How many of you don't have

[Minimor]

Well, I live in canada, and so far have not had to go to the US for treatment. When I was diagnosed with a lung tumor, I was in the hospital having surgery within 2 weeks. My surgeon was--and no doubt still is-- one of the best there is, anywhere. He's brilliant.

I pay absolutely nothing for my health care. I do, however, have blue cross health insurance to pay for extras such as ambulance, semi-private hospital room, medical apparatus, chiropractor, massage therapy, physiotherapy (sometimes physio is covered by our health care, sometimes it isn't, and that is when blue cross kicks in), prescription drugs, etc etc. Through work I have extra coverage for vision care and dental work, though my regular blue cross will cover dental work if the work is required due to an accident.

Total cost of my blue cross insurance? $4.99 every 2 weeks.

That article truly is a joke. 6 months wait for a pap smear? Not hardly. I had to have mine redone. I called on Monday & had an appointment on Thursday of the same week. When I called to book my complete physical--which does mean a "long appointment" and therefore a longer wait than if one just wants a regular short appointment--it was only a 1 1/2 week wait.

 

[Jill]

Some people already had the horses when they lost their medical. Then found out how hard it was to get medical coverage again without spending a fortune. Should they get rid of everything they love?

I'm not telling anyone what they should do. We all have our own lives to live. However, in my own life, horses are a (much loved) luxury, and health insurance is a necessity. Without it, a person is one accident, one illness, away from the chance to loose everything (including the horses).

 

[Minimor]

I didn't think to add this to my earlier post--it's true that we (Canada, or at least rural Manitoba) do lose some doctors to the US. Why? Because they can earn more money there than they can here. In most cases that is why they leave here--for some there are other considerations.

However, it's not necessarily our best doctors that we lose to the US. Sometimes the good ones go, but there are still many of the best that choose to stay here. Happily for us some of the very worst ones also choose to head off to the US--there have been a few of that kind from this area, and their leaving has been no loss at all. Bye bye & good riddance. I have to tell you that you are quite welcome to pay top dollar for the services of those doctors--we don't want them even when they are "free"!

I should have added, too, that here for someone that doesn't get blue cross benefits through their place of employment may get less insurance coverage for higher premiums. My mother, who is retired, buys an individual blue cross benefit plan. It costs here $114 every 3 months, so $456 per year. That doesn't cover any dental work or vision care (though both are available on a higher priced plan) and only $135 in prescription drugs. It will cover medical appliances, ambulance and semi private room. Based on income, she pays only the first $210 of her prescription drugs each year (and $135 of that is reimbursed by blue cross) and after that the provincial pharmacare program pays for her prescriptions.

 

[Ashley]

Yep I wouldnt give up my horses. I have had some of them for 13 years. They are what keep me going, they are by far the most important thing to me. I can live with out insurrance and have them.

 

[Danielle_E.]

There are a whole lot of opinions on the matter of socialized medicine and the article was only one. I do konw that Canadians come ito Montana for health services and there is good reasons for it. Truly, if you are happy with what you have, that is great for you but there are others who feel differently. We often have comments in our newspaper editorials about whether the US should have socialized medicine and we hear FROM Canadians who tell us to beware. I for one believe America has been strong because we have been a country of free enterprise and I do hope it can stay that way. Many of us believe that the less government in our lives the better off we are. We have enjoyed the independence of not only taking care of ourselves but also those who truly need help. I see our country weakening because more and more people feel the government should be taking care of them. I fully understand that medical services are horribly high and something needs to be done. But is it right to cap doctors fees while we want to have the choice to make as much as we can? Have you talked to a number of doctors there in Canada and understand what they feel about the situation? Don't just laugh at someone elses opinion when they are sincere and seeing something you haven't seen yet. There is nothing wrong with people like myself wanting to remain as free as possible from government intervention. I do appreciate all comments towards this subject and hope we can come up with some solutions and not just put the other person down. mARY

Okay, I rarely comment on these topics, but in case anyone is reading the "article" posted above, as a Canadian, I can assure you that it is completely inaccurate and absolutely ridiculous!

