Giantaxe

2.4 million based on first quarter surveys. Given that those surveys were taken throughout the first quarter and there was a large surge in signups for both ACA policies and Medicaid in March and the first half of April, the true figure is likely many more. We'll see when gallup releases its second quarter survey results. Also, ACA first year signups were exactly what the CBO projected.

scrubbedexpat091

But for those with chronic health issues or low income, they may also not be able afford a user fee each time they receive services.

I think monthly premiums is a better route, with low income supplements similar with what BC does, but higher premiums for families who right now get a really good deal.

scrubbedexpat099

Since its inception NHS use has gone up 12 fold.

I doubt anything of significance will happen to either systems, history suggests that all other things being equal such system degenerate, just the nature of Government.

Interesting watching the VA debacle, and effectively the seeming impossibility of correcting major obvious errors.

jeepster

The Veterans Administration is the American equivalent of the NHS (9-5, no weekends).

scrubbedexpat099

Both have hidden waiting lists?

Giantaxe

They are both not only single-payer but also single-provider (the government). Medicare, otoh, is single payer but not single provider. When the US talks about single-payer they typically mean the latter rather than the former.

jeepster

Any country that controls it's own currency is not bankrupt. As for your tagline, there is no comparison between the two countries. Canada is very different.

jeepster

True.

The problem though (in America) is they think if they get the right medical care one can live forever, so single payer probably wouldn't work. The English are much more fatalistic, so they put up with the waiting lists.

scrubbedexpat099

Empires rise, Empires fall.

The question is always when, not if.

It is not exactly rocket science to suggest that both the UK and US systems are not sustainable, quite how things will change is another issue.

steveq

Similar tricks are played with appointment types and timings.

notshipman

Doubt it if people arent willing to cough up the equivalent of a few packs of fags then one wonders how high they value their health. Practically all countries in the EU and Oz/Nz have user fees to see the GP with an element of rebates so I wonder why the resistance in the UK and how long they can last without one. I suspect it is more to do with electioneering and the negative publicity it would create as opposed to the actual idea.

Pulaski

Same in the US. If you can afford a packet of fags a day ($5-$10+), and a case or two of beer on a weekend $20-$40, you CAN afford health insurance, you just choose not to do so. In a similar way as Steve_ noted above that US military spending is a backdoor subsidy for European and Asian healthcare, US government funded healthcare is a backdoor subsidy for US tobacco companies and breweries!

scrubbedexpat091

It's not about valuing health, and not everyone smokes, and when user based fees are used to discourage use its low income folks, and those with chronic health issues that suffer the most as those groups are the least likely to have spare cash to pay a user fee.

Canada isn't perfect, and we do have fees but there are no point of use fees in most provinces (if not all) for basic health services. But we do have monthly premiums in some provinces, such as BC with low income supplements that waives or reduces the monthly premiums. Anyone making 30k or less per year gets a supplement to cover or waive the premiums.

I do think families should pay more however, as families of 3+ get a good deal at 138 per month, vs 125 per month for a couple, and 69.25 for a single.

I am sure the UK could add in a monthly premium, with subsidy for low income, and avoid per use fees.

(I want to be upfront that we don't have nearly as comprehensive of coverage in Canada when compared to the UK and other countries, nor do we have a private option.)

GeoffM

We just spent an hour today selecting the various healthcare options for wifey's new job. Honestly I think my gambling skills (!) are better off on a slot machine in Vegas!

Sally Redux

I have to say I think every one of your posts is just plain wrong. I don't believe you have any experience of Britain at all.


Must have spent that long yesterday just trying to change the address on file with my HMO. Gave up in the end, asked doctor to send referrals early so they can be re-directed. We'll see.