"Axel Grease" wrote in message
net...
"diggerop" toobusy@themoment wrote in message
. au...
"Mark & Juanita" wrote in message
m...

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.
snip
Everyone, whether
privately insured or not, gets hospital treatment at no cost.

No cost? Why do you not count your taxes which pay for it?

My bad. I should have phrased that better. Perhaps if I had said no direct
charge to the individual being treated?
Federal Government spending, is of course, funded by the taxpayer.


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.

Many variables ae possible there.
One might be American hypocondria. In some instances, staying away from
doctors can be a healthier choice than being treated often. 99,000
Americans die every year from MRSA. Most catch it in hospitals and
clinics
during treatment for other problems.


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


Thanks for explaining the dental care situation.

How are optical care and glasses paid for?
Giving benefit of the doubt, let's presume that eye surgery is counted
like
any other surgery and paid for in the publicly funded system supported by
tax money.
Axel


I'm not well versed in the optical care side, despite wearing prescription
glasses myself. I believe those on social security incur no direct cost, -
the rest of us do. Costs don't seem very high to me, they may well be
subsidised in part by the government, but I am just guessing. In addition,
in my case, my health fund reimbursed me most of the cost.

diggerop