The Dean

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aYPuCa1iuxG8

Hello.Kitty

bless 'em... what a horrible situation.

I can't help but feel that the nanny state in GB is coming to an end. It's true they can't pay for everything for everyone all of the time.

Another part of me also says, well, what's more important, your life or your house? Tough situations call for tough choices.

typical

In the US, these medicines are rationed by ability to pay for insurance.

In the UK, they are rationed by effectiveness as compared to other drugs for other people, considering the pot of money. Drugs that do more for people get bought.

I prefer our system.

Charismatic

:yes: Baby boomers cannot realistically expect as extensive NHS treatment as those before them, the population structure would not support that.

Both in the UK and US this is going to be a problem, NHS spending is already out of control.

Hello.Kitty

well, in France you have to pay for everything up-front, then if you're a tax-payer, you get 2/3 reimbursed by the state and the remaining 1/3 is reimbursed by private medical insurance (if you choose to take out this insurance).

The wierd thing is that patients going to a doctor generally come to associate "value for money" with the amount of medication they get prescribed... although at least your doctor bothers to learn your name, unlike in the UK.

Sad to say it, but I can't help thinking that within the next 50 years, it'll be every man for himself, both in terms of pension and medical care.

I'm certainly going to be bringing my children up to think it's perfectly acceptable to have Aged Parents live with you, drink your wine and spend your money.