Medical care in the US vs other countries

[Sputterduck]

I know, I'm the same way. It's why I waited until I was 8 days into the flu before finally going into the ER. I didn't know I had the flu (a false negative test in the doctor's office had me thinking it was just a regular virus), but I was in incredible pain and extremely sick.

 

I don't expect that Canadian ERs are any faster, or other countries' ERs are faster either. My beef is with people using the "OMG, you'll wait forever with socialized health care!" argument are overlooking that we already wait a long time to be seen. And we pay tons more for it!

 

The waiting forever with arguments I've always seen are generally about cancer treatment. As in people can't get them for months sometimes, not always, and that can certainly be fatal. Of course, in America, some people don't get them at all because they don't have insurance. But the people with insurance who can get treated right away are scared (reasonably so) of losing that and losing their life.

[Aelwydd]

But what about the medical care that the government does provide? Like I said in our case, it has been wonderful and always covered everything. That's only been for pregnancies/children's health care but it's covered everything- specialists, etc. I wonder why no one talks about that, because we've had great experiences with it in every state we've lived? There is a MAJOR stigma about using the gov't care we do have (because people whine and gripe about it using their tax money), and I find that interesting since there is a big push about having 100% government controlled healthcare. From what I understand, the countries that have "free" health care are taxed through the ROOF and it's certainly not anymore quick or efficient than the health care we have here.

 

Blessed, there is another thread that is discussing the relative costs of health care, but basically, when you compare the average American's health care expense (premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, co-pays, etc.), and you add that to his tax burden, and turn around and compare that to the average, say, Canadian, guess who comes out on top?

 

Our family health care costs were staggering. Adding that to our tax bracket, we lost 1/3 of our total income. And we only made about $45K last year, since I was finishing up my B.S. and couldn't work much.

 

I'll ask the Canadians here; would a couple making $45K stand to lose 33% of their income to super high taxes and health care costs?

[Beetkvass]

But what about the medical care that the government does provide? Like I said in our case, it has been wonderful and always covered everything. That's only been for pregnancies/children's health care but it's covered everything- specialists, etc. I wonder why no one talks about that, because we've had great experiences with it in every state we've lived? There is a MAJOR stigma about using the gov't care we do have (because people whine and gripe about it using their tax money), and I find that interesting since there is a big push about having 100% government controlled healthcare. From what I understand, the countries that have "free" health care are taxed through the ROOF and it's certainly not anymore quick or efficient than the health care we have here.

 

And it's great! I've used it myself! But the point is that it's only done for certain segments of the population. You might get Medicaid in pregnancy but in a few months that coverage is gone and you aren't getting any great coverage from the govt again unless you get pregnant again. Do we want to only take care of certain segments of the population while many many others are sick and dying and neglecting seeing a Dr because they don't have the money? Because they can't afford $1000 a month for health insurance that won't cover any meds or real treatment? It's comparable to us saying the US Govt provides an excellent public education for first graders but after that the kids are on their own. Let's just hope their parents can afford it.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

The waiting forever with arguments I've always seen are generally about cancer treatment. As in people can't get them for months sometimes, not always, and that can certainly be fatal. Of course, in America, some people don't get them at all because they don't have insurance. But the people with insurance who can get treated right away are scared (reasonably so) of losing that and losing their life.

 

:iagree: MY mom was told if she could not pay her bill even though she had insurance, which was lousy, that she could not have her chemo or radiation treatments until the bill was paid. DH was with her when they told this. There are tons of people falling through the cracks even with cancer:(.

[Aelwydd]

:iagree: MY mom was told if she could not pay her bill even though she had insurance, which was lousy, that she could not have her chemo or radiation treatments until the bill was paid. DH was with her when they told this. There are tons of people falling through the cracks even with cancer:(.

 

Pris, that's terrible about your mom. How stressful! That's just like what happened my friend I mentioned earlier in the thread. She had stage 2 breast cancer, and her own mother had died from ovarian cancer that spread from breast cancer, so you know. Strong genetic history there.

 

Anyway, they waited two weeks to begin treating her, because that was as soon as she could come up with the $1500 to meet her deductible. She had to keep making payments to continue receiving therapy.

 

Good thing she could pay; her two boys would be motherless now, otherwise.

[WishboneDawn]

From what I understand, the countries that have "free" health care are taxed through the ROOF and it's certainly not anymore quick or efficient than the health care we have here.

