care. We all know how that is. One threatening the voters by stating his/her opponent will take something away from us. For example: abortion rights.

With American insurance, your doctor has no qualms sending you for a CT scan if he suspects something may be amiss whereas, as I understand it, getting a nuclear med scan or a CAT scan in another country is like waiting to get a ride on the shuttle. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I feel my insurance is good and it was proven so about two years ago. I got very sick and came close to dying. Had surgery and started bleeding out, nearly went bye-bye again. I never got one bill other than my copay. I was amazed. I kept waiting for some sort of bill in the mail.

In this country or any country you have to remember something someone once told me, just because he/she is a doctor does not mean that they graduated at the top of their class. There are those that just got by by the skin of their teeth. Too bad they don't post their GPA on the wall along with their diplomas. :-5

So. . . I voted yes, mainly because I haven't had an experience with any other form of insurance. By the way, this was such a black or white question it was hard to choose. :rolleyes:

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:38 am

911

Here in the US your assigned a Primary Doctor - if your having agonizing pain then that Primary Doctor sends you to a specialist Doctor.

The Specialist Doctor then orders the necessary tests, CT Scan - MRI etc..

This can be time consuming - you have to wait weeks for the appointments.

Unless your a Politician - your Insurance does Not cover 100 %. Theres always money out of pocket for all visits and all tests - which is very expensive.

As far as Dental - Insurance will cover teeth cleaning once a year - thats the preventive coverage. Insurance will Not cover Crowns - Caps - Bridges.

Its very expensive in the US.

I go to Mexico for my Dental work & eye glass's.

Patsy

911 · Post by **911** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:45 pm

Patsy

Thanks for that but you may have noticed that I am in the states.

I get to pick my own doctor anytime I wish. Yes, there are doctors that you need to have a referral in order to make an appointment, but I've never had a problem getting one. If the doctor is good, yes, you may have to wait for a while but not if you are in dire pain.

My insurance pays for teeth cleaning twice a year, I get it done three times a year. My dental also pays half of just about everything else. Of course, it's not cheap. Dental is something I have never understood. If someone has a dental problem, it can affect the rest of your body, so prevention is also important. Why they don't understand that is amazing to me.

Perhaps it's my insurance plan or where I live that I don't seem to have the problems other people have. I am in fairly good health and I try to keep it that way. I see a GP every 3-6 months depending on what I need. A gyno when I get the nerve

, and another doc every three months. As long as I am able to do the things I want to do, I'm fine. Until then. . . . well, I guess I'll see how good it is.:-6

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:54 pm

911

Sorry, after I replied I noticed your in the states.

Of course insurances vary on coverage for medical & dental.

I suppose until you've been ill, it would be difficult to explain the buracracy within the system, and the expense out of pocket.

Glad to hear your doing well.

The US has some work ahead of them to straighten out the Health Care System.

Patsy

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:32 pm

This might be slightly off topic but what does the average, nice but simple funeral cost in other countries? Including coffin, flowers, preacher, etc.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:49 pm

RedGlitter;700593 wrote: This might be slightly off topic but what does the average, nice but simple funeral cost in other countries? Including coffin, flowers, preacher, etc.

Â£1500 ($3000) with pallbearers, hearse and two or three stretched limos.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:07 pm

It is about three times that much here.

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:22 pm

Well, tonight was the first time in my adult life that I can recall that I wanted to commit the crime of shop-lifting....my middle son had strep throat 2 weeks ago and even though his father pays for his insurance, I have to pay for the $20.00 deductible and prescriptions, thankfully then....the doctor gave him a shot and I got away pretty cheap for that visit. Then...he needed blood work and a physical, they forgot to schedule the physical so I ended up paying a $20.00 co-pay for them to take blood!:-5 and on the 17th of October I get to pay another $20.00 for the physical.

Today he went back to the doctor with the same symptoms of strep, except he said that his throat felt like it was really swollen....so, another $20.00.....to find out he has tonsilitis (spelling) and border line phnemonia (again, sorry that I'm too lazy to look up spelling) and I go to Wal-mart to get his prescription vs. the local pharmacy that is probably gonna be mroe expensive and the woman at the counter says before handing it to me after I told her I'd pay for it with my items from the store at the front checkout, "do you want to know how much it is"? I said "yes"....$72.00....After I came back up from fainting!!

I said, well, my kid has half of his throat closed up and can hardly swallow, I guess I will figure out a way to afford it....she giggled and handed it to me.....

I had to go to the bathroom, I put the medicine in my purse so that no one would take the prescription out of the cart, it took every ounce of my honest human being to put that prescription on the check out counter, but I did....and I am thankful that my child will be feeling better soon..........

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:32 pm

That's another thing that needs to be direly adjusted- the asinine astronomical costs of Rx!! Who can afford this? I take 8 pills plus insulin...ONE of those pills is $340 a month! I have insurance barely, but it does cut the rate down to a laughable amount for me and I appreciate that but not everyone is so fortunate in that respect. It incenses me as a human being that people go without stuff that can save or better their lives because they've no way of affording it! That's BS in this supposedly wonderful country. There is no way Big Pharma should be charging what it does and it's time the damned government stopped it. But then again they're probably bedfellows as it is.

