Giantaxe

If it's the latter, then the large price differentials we currently see between some states will assuredly largely disappear. I'm all for competition, but I think the exchange approach of this bill (coupled with the public option!) is a better way to go.

Xebedee

Not one single mention of the ghastly state of bacon in the US........
Do lets try to keep it in correct perspective, eh?

No wonder we lost the war.

Michael

In 1994 the Swiss passed universal health care via a referendum 51%-49% with progressives in favor and conservatives, health insurance companies, and pharma against. It was also a pretty heated debate since everyone would be required to purchase health insurance through private health insurance companies with subsidies based on income.

Not long after the the program was implemented, support for the system rose significantly.

The US health care reform is very similar (except it is not universal) so I suspect that within a short time as people see the benefits, support for reform will rise significantly.

Keith

Having spent most of my vacations in the US and I can only hope that this bill will eventually not only provide health care to all Americans but with less cost.

As the bill stands the Insurance Companies will still take too much cash from most Americans. The amount of non-medical staff required to run the US system is obvious as soon as you enter a medical facility.

I have spent 2 months each ofthe last 5 years in San Diego and we returned early this year rather than face medical treatment in that city.

The local clinic seemed to be about the same size as the one we use in Ottawa, the big difference was obvious, the clinic in San Diego had 2 receptionists taking down particulars of patients, our clinic in Ottawa has no permenant desk personel, because almost everyone registers with one Insurance card using a reader, for those unable to use the reader help is available ( ring a bell on the desk and one of the medical staff will help).

I did check in San Diego how much a doctors conultation fee was and was told $136, for US citizens visiting our clinic in Ottawa that same cost would be $62.

A perfect example of how medical costs in the US are double those in Canada.

As a senior in Canada (Ontario) we pay for Health Care through Fed/Prov Income tax. Last year my wife and I paid a total $135 in Income tax. A US senior would be required to pay at least $2400 (Part A) for Medicare.

robin1234

There is no premium for Medicare part A, so long as you've worked 40 or more quarters of employment. Medicare part B costs about $1,200 per year. Not meaning to peremptorily contradict you, but maybe you were referring to some other premium, not Part A??

Keith

I stand corrected, but it's still the same amount.
I assume that some additional insurance is required to help pay for medications.
Again as a senior in Ontario I only pay the first $100 on drugs per calendar year and $6.11 for each prescription. Last year my wife and I paid less than $300 for our drugs. ( Vasotec, Apo-Hydro, Proscar, Flowmax and Lipitor)

dakota44

I have spent much time here relating my experiences with OHIP, good old Canadian national healthcare, and all of it good. It tends to fall on deaf ears with some here, although there are those who understand. I have always found it interesting that some people will condemn a system they have never used, just because some political hack tells them to. As an American with Canadian residency for 29 years, I have made it clear that I much prefer to be treated in Canada. The system is not perfect, but it is heaven compared to the U.S.

Rete

I had a bad case of bronchitis <sp> when I was in Halifax a few years back. The hospital refused to see me and sent me to a private clinic. The cost back in, I believe, 2005 was $165 for the visit and then the cost of the meds. The doctor was young, refused to listen to me that the meds he was supplying would not help the bronchitis and that my family physician would give me xxx. He snapped at me and said, I'm the doctor, not you. This is what I'm prescribing. Needless-to-say I still had bronchitis when I returned to New York and had to be retreated by my own doctor.

I've never been sick in Ottawa although I spent a good deal of time there as my husband is from Ottawa and I've also spent a good deal of time in Quebec province. Fortunately, I've never had to see a doctor in either place but what I hear from my sisters-in-law in Quebec province, I wouldn't want to.

Now when I visit Canada I always make sure I have antibotics with me and bladder meds.

chartreuse

There are such people, no doubt. But it's deeply unfair and disingenuous to characterize as such those of us who (a) recognise that the current system is badly flawed and (b) believe, on the basis of past experience, that the bill in question is nothing more than yet another self serving manoeuvre by the shits on the hill, designed for their own self aggrandisement with little or no concern for the people they purport to represent.

dakota44

There are always those with bad experiences, in both countries. In 29 years I never had any significant issues with the health care, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, doctor visits, surgery etc. Totally satisfied with the exception of one idiot specialist, but those exist everywhere.

dakota44

I was referring to those who bash the Canadian system without any significant first hand experience and use that bashing to say NO to any form of National health care. I agree that the legislation as it passed is likely flawed but still feel it is a beginning. It could have been better if the party of NO had been more interested in something other than decrying Socialism and fictitious death panels. For them it was just a political football to try and destroy the Dem majority, and not much will convince me otherwise.

chartreuse

It could also have been better if its authors had written a better bill. But my money is on it could have been better if the whole damn thing hadn't been stage managed from day one, with politicians of both parties having been bought off by vested interests, none of which were the public interest.

Brit3964

Don't you know it's a virtue to Know Nothing

fatbrit

When I went to Canada, their terrible medicine killed me at least three times. If it weren't for American doctors, I wouldn't be able to type what I'm typing now.

Octang Frye

Just for the record, from what I have read, I think the French system sounds great. It's a mixture of private and government elements. I would be happy to explore and adopt that. And France! A socialist country.

This bill will drive costs through the roof. I don't understand how you don't see that. The numbers bandied about the other from the CBO hid 500 billion.
Secondly, this is about ultimately driving private insurance out of business. Choice will be restricted. Government grows. Encroaches into our lives.
I'm a small businessman. One of my employee's has a a 25 year old slacker hipster kid? So I have to pay to support him? Sod that.

The middle class is going to get shafted over this. Just wait and see your costs go through the roof.

I'm surprised I haven't seen more people saying cut the Pentagon's budget.
Healthcare is a drop in the ocean compared to their outlay.