 

Here's an excerpt from a blog post I did a few years back comparing American taxes and health insurance costs to Canadian taxes:

 

Playing with math again. I just added Nova Scotia provincial taxes (they're in the higher half of provincial income tax rates) to my imaginary person (who's not too bright and doesn't deduct a thing) who's earning $37,885 and that brings their total tax load to a whopping $9384. I don't know what kind of state income taxes you guys pay so I'll leave that out. I'll say the person has a comparable health insurance plan to what our family does (it's about average for a family rate and around, I think, what a single person would have to pay if they had to do it themselves, not through an employer) do which would be $840 annually.

 

Total taxes and health insurance for the Canuck - $10,224

 

For the American earning the same amount (and who doesn't deduct anything) plus XXXX's coverage (it was sort of in the middle of our sample - $544/month) - $11, 801

 

I used what I've since learned is a pretty conservative figure for health insurance in the US. Information I used for tax rates is linked to in the post.

 

I think it's a frequent cry that people in countries with UHC are taxed through the roof but the reality isn't so.

[WishboneDawn]

I know, I'm the same way. It's why I waited until I was 8 days into the flu before finally going into the ER. I didn't know I had the flu (a false negative test in the doctor's office had me thinking it was just a regular virus), but I was in incredible pain and extremely sick.

 

I don't expect that Canadian ERs are any faster, or other countries' ERs are faster either. My beef is with people using the "OMG, you'll wait forever with socialized health care!" argument are overlooking that we already wait a long time to be seen. And we pay tons more for it!

 

I'm in Canada.

 

Our last ER visit was when my husband slipped on ice walking the dog. They thought he might have broken ribs - we were in and out within 3 hours. Previous to that was a visit for my GFIL and he was taken in immediately and admitted. My longest wait was 6 hours but it was a Saturday night and I had a kidney stone. I didn't realize it but I think the ER people knew and I was placed way down on the priority list - which I'd expect.

 

I generally don't use the ER though as I've got a great doctor who can generally see me on the same day when I call with something like a cut needing stitches.

 

It just depends on the night, what you issue is and how many people are ahead of you I guess.

[Audrey]

Many of our Canadian posters would beg to differ, I believe, and like the Canadian system.

 

.

 

 

Yes, I would beg to differ, but frankly I am tired of trying to explain to people who are too politically motivated, or too blind, or too ignorant or too mired in propaganda to understand how the system really works for most people up here. So you know what? If you (general you) love your system, then fine. Please, by all means, have it. But, do me the favour of ceasing to denigrate any system that isn't yours.

[WishboneDawn]

I would be shocked to hear that other countries have ERs that are speedy and efficient. That is NOT what I have heard at all.

 

Read my previous post and be shocked then.:001_smile: ERs everywhere tend to be a waiting game, it's the nature of the beast, but my experience with them hasn't been any worse then the experiences I've heard about from Americans.

 

I'm not sure what magically happens when countries have UHC that would somehow decrease ER efficiency.:confused:

[kokotg]

 

I'm not sure what magically happens when countries have UHC that would somehow decrease ER efficiency.:confused:

 

Really, logically, it seems like it would be the opposite, since the uninsured would no longer need to use ERs as their primary source of medical care.

[WishboneDawn]

The waiting forever with arguments I've always seen are generally about cancer treatment. As in people can't get them for months sometimes, not always, and that can certainly be fatal. Of course, in America, some people don't get them at all because they don't have insurance. But the people with insurance who can get treated right away are scared (reasonably so) of losing that and losing their life.

 

Another post from me but I've now had several people in my life with serious diseases including cancer and in every case treatment was prompt.

 

The area where there IS a problem with wait times is with elective surgeries like joint replacements. I've never heard of any widespread problems with treatment for potentially fatal diseases and often find the accusation about them so vague they're meaningless.

[WishboneDawn]

I'm sure it depends largely on the area and the hospitals.

 

As for ER visits, I would bet those are horrible everywhere, in every country. The Canadian friend I mentioned had to take her 1 year old to the ER 3 times in one week, and each time she was there all night, just trying to get him cough/croup medicine. She was SO frustrated and upset by the end of that week.

 

??? Does she not have a doctor or a local walk-in clinic? Honestly, if I were going to the ER with a coughing toddler I'd expect to be waiting a loooong time.