I'm afraid Wendy I would not have been so honest. I can understand your position.

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:35 pm

RedGlitter;700602 wrote: That's another thing that needs to be direly adjusted- the asinine astronomical costs of Rx!! Who can afford this? I take 8 pills plus insulin...ONE of those pills is $340 a month! I have insurance barely, but it does cut the rate down to a laughable amount for me and I appreciate that but not everyone is so fortunate in that respect. It incenses me as a human being that people go without stuff that can save or better their lives because they've no way of affording it! That's BS in this supposedly wonderful country. There is no way Big Pharma should be charging what it does and it's time the damned government stopped it. But then again they're probably bedfellows as it is.

I'm afraid Wendy I would not have been so honest. I can understand your position.

It was very difficult after the day I had, I had to sink a lot of money into my car to pass the yearly inspection as well......just a really bad day.....and I agree....somethin's gotta give!!

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:39 pm

RedGlitter;700593 wrote: This might be slightly off topic but what does the average, nice but simple funeral cost in other countries? Including coffin, flowers, preacher, etc.

Depends a bit, in Australia. Whether the etc in your list includes the cost of taking the person out in the first place.

:sneaky:

(Sorry, but the devil made me write that!)

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:33 pm

Prescriptions are outrageous

for one pill for my husband is $386.00 a month - that a 30 day supply for one pill a day.

I contacted the maker and they supplied my husband the meds - surprise

he's no longer on that med - but he takes & has taken several different daily.

Wonderwendy

I hope your son doesn't need his tonsils removed - I don't know how old your son is - the older you are the worse the surgery/outcome.

I had my tonsils removed when I was @18 - the worse surgery I've ever had.

You survive the surgery - its just terrible - I wanted to die. I should've had them removed when I was a kid/child - but then it always comes down to money$$$

Coming from a large family surgery wasn't a option. I had a history of sore throats/strep throat and at the time of removal my throat was closing up..

If your son has had a history of this & you have some insurance - do it now - he won't want the surgery when he's older..

Patsy

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:15 am

posted by 911

I've heard so many pros and cons for both services. One radio talker stated that for the US to go to socilized health care then every four years we would be blackmailed into voting for those that state if you vote for the other one you'll lose your health care. We all know how that is. One threatening the voters by stating his/her opponent will take something away from us. For example: abortion rights.

Getting blackmailed by politicians is nothing new-vote for me and I'll tax you less. Voters can choose can't they? Not to vote for something just because it might become a political football is a daft reason.

posted by 911

With American insurance, your doctor has no qualms sending you for a CT scan if he suspects something may be amiss whereas, as I understand it, getting a nuclear med scan or a CAT scan in another country is like waiting to get a ride on the shuttle. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

You're wrong. There are issues over when but on the other hand you don't get sent for a scan unless you need it

I feel my insurance is good and it was proven so about two years ago. I got very sick and came close to dying. Had surgery and started bleeding out, nearly went bye-bye again. I never got one bill other than my copay. I was amazed. I kept waiting for some sort of bill in the mail.

What's copay?

posted by wonder wendy

It was very difficult after the day I had, I had to sink a lot of money into my car to pass the yearly inspection as well......just a really bad day.....and I agree....somethin's gotta give!!

In the UK a child wouldn't pay at all. He will later through taxes.

posted by patsy warnick

Coming from a large family surgery wasn't a option. I had a history of sore throats/strep throat and at the time of removal my throat was closing up..

If your son has had a history of this & you have some insurance - do it now - he won't want the surgery when he's older..

Patsy

Crikey! It just seems grotesque that children don't get treatment because of the cost.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:48 am

GMC

You have no idea

Large Family and money was very tight - I needed my tonsils removed @ 6 yrs old and didn't get them removed until I was employed and had my own Health Ins.

Tough up-bringing

Patsy

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:26 am

GMC asked what is co-pay...

Co-pay is the dollar amount a patient pays out of pocket while the health care provider pays the rest. For one of my doctor visits, I have a ten dollar co-pay. It's supposed to discourage people from seeking "free" treatment.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:31 am

Patsy Warnick;700845 wrote: GMC

You have no idea

Large Family and money was very tight - I needed my tonsils removed @ 6 yrs old and didn't get them removed until I was employed and had my own Health Ins.

Tough up-bringing

Patsy

I do kind of. Younger son in a single parent family (father died when we were kids) growing up on a council estate-social housing-haven't a clue what the equivalent US is.

One thing we never had to worry about was getting medical care-had my tonsils out in primary school though I can't remember when exactly. Dare say we've more than paid for it since in taxes. I suspect most people in the UK would consider it an outrage kids didn't get treatment just because the parents were destitute. Maybe we frighten our politicians more than you frighten yours:sneaky: