[djm2]

I'd like to know who has ever received any health-related services while in a country with universal coverage. Obviously, many of you who live in the UK, France, or Canada (among others) can give plentiful examples of care. How about US citizens.

As for myself, I received care while visiting London (completely free) and in Paris (nominal cost -- $10 or so). Excellent care, without any problems whatsoever.

[dmead]

Universal Healthcare scares the crap out of me. Not because of the socialist aspect of it. I think it's a nobel idea. Especially for children who don't have a choice when it comes to whether their parents can or can't afford healthcare. But don't go calling me a commie now either. My socialist agenda begins and ends with healthcare for children. It's just that my government (red or blue) has never proven to me that they can do anything efficiently.

[angelbear1973]

Originally Posted by dmead

Universal Healthcare scares the crap out of me. Not because of the socialist aspect of it. I think it's a nobel idea. Especially for children who don't have a choice when it comes to whether their parents can or can't afford healthcare. But don't go calling me a commie now either. My socialist agenda begins and ends with healthcare for children. It's just that my government (red or blue) has never proven to me that they can do anything efficiently.

amen......

[daphne]

Originally Posted by angelbear1973

amen......

x2.

Both sides put their own political agendas ahead of the public good every day. Efficiency seems to be an unknown concept for the most part in all levels of government. Corporations are greedy, but so are politicians, greedy for $$$ and power.

[monkeypaw]

Here's a graph of how far some programs have missed their original projected annual costs. He inacurately calls it first year costs in the text, the correctly labels the graph as selected years. Medicare for example is shown at 917% of original projected costs for 1990. Massachusetts's plan was started in 2006 and was already 20% higher than forecast for 2008:
http://www.john-goodman-blog.com/exp...rly-estimates/

Here's a .pdf of the source info:
http://jec.senate.gov/republicans/pu...ly_31_2009.pdf

[djm2]

At least so far it would appear that nobody except me has any actual experience of dealing with a medical professional under those bureaucratic models. While I can appreciate the economic debate -- which was a part of the reason that I posted the polls in the other threads -- I wanted to hear about the experiences that people had while receiving treatment. Apparently not much experience out there.

[wabbit]

why would people send hundred of thousands of dollars into education with a specialty if its universal health care.

why research new drugs, etc when the government says your 1b recherche is worth a 15 bux visit?


its also interesting why, do people from Canada come to the the us for specialists for certain problems, yes the Canadian government pays for it, but they have to travel out of country for certain treatments.

[test54]

please.....why do americans travel to asia all the time for treatment? why do americans travel to europe for treatment? Its not like the American system is the best in the world....

but back on topic. with all the international people on this board I would think we would get a few opinions on this issue.

[angelbear1973]

He didnt say we had the best hes was just pointing out that people in Canada come here.

[djm2]

I am finding it absolutely fascinating on so many different levels that nobody will address the question asked -- and that includes different perceptions as to the "why" for the international contingent vs. the USA contingent. Absolutely fascinating!

[test54]

perhaps they are intimidated by some members?

[djm2]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if that is the reason why the international contingent hasn't chimed in -- plus, what value do they get from it if they did express their opinions regarding the health care systems in their countries.

[angelbear1973]

Originally Posted by test54

perhaps they are intimidated by some members?

its an internet forum how in the world could someone be intimidated?

[003402]

ok. much back and forth about this, so time to add some data.

I have been subject to the healthcare system (as a us citizen) in canada as a contractor up there. Frankly, it leaves a lot to be desired. Think department of motor vehicles, but for medical care. long lines, no customer service, being served by someone that clearly does not want to be there, and getting a pat on the head and a script for some drugs. If you have a serious issue, plan on waiting a long time, unless you are bleeding or dying.

Additionallly, as a someone that works in improving government operations for the US, there are frightening parallels when you look at programs such as Veterans administration and the military health system. While they are improving, the Government is spending scads of money to get them to operate better. This is where your healthcare is going...

As for why people go to other countries...there is always something "better" in other countries sometimes that causes people to go either here or there. Regulations here in the states prevent some experimental treatments that may be available, say in mexico. There are drugs and procedures avaialabel in europe that are not in the states and vice versa. people in the states go to mexico for cheaper prescription drugs. (some of these are snowbirds from canada too).

[test54]

Originally Posted by angelbear1973

its an internet forum how in the world could someone be intimidated?

are you new to forums?

[test54]

Originally Posted by 003402

Regulations here in the states prevent some experimental treatments that may be available, say in mexico.

Some should be most....you want cutting edge medicine you do not do it in the US. Although I do not think Mexico is the place people go, Asia & Europe are where a lot of people go for experimental treatments.

my 2 cents.

[angelbear1973]

Originally Posted by test54

are you new to forums?

No I am not, and there is not a person on this forum who could intimidate me. I dont get intimidated by word on a screen.

[wabbit]

Originally Posted by test54

please.....why do americans travel to asia all the time for treatment? why do americans travel to europe for treatment? Its not like the American system is the best in the world....

but back on topic. with all the international people on this board I would think we would get a few opinions on this issue.

as for most countries with "government health care" which is what i was more getting at. people travel out of that country who can afford it, or know its covered for better treatment. where there is no government health care system.

i was using both as an example.

[ezrunner]

Wirelessly posted (overwhelmingly stressed)

I personally would like to hear from more who have experienced "socialized medicine"

[test54]

I think we all would but they seem to have no interest in posting.