[Impish]

I'll ask the Canadians here; would a couple making $45K stand to lose 33% of their income to super high taxes and health care costs?

Heck no!

Yes, I would beg to differ, but frankly I am tired of trying to explain to people who are too politically motivated, or too blind, or too ignorant or too mired in propaganda to understand how the system really works for most people up here. So you know what? If you (general you) love your system, then fine. Please, by all means, have it. But, do me the favour of ceasing to denigrate any system that isn't yours.

:iagree:

??? Does she not have a doctor or a local walk-in clinic? Honestly, if I were going to the ER with a coughing toddler I'd expect to be waiting a loooong time.

I took a 2 yo into the ER with croup. Was seen immediately, treated, admitted for 2 days. Cough medicine isn't something the ER would triage as a priority, nor should they. Obviously, his breathing wasn't a concern, his O2 stats were ok for him to be kept waiting. Otherwise, he would have been whipped in, asap, same as any other ER.

[Colleen in NS]

I was so ill, they thought something like appendicitis might be going on. That did not stop the admissions lady from coming in to the room where I was being treated and request that I pay my ER copay (which was $250.00 USD). My mother fished my cc out from my purse and gave it to her, as I was too weak to do it myself.

 

I can't even imagine this happening here. It seems like an insult to our very humanity.

 

I don't think we should be so quick to think Canada has such a superior system to ours.

 

I'm an American-Canadian. Lived the first 25 years of my life in the States, and the past 18 years in Canada. When I was a young adult in the States, I didn't have insurance, and thus, never went for health care appointments. I once walked out of a doctor's office, because I couldn't afford the $300 for the physical exam and some tests he wanted to give me for heart palpitations I was having. Fortunately, I moved to Canada soon afterward, and because of the way things worked at the time for students in Ontario, I was able to get the medical care I needed for my heart. For free. The whole concept blew my mind.

 

From what I understand, the countries that have "free" health care are taxed through the ROOF and it's certainly not anymore quick or efficient than the health care we have here.

 

The amount of taxes individual families pay really depends on individual situations. We are on the lower side of the income bracket, and for various reasons, do not pay "through the roof" in taxes. I've expressed some guilt in the past over this to friends, and one person said to me, "Colleen, I am HAPPY to pay my share of taxes so that families like yours can have what you need, too." It was a completely different attitude than much of what I've seen expressed in the States.

 

I've lived both sides, and I wholeheartedly think the Canadian UHC system is superior. I am very grateful for it, prioritized ER waits and all.

[Audrey]

I can't even imagine this happening here. It seems like an insult to our very humanity.

 

 

 

I'm an American-Canadian. Lived the first 25 years of my life in the States, and the past 18 years in Canada. When I was a young adult in the States, I didn't have insurance, and thus, never went for health care appointments. I once walked out of a doctor's office, because I couldn't afford the $300 for the physical exam and some tests he wanted to give me for heart palpitations I was having. Fortunately, I moved to Canada soon afterward, and because of the way things worked at the time for students in Ontario, I was able to get the medical care I needed for my heart. For free. The whole concept blew my mind.

 

 

 

The amount of taxes individual families pay really depends on individual situations. We are on the lower side of the income bracket, and for various reasons, do not pay "through the roof" in taxes. I've expressed some guilt in the past over this to friends, and one person said to me, "Colleen, I am HAPPY to pay my share of taxes so that families like yours can have what you need, too." It was a completely different attitude than much of what I've seen expressed in the States.

 

I've lived both sides, and I wholeheartedly think the Canadian UHC system is superior. I am very grateful for it, prioritized ER waits and all.

 

 

Well said, Colleen. Thank you.

[Colleen in NS]

you can have small pockets of excellence among a wide backdrop of average to very poor care. Those who have lived in the "small pockets" tend to think that their experience is representative of most.

 

This is what I keep hearing when I read about this stuff - there are many living in the States, who do not have access to health care, due to money. And then the occasional person pipes up with "Hey, I've got great coverage!" And then here in Canada, it's the opposite - most people seem to have great experience with the Canadian system, and it's only the occasional problem that you hear about. I do think the problems with the Cdn. system are the minority, though, overall. I'd much rather have the overall great system with a few problems, than to have a system of ultra-modern care that few can access.

