Re: Healthcare in Canada


"Alex W." <ingilt@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Joe" <joe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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On Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:03:02 +0000, Paul M. Cook wrote:


Nope. But the point is made. Even if it is 25%, project that over all
the consumer goods you buy every year. A single payer system could
dramatically reduce the costs of many products and services and
probably
pay for the tax burden with change leftover. Speaking of taxes, what
is
the differecne between paying a premium out of pocket or paying through
a tax? Spread across the whole country the burden of a NH insurance
would be less than what you pay now.


So, then, the cost of goods is now cheaper in those countries that we
are
trying to model our proposed system after?

Compare the price of your goods to those in Canada and the UK. Add any
other non-3rd world country. Get back to me on that.

Prices are typically higher; however, at least some of the differential is
due to variations in specification or quality. A German or Swedish car
costs more because it is built better than a Chevy.

What is definitely less is healthcare expenditure. British spending on
health is half of the US level, but we're not half as unhealthy.



And while their price of goods is universally higher, at least their
taxes are significantly higher, too...

But then, so are the services significantly more extensive. You can't add
it up against each other one for one, but depending on your actual tax
burden and your social situation, it is quite possible to receive more in
benefits and services than the amount paid in taxes.


Again, compare to countries that have the services you want, and show me
where I would be paying less for anything. Higher prices for goods
across the board, and higher taxes do not account for "paying less".
And
the flocks of Canadians coming over here every day for routine
procedures, so that they don't have to wait 9 months for them, does not
instill confidence.

But that is convenience rather than need. I do this myself: if I have an
urgent problem I go private, but why should I pay through the nose and go
9
rounds with my insurer for routine checkups, blood tests or the odd
twisted
ankle? What those Canadians are dong is being impatient; they find it
more
convenient to pay in the US for a procedure at the time of their choosing
rather than wait a bit and have it for free (YKWIM).


And one more thing: A great many of those Canadians live along the border
with the US where in an emergency it is quicker to be taken to a US hospital
in North Dakota or Idaho to at very least be stabilized to the point they
can be transferred to a Canadian facility. Thre aint a whole lot between
Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Lots of space and not a lot of medical
clinics. And the Canadian government reimburses US hospitals for that care.
Yes, a huge number of Canadians come to the US for boob jobs, tummy tucks,
face lifts and other cosmetic procedures. Contrary to libertarian swill,
Canadians have disposable income and a noticeable number seem to spend it in
elective surgery.

Paul


.

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