Re: Toughest thing

Posted by Rudi on October 17, 2004 at 11:54:32 from (69.195.159.117):

In Reply to: Re: Toughest thing posted by Okie Dave on October 17, 2004 at 11:22:48:

Dave:

Somebody is making a killing off of other peoples suffering. Just look at the flu shot and the gouging going on there!

Here in Canada, we have a medicare system (one that we pay for everytime we buy something, Fed tax is 8% Provincial is 7% and it is the Provincial that pays for medicare in NB for sure) that is the envy of many, many countries. Costs are limited to what is actually fair - in otherwords - somewhat tailored to actually pay for the R&D for the drugs and to return a small profit to the drug companies. Also, we cap exclusivity to 7 years, and at that time generic copies can be made of these drugs.

For example, my medical bills for the drugs that are not covered under specific plans (these are plans which make up for the lack of 3rd party insurance), cost me approximately $11,000.00/year. These same drugs would cost me in the order of $75,000.00/year in the US. (have done the math out of curiosity a few years ago)

The drugs that I need (I had a blood transfusion in 1985 while I was in the Canadian Forces, and I now am an AIDS patient) are covered by these special plans, but they cost in the neighbourhood of $50,000.00/year. In the US, it would be in the order of $250.000.00 from what my doctors have told me.

I truly feel for those with AIDS, ALS, Cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinson's and other catastrophic illnesses as the cost of treatment is astronomical. I really feel for those who have treatment caps on their medical insurance. It would not take long for someone to lose everything because of sickness.

That is one of the reasons Canada went to Medicare back in 1969. It provides universal health care for EVERYONE, and WE ALL pay for it. Nothing is free - it isn't communistic or a welfare society as we have been described. It is not even a type of socialism.

It is just good health and financial sense! We have Health Insurance as well, mostly for drug costs and for the extras such as a private room, cosmetic or totally elective surgeries. But everyone is guaranteed equality in treatment. No one gets better and no one gets less than the other at the basic level.

A real good system.

We really need to cap spending though, as some areas of our health care are ballooning out of control, much as in the US. These are the areas that are not regulated - medical supplies and equipment and such.

Really need to either buy in a group or regulate it somehow....

I guess I should get off my soap-box as well.

I do enjoy these little to-and-fro's though. Gets the juices running and reminds me of why I volunteered to serve my country in the military.

Freedom of Speach!

My Dad never had it as a child in Germany in the 30's and 40's - he always appreciated the freedoms we have in Canada, and I am proud to have served to keep it that way.

Guess it brings it back to the reason for the thread ---

Way to Go guys and gals. We appreciate all you have sacrificed! Your deeds are followed throughout the free world!

• Cub Manuals

Follow Ups:

• Re: Toughest thing Okie Dave 12:43:31 10/17/04 (4)
  • Re: Toughest thing Rudi 13:27:30 10/17/04 (3)
    • Re: Toughest thing Okie Dave 16:28:30 10/17/04 (2)
      • Re: Toughest thing Rudi 17:51:08 10/17/04 (1)
        • Re: Toughest thing Okie Dave 18:52:20 10/17/04 (0)

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