Gee, I hope this isn't being taken as putting people down. That certainly is NOT the intent. If the system that you have in the U.S. works for you then that is wonderful. I am concerned about the others in the U.S., some of you have shared some of the hardships (lack of insurance, not being able to afford medical help when needed, losing homes). That is what truly shocks many of us who have a different system. I never said our system didn't have it's problems, it does but what I am saying is no matter what your income is you are covered for "health" and I think that is an important thing. You say you don't want more government control but even those of you who pay exhorbitant prices for health insurance are being controlled. Your insurance carrier is controlling you, big business is controlling your lives. You know we say here in Canada, the U.S. ect ect. we live in a "free" society. No we don't. There are controls all over the place, EVERYWHERE. We are much better off than those in China or other communist countries, that's for sure. But tell the person who travels alot whether there isn't control at the moment at the airports. Tell that to the travellers. We in many countries enjoy more freedom than others, but total freedom, no way, in no countires. The difference I see with doctors that head to the U.S. is that $$ and lots of it, talks. That is what is important to those doctors. They work long hours and I certainly don't begrudge them a decent salary but at what cost? I guess the bottom line is the only important thing in this world is making huge amounts of money? Is that what life is all about? I know, now I am getting philisophical, but I think greed in this world is a major problem and I am not talking about the U.S. I am talking about society as a whole. They say that their is enough food in this world to go around, that starvation doesn't have to be, and yet there are many people starving in this world. It's not only medical systems in this world that are sick, I think alot of society is "sick".

 

[JennyB]

[SIZE=12pt][/SIZE]

Hi Bonnie I getcha and agree 100%! I hope someday this country has basic heathcare for free for ALL people. It's only right and I am one of the many who had NO health insurance!!!

...one of my meds cost $300. per month, but I don't pay that and have my docs keep me in samples. thank the Lord! .... That is the "only" thing I can do

My new presidental "wish" is that the health care system in this country changes for the better or I am headed for Canada!

Jenny

 

[Izzyantheminis]

It really annoys me to hear people carry on about long waits for medical care in Canada. There can be longs waits to be seen here in the US too.It can easily be a month and a half to see a specialist.

Seems like most folks I've heard from in Canada are pleased with their health care system.Even with it's flaws.Thats cool.

 

[Pepipony]

Dont think our system is quite broken? I am on SSD for an illness, however insurance will not cover treatment because its not 'serious'.

I dont think that we should be paying elected officials what they decide to pay themselves, while we have people that are in need. I dont think I should pay for joe shmoes rug rat to go to school then tell me my health care, if given by the Gov, would be socialized. I also dont think that welfare should be a life long thing, hand up, not hand out. As for taxes to pay for health care, with the debt this country has ( thanks Bush, what a help) the last thing we need to think about is lowering of any taxes.

 

[Buckskin gal]

"I pay absolutely nothing for my health care. "

This statement absolutely floors me!! Any person who is not paying for their health care does not t seem to realize that SOMEONE is paying for it! The doctors are not working for nothing nor would most of us expect them to. Hospitals and clinics do not build or maintain themselves either. If someone isn't paying for their health care it means that someone else is paying it for them.

For those who think the US doesn't provide heath care for people who are in dire need and for many others, all I can say is you are wrong and don't know how things works here. It is true that people have to make choices as to what their priorites are. Sometimes it is the choice of having luxuries or necessities. I would just like to ask, if a person chooses to have the luxuries before paying for ther necessities

do they feel that other peole should pick up their tab for the necessities?

Oh well, maybe I have lived long enough to know from experiences that there isn't anything "free" in life and I don't expect it to be that way. I do hope something can be worked out so everyone who wants health coverage is able to pay for their health care for it is a needed necessity.

Well, I live in canada, and so far have not had to go to the US for treatment. When I was diagnosed with a lung tumor, I was in the hospital having surgery within 2 weeks. My surgeon was--and no doubt still is-- one of the best there is, anywhere. He's brilliant.

I pay absolutely nothing for my health care. I do, however, have blue cross health insurance to pay for extras such as ambulance, semi-private hospital room, medical apparatus, chiropractor, massage therapy, physiotherapy (sometimes physio is covered by our health care, sometimes it isn't, and that is when blue cross kicks in), prescription drugs, etc etc. Through work I have extra coverage for vision care and dental work, though my regular blue cross will cover dental work if the work is required due to an accident.

Total cost of my blue cross insurance? $4.99 every 2 weeks.

That article truly is a joke. 6 months wait for a pap smear? Not hardly. I had to have mine redone. I called on Monday & had an appointment on Thursday of the same week. When I called to book my complete physical--which does mean a "long appointment" and therefore a longer wait than if one just wants a regular short appointment--it was only a 1 1/2 week wait.

 

[Minimor]

Oh Mary, don't be so RIDICULOUS. That's not the word I was originally going to use, but then decided to be nice. The first choice might have been too insulting. Of course "we all" pay "something" for health care--that's part of the taxes we pay. That goes without saying! (Or at least I thought it did. I suspect everyone else here realizes that government funded health care is actually paid for with tax dollars. Are you really that clued out?)

But in saying I pay absolutely nothing for health care, I mean that I can go to the clinic and see a doctor without paying $173 (the amount quoted by someone earlier on this thread I think?) to do it. And when I needed my lung surgery I didn't need to worry about whether or not I had health insurance that would pay for it, and I didn't have to have $50000 or $70000 to pay for that surgery, and I didn't have to do without that surgery because I didn't have $50000 or $70000 (or whatever it might actually cost, I have no idea!) to pay for it.

Obviously some people use the health care system more than others. There are those that run to the doctor over every little thing and on the opposite end there are those that don't go to the doctor even when they desperately need to, just because they don't like going to the doctor and have to be half dead before they'll finally break down & go to the clinic. However, it is very very rare to hear anyone complain about someone else overusing the system. You'll hear complaints about people abusing welfare, but none about excess trips to the doctor. I think that's because the majority of people are happy to have the "free" health care. Even if one doesn't use it now, it's very very nice to know that it is there should one need it in the future.

I do hear people complain, though, about the Americans that come up here & fraudulently use our healthcare system. And yes, it happens. I've never been too sure on how they get the necessary ID to use the health system, but they do it. If your health care is so superior to ours, why do you suppose anyone would choose to come up here & use the Canadian health system??

And BTW--I grew up in the US and am still a US citizen--I know first hand what the system there is like & can make comparisons.

 

[LowriseMinis]

Here's a question for the Canadian folks-is there anywhere in Canada where your health coverage does not apply?

My parents have excellent health insurance-as long as they're in California. My dad had a heart attack in 2006 while he was in Texas, got excellent and prompt care in one of the best cardiac hospitals in the nation there, and when we got home we found out that our insurance only covers care in California and neighboring states (I believe Nevada, Arizona, and maybe Oregon and Utah). So now my parents are making payments on his $20,000 hospital bill from the ambulance ride, emergency surgery, second surgery in another artery, and a 5 day stay in ICU.

I just think it's odd. It's not like he could come home and THEN get medical treatment in the insurance's 'coverage area' with something like that!

 

[Buckskin gal]

Well, since you know it all and don't use the words to say what you mean , I will leave it at that. OH! Don't see the need for you to get rude but then OH well, Shrug. I certainly have no intention of arguig with you and will say no more.

Oh Mary, don't be so RIDICULOUS. That's not the word I was originally going to use, but then decided to be nice. The first choice might have been too insulting. Of course "we all" pay "something" for health care--that's part of the taxes we pay. That goes without saying! (Or at least I thought it did. I suspect everyone else here realizes that government funded health care is actually paid for with tax dollars. Are you really that clued out?)

But in saying I pay absolutely nothing for health care, I mean that I can go to the clinic and see a doctor without paying $173 (the amount quoted by someone earlier on this thread I think?) to do it. And when I needed my lung surgery I didn't need to worry about whether or not I had health insurance that would pay for it, and I didn't have to have $50000 or $70000 to pay for that surgery, and I didn't have to do without that surgery because I didn't have $50000 or $70000 (or whatever it might actually cost, I have no idea!) to pay for it.

Obviously some people use the health care system more than others. There are those that run to the doctor over every little thing and on the opposite end there are those that don't go to the doctor even when they desperately need to, just because they don't like going to the doctor and have to be half dead before they'll finally break down & go to the clinic. However, it is very very rare to hear anyone complain about someone else overusing the system. You'll hear complaints about people abusing welfare, but none about excess trips to the doctor. I think that's because the majority of people are happy to have the "free" health care. Even if one doesn't use it now, it's very very nice to know that it is there should one need it in the future.