 

BTW, I do wish that a system like this was in the States. I've move back there in a heartbeat, just to be closer to my family and to warmer weather. The whole health care issue is the only thing that really keeps us from moving there (dh is Canadian, but I think we could easily make immigration work).

Edited May 30, 2011 by Colleen in NS

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

:iagree:I've never waited less than 3 hours at an ER around here. Average waits have been 3-6 hours. Now, in all fairness, none of these have been life-threatening emergencies, but I wouldn't set foot in an ER now unless I was dying and had no other choice.

 

:iagree::iagree::iagree: That has been my personal experience as well while waiting in Emergency rooms. Plus when I worked in critical and acute care for over 20 years in the hospitals, I was told over and over again about how long people had to wait in the Emergency Rooms which was hours and hours just to be taken care of. Then to boot, it was not unusual at all for many, many, many patients to have to then wait in the Emergency Room for hours and even days for a room in the hospital.

 

Laslty, I have worked in Emergency rooms and helped out during my career so I saw how crazy and short staffed they were. In fact, every medical facility I worked in did not have enough nurses to give optimum care:( Of course, I tried my best, skipped lunches and breaks all the time, and stayed late usually to do the paperwork after the end of my shift.

Edited May 30, 2011 by priscilla

[Colleen in NS]

As for ER visits, I would bet those are horrible everywhere, in every country.

 

No, this is not true.

 

Again, it all depends on so many things. Some ERs here are busier than others, due to population. Also, I've had long waits, and I've had short waits. It all depended on triage priorities. I once spent four hours waiting, and another time my daughter and I barely left the triage nurse before my daughter was called in to a room and seen immediately (and this alerted me to how sick she was - I had no idea - she was croupy, too, but the triage nurse determined her oxygen was too low). And when I'm there for long waits, it can be boring (and painful - broken foot), but I know I'll be seen sooner or later, and I know I can tell the triage nurse if my situation worsens and they'll change the priority list. It's the *knowing* that I will be seen and treated, and that I don't have to stress about paying, that keeps me sane while waiting in an ER.

[WishboneDawn]

Our last visit was to the Cobequid near you Colleen. Previous to that we'd gone to Truro. What a difference! Comfy seats, room to lie down and sleep if need be, snacks, TV...Hopefully Truro will be as comfortable for waits when the new hospital is open but until then I'll be rushing any emergencies off to the relative luxury of Cobequid. :D Long waits there are a whole different matter.

[I.Dup.]

And it's great! I've used it myself! But the point is that it's only done for certain segments of the population. You might get Medicaid in pregnancy but in a few months that coverage is gone and you aren't getting any great coverage from the govt again unless you get pregnant again. Do we want to only take care of certain segments of the population while many many others are sick and dying and neglecting seeing a Dr because they don't have the money? Because they can't afford $1000 a month for health insurance that won't cover any meds or real treatment? It's comparable to us saying the US Govt provides an excellent public education for first graders but after that the kids are on their own. Let's just hope their parents can afford it.

 

Yes, this is a very good point.

 

Read my previous post and be shocked then.:001_smile: ERs everywhere tend to be a waiting game, it's the nature of the beast, but my experience with them hasn't been any worse then the experiences I've heard about from Americans.

 

I'm not sure what magically happens when countries have UHC that would somehow decrease ER efficiency.:confused:

 

I agree, and the example you provided sounded exactly like ERs in the U.S. to me. That was my point- people were complaining about ER visits here in the states and seeming to think that in Canada, everyone would fly in and out and be seen right away and given the best, most courteous treatment possible. I was just sharing that from what I've heard (and what you posted with the hours long wait) that isn't true. People are prioritized here too and someone with the flu (like a PP mentioned) would have to wait a really long time. I didn't think it would be much different in Canada.

 

??? Does she not have a doctor or a local walk-in clinic? Honestly, if I were going to the ER with a coughing toddler I'd expect to be waiting a loooong time.

 

I don't know. I know these episodes came on in the middle of the night and I know she waited at least 6-8 hours, through the night. That sounds no different than ERs here in the U.S.

[keptwoman]

I'll ask the Canadians here; would a couple making $45K stand to lose 33% of their income to super high taxes and health care costs?

I'm not Canadian, but in Aussie a couple? Making that much? Well, it's a very low income so I'm going to assume its one person working as opposed to two, if it were two the overall taxes paid would be lower, so this is worst case scenario.

