"Mark & Juanita" wrote in message
m...
Lew Hodgett wrote:

The House of Representatives passed Health Care Reform tonight.

Hello Senate.

Lew

As someone else put it, "Who would have thought that liberty would die
with the sound of thunderous applause?"



When Australia first nationalised medical care in 1975, I was vehemently
opposed to it. Saw it as government interference, creeping socialism and
denying freedom of choice. I held that view for many years. Gradually, as I
saw it get through some teething troubles and changes, some of which were
caused by changes of government it evolved into a workable system. Both
sides of national politics now support it and have done for about the last
14 years.
Insurance companies now have no involvement. Private insurance, which I
carry, is via not for profit organisations which exist for the purpose of
providing medical benefits for their members. Private health cover entitles
me to a choice of private hospitals, choice of doctor and refunds in most
cases of any additional fees not picked up by medicare. Everyone, whether
privately insured or not, gets hospital treatment at no cost. Waiting times
are determined by the level of urgency for treatment. Privately insured
patients who have the option of treatment at private hospitals get faster
treatment than those without cover, but only on non life threatening
illnesses.

Standard of care? - I have, unfortunately, spent the last 12 months in and
out of both the private hospital system and the government hospitals.
Surprisingly, I would have to admit that the government hospitals are better
equipped and the standard of care overall is higher.
The financial disasters that I and others like me predicted have not
occurred. The system is remarkably efficient. And everyone, regardless, gets
basic care at no cost, and those of us that wish to, still get freedom of
choice.
Currently, Australia spends approx 9% of GDP on medical care. I believe the
US currently spends something like 15% of GDP. Yet Australians reportedly
live on average live 4 years longer than the average US citizen.
Got to be food for thought in that.

We do not however, have a national dental care system, which puts dental
treatment out of reach of many people. My insurance covers part of the cost,
but disadvantaged people miss out.

diggerop