I do hear people complain, though, about the Americans that come up here & fraudulently use our healthcare system. And yes, it happens. I've never been too sure on how they get the necessary ID to use the health system, but they do it. If your health care is so superior to ours, why do you suppose anyone would choose to come up here & use the Canadian health system??

And BTW--I grew up in the US and am still a US citizen--I know first hand what the system there is like & can make comparisons.

 

[Jill]

"I pay absolutely nothing for my health care. "

This statement absolutely floors me!! Any person who is not paying for their health care does not t seem to realize that SOMEONE is paying for it!

I'm right with you there, Mary. I'd even say that those people do not realize that nearly EVERYONE is paying for it.

Every once in awhile, I'll even meet people who think they paid nothing in income taxes because they got a refund... I just don't have a tremendous amount of patience for people who are so ignorant about something so important.

These threads really make me feel aggressively patriotic and while we have room for improvement in our health care system, I don't think that improvement would be moving to a Canadian style socialized system at all.

Additionally, my own personal health care coverage, choices, and quality of care could not be better. Ditto for that of my family. WE are not the ones who need improvement, but I would like to see a way for people who truly need help to get some (and that would be people who cannot afford it, not those who don't have the money for it due to choices they make.)

 

[Minimor]

Here's a question for the Canadian folks-is there anywhere in Canada where your health coverage does not apply?

Our health coverage & standard blue cross insurance (for ambulance & such) is good throughout Canada. However, if we travel outside the country, then it is wise to purchase extra travel insurance. If a Canadian were to require health care in the US for instance, there is only a very small amount that would be covered by our health system.

Every once in awhile, I'll even meet people who think they paid nothing in income taxes because they got a refund...

Wow, really? I've never come across anyone quite that dumb, though I do know a couple that make so little they get 100% of what they pay in refunded. And yes, I also know some that actually don't pay in any income tax, but do get a refund--the ones I know that's the case for are either seniors who don't get a large pension & so have no tax deducted (they get refunded a cost of living amount) or stay-at-home moms who don't pay anything in but do get a tax refund because of child tax credits. But for most of us, yeah, the people I know are fully aware that they pay a healthy chunk of tax over & above whatever amount they may get refunded.

 

[Charley]

Acutually, there are a lot of people in the U.S. who do not pay any income tax and get tax refunds....aka earned income credit. I have seen many returns where the person pays in very little income and even no income tax and gets a hefty refund. It is not dependent on tax paid in.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return.

The EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments."

 

[Jill]

The people I've met who don't think they pay income tax because they received a refund are people who have substantial, taxable, income

It comes up when I start a conversation to help them (clients / potential clietns) see that some of their taxable investments are causing income taxes, and maybe more of their social security income to be taxable as well.

Then there's a group of relatives (not my side of the family LOL) that also think refunds mean they didn't pay income tax.

 

[Charley]

Jill, that is sad...Right up there with those who just don't care about the poor because they aren't...namely government.

 

[Jill]

What really bothers me (not in a frustated way but a concerned one) is that there are so many couples I see where one of them (almost always the wife) doesn't know anything about their finances. With almost all my clients, they have plenty of money, but the wive's would really need help if something happened to the husband. I've been working with one client who is a recent widow (became our clients when the husband was still alive). When she first came in after her husband's death, I had to work with her several times a month to help figure out her bills, teach her how to write checks, etc. It just really concerns me for the spouses who do not work with a financial planner or have someone else who can help teach them the real basics of day to day finance (without taking advantage of them). It's alarming how many people just don't know how to handle these items.

 

[Charley]

Yes, that is a problem. I know of women who still don't know how to put gas in their cars.

Years ago when my husband was in the military I had a friend whose husband wrote out all the checks for bills and labeled them with dates for her to put in the mail before he went to sea as his wife didn't know how to write a check...or drive. She literally was homebound when he was gone. Ignorance really limits people be they rich or poor.

 

[FoRebel]

I just saw this thread and wanted to say that even though we have health insurance it sucks. Our insurance didn't cover any of my maternity/delivery even though they said that they would. I had an unplanned c-section and ended up with a $30K bill from the hospital for it, the insurance company won't pay ANY of the cost! We make too much for medical aid so that's out of the question... We'll end up paying the $30K over the next 5 + years just because our insurance is now refusing to pay my maternity/delivery costs!

Needless to say, we're looking into health insurance by ourselves.