Total tax on one person earning $45K would be $7200, so nowhere near 33%

If they had insurance they would probably have the lowest cover, so about $2200 a year. So add that onto the tax and assume no FTB and you have a total paid of $9400 which again is waaaay below 33%

The person would get fully free medical care as they would be eligible for a health card.

 

Also, if they had children they would be eligible for Family tax benefit which is a govt benefit to help with raising the children, how much depends on how many children but potentially it could almost reverse most of the tax they had paid. If they had a child they would be eligible for a "baby bonus" which is $5000? towards the costs of adding a child to the family (maternity care is free) Then when their children reach school age, they can claim school related expenses on their tax.

 

Other taxes:

Of course, we pay sales tax on everything but simple food stuffs. It's currently 15% (I think)

Gas is taxed highly, so we pay about an extra $2/gallon than you.

But our property taxes are MUCH lower, as schools are funded from central government tax.

[Melissa in Australia]

I'm not Canadian, but in Aussie a couple? Making that much? Well, it's a very low income so I'm going to assume its one person working as opposed to two, if it were two the overall taxes paid would be lower, so this is worst case scenario.

Total tax on one person earning $45K would be $7200, so nowhere near 33%

If they had insurance they would probably have the lowest cover, so about $2200 a year. So add that onto the tax and assume no FTB and you have a total paid of $9400 which again is waaaay below 33%

The person would get fully free medical care as they would be eligible for a health card.

 

Also, if they had children they would be eligible for Family tax benefit which is a govt benefit to help with raising the children, how much depends on how many children but potentially it could almost reverse most of the tax they had paid. If they had a child they would be eligible for a "baby bonus" which is $5000? towards the costs of adding a child to the family (maternity care is free) Then when their children reach school age, they can claim school related expenses on their tax.

 

Other taxes:

Of course, we pay sales tax on everything but simple food stuffs. It's currently 15% (I think)

Gas is taxed highly, so we pay about an extra $2/gallon than you.

But our property taxes are MUCH lower, as schools are funded from central government tax.

 

our combined income is just under $45k a year. My dh is on a disability pension so his part of the income is not taxed.

I pay around $1000 income tax, Property tax is around $900. Not anywhere near 33%

As we are low income we have a health care card, no fee when we go to the doctor, no fee for doctor prescribed tests or X-Rays etc. No fee for hospital stays, we only have to pay $4 for prescription medicine. We hardly need any medicine though people who need heaps of medicine and have a pension (think elderly) only have to pay ( I think ) up to $800 and then it is free for the rest of the year.

 

I live in the country. The local hospital doesn't actually have a resident doctor. If you go to ER the triage nurse called the doctor in, waiting time depends on how far the doctor is form the hospital, and how urgent the situation is. When my Ds sprained his ankle ( we thought broken) the doctor was there in about 15 minutes, the doctor preformed the X-Ray himself. When he had a fishhook embedded in his hand, the doctor was 30 minutes, he finished eating his dinner before he came.

[keptwoman]

Melissa, we ended up in the ER at Benalla recently after DS had an accident on a Scout waterski camp, they had the same thing... the doctor had to be called in. They were talking about taking him by ambulance to Wangaratta for xrays, but fortunately they decided they weren't needed. It was a very novel day, in a small ER which was set in lovely gardens, the staff were supurb and the doctor arrived from home in a much shorter time than we would have waited at a city ER!!

Edited May 30, 2011 by keptwoman

[Mrs Mungo]

I don't know. I know these episodes came on in the middle of the night and I know she waited at least 6-8 hours, through the night. That sounds no different than ERs here in the U.S.

 

Coughing at night is sometimes the only symptom of asthma or other lung disorders for kids. This is something that needs a follow up. I had to take my son in for breathing treatments a couple of times, but we would go home and make a same day appointment the next morning.

[cathmom]

In America it's illegal to turn anyone away from an ER.

 

Actually, it's only illegal if their illness is life-threatening. And then they can stabilize them and dump them.

 

 

 

 

When you measure the U.S. in each of these categories against other wealthy, western nations, there is a very clear pattern of inefficiency and sub-standard results that is readily apparent to everyone from the CDC to the World Health Organization to people like me, who read about and study the health care system in depth. This poor showing is even more inexcusable when one considers that we outspend EVERY. OTHER. COUNTRY. In the world in health care.

 

So. Bottom line: we spend tons more money, but we still have more babies, mamas, children, and working dads suffering and dying from lack of health care than other comparable nations.

 

That's not just shocking. That's unconscionable.

 

Bravo! You are a person after my own heart! Shall we go to Canada together? :001_smile:

[sewingmama]

Mmm- not my experience at all- I am sure it varies all over the place. I am in Perth. We are middle income but we have health insurance- but the only things we have ever used it for are chiropractic rebates, some dental and orthodontic. We are seriously considering canning it or at least going back to the minimum cover, probably with ambulance cover.

I had one slightly early baby in the general maternity hospital- not by my choice- and it was a trip- not the birth experience i hoped for- but it didn't cost me a cent. The other was a wonderful birthing centre experience, also totally free along with midwife visits to my home throughout the pregnancy.

I have good doctors- a clinic I like with an alternative bent- the kids are still bulk billed until age 16- I pay a bit on top of Medicare rebate but not a lot- maybe $20 usually. That doesn't seem unreasonable. If I need to be bulk billed (free), I know where to go- the poorer suburbs in Perth, or the local hospital outpatient clinic.

I recently had a whole lot of blood tests, twice- I never paid for any. Certain things are free and so far all mine have been. We have all had ultra sounds and xrays free at the local hospital or clinic.

Prescriptions- as Sandra says- $10-$15 usually for antibiotics or whatever. Doesn't seem too unreasonable.

I have a friend who had cancer recently- she went into the public system and received the latest high tech treatment, radiation and chemo- and although not on concession, didn't pay a cent. She got rid of her private insurance after that, because she never needed it and the private hospital didn't have the technology- and she still would have paid on top of her insurance.

I find people who work in hospitals amazing- even though I am more naturally medically inclined and against a lot of what they do- I still appreciate their spirit and intention to do well by me to the best of their knowledge. I have been incredibly grateful for the simple kindness of nurses in particular.

 

Interesting we have such different experiences. I am very grateful for our system, even though it has its problems. However, we have no serious long term medical conditions and usually use doctors and the medical system for diagnostic purposes only- rarely for treatments.

 

 

You know that's how I remember Australia being 10 years ago before I moved to Canada. (Excellent system by the way - I had no insurance and no citizenship yet I could walk into any clinic and only be charged $20 to see the doctor). When I moved back after 3 years it had all changed. I have had care in Brisbane, Alice Springs and Adelaide - it's all been the same experience. I can't remember the last time I was bulk billed for anything -I always have to pay $55 up front. I've heard that kids under 16 are bulk billed - but I don't believe it - I've never been bulk billed for my kids either.

 

I live in a very low socio-economic area yet the only people they allow to bulk bill is those on welfare. I've paid upfront for every U/S when I was pregnant, every x-ray (even for my kids). The only time I was bulked billed for an U/S was when I had a miscarriage and the U/S showed the baby had died. I think the staff felt sorry for me and told me I could go straight home - they would bulk bill it so I wouldn't have to go out to the front counter.

 

I'm starting to think that everyone thinks I'm not an Australian citizen or something :lol:

 

Oh and on the cancer thing - I had a neighbour that needed treatment for cancer (young, in her 30's). She had to take out a bank loan to pay for it. Luckily it got rid of the cancer - but she lives in fear of it returning. She cannot get another loan - it was almost impossible for her to get the first one because they don't like to loan money to dying people - but they did because her husband went guarantor. If her cancer returns she won't be able to get treatment again - she can't afford it.

 

Interesting we have such different experiences. I am very grateful for our system, even though it has its problems. However, we have no serious long term medical conditions and usually use doctors and the medical system for diagnostic purposes only- rarely for treatments.

 

Interesting that you mentioned that. I thought our medical system was great too - until I developed symptoms of something more serious then just a cold or such. That's when you really find out how bogged down and inadequate the system is.

Edited May 30, 2011 by sewingmama

[sewingmama]

Ambulance insurance in Australia is less than $200 a year, to me that is an expense that is not negotiable.

 

When you have to choose between food and cover it is. We are not even affording the basics right now so things like Ambulance cover are considered a luxery we can't afford.

 

I don't think Ambulance is covered by medicare in any country. I don't actually know anyone who doesn't pay the less than $200 a year for ambulance coverage.

 

 

I am aware that Medicare doesn't cover the cost of an Ambulance - we just can't afford the cover - too many other medical bills we are paying off first.

Edited May 30, 2011 by sewingmama

[keptwoman]

I can't remember the last time I was bulk billed for anything -I always have to pay $55 up front. I've heard that kids under 16 are bulk billed - but I don't believe it - I've never been bulk billed for my kids either.

 

I live in a very low socio-economic area yet the only people they allow to bulk bill is those on welfare. I've paid upfront for every U/S when I was pregnant, every x-ray (even for my kids). The only time I was bulked billed for an U/S was when I had a miscarriage and the U/S showed the baby had died. I think the staff felt sorry for me and told me I could go straight home - they would bulk bill it so I wouldn't have to go out to the front counter.

 

I'm starting to think that everyone thinks I'm not an Australian citizen or something :lol:

 

I'm NOT an Australian citizen, but as a NZer I can get Medicare. Our GPs bulk bill everyone. Our last ones didn't though, it seems to vary from practice to practice even within socioeconomic areas. But even when I paid $55, getting $35 back and it only costing $20 is still pretty darn good!! If money was tight I used to go straight to Medicare and get the refund in cash.

I still don't know how you get some USs bulk billed and some not, I wonder if it's a box a doctor ticks, who knows!

 

I haven't been pregnant here, I had my babies in NZ and yep, we had to pay for pregnancy ultrasounds there too. Since that was my one and only medical cost during the pregnancy, it didn't bother me.

 

How did your friend end up needing a loan for cancer? Did she choose to use the private system?

[Melissa in Australia]

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How did your friend end up needing a loan for cancer? Did she choose to use the private system?

I was wondering the same thing. She must have used the private system.

I know some of the medicine can be expensive, but I am sure the total is capped. I knew a lady who had multiple sclerosis. Her medication was $400 per month. After 6 months or so, it dropped down to something like $20 per month, she had reached her capped rate.

[sgilli3]

We are in Oz too,and our doctor bulk bills.

The clinic we were using before we temporarily moved overseas charged a $10 out-of-pocket fee- pretty good I think!

 

I have given birth 4 times in Oz- the first time we went through the private system and ended up out of pocket about $1000.

For # 2 and #3 our only out of pocket expense was the 20 week ultrasound- which,even 8 years apart,only cost $50

I gave birth to #4 in January and there were no charges at all fir the ultrasounds( there were no charges for delivery of last 3 babies)

 

Currently,dd(4) & I are receiving specialist care for various health issues & there has been no charge at all.

 

Never heard of anyone taking a loan for cancer treatment available through public system. My uncle recently lost his long battle with cancer & received outstanding care in hospital and at home - for free.

 

 

I really do think that we are the lucky country!

[Negin]

I plan to sit down with a huge pot of tea and read all the replies ... this is a very emotional issue for me.

 

Meanwhile, this might be of interest.

 

 

The United States spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy is shorter than in most other developed nations and many developing ones. Lack of health insurance is a factor in life span and contributes to an estimated 45,000 deaths a year. Why the high cost? The U.S. has a fee-for-service system—paying medical providers piecemeal for appointments, surgery, and the like. That can lead to unneeded treatment that doesn’t reliably improve a patient’s health. Says Gerard Anderson, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who studies health insurance worldwide, “More care does not necessarily mean better care.â€

[Eleni]

I was without coverage for a few years due to repeated denials for coverage from insurance companies because I had had a prior depression diagnosis.

Dh is self employed so we have to get individual coverage. During the run around trying to find coverage a lady I spoke with at one of the insurance companies told me that she has seen people declined for tennis elbow. :glare:

 

I finally have coverage and will be going to the Dr for the first time in 4 years. It was a nervewracking time period because any time I got sick i just had to pray it wouldn't get bad.

 

Between our monthly premium and a 5,000$ deductible we pay around 10,000 a year or a family of 5 before the Insurance company pays anything. I haven't had experience with prescriptions yet, so I don't know how that will go.

 

Im almost afraid to go to the Dr. anymore, because what if something is wrong with me...and then dh gets promoted and we move again and have to get new insurance? I hate even having this worry.

[QueenCat]

Im almost afraid to go to the Dr. anymore, because what if something is wrong with me...and then dh gets promoted and we move again and have to get new insurance? I hate even having this worry.

 

As long as the health care act doesn't get repealed, you should be fine now with pre-existing conditions.