Jeez, all I can say is that I am so glad I don't live in the US. No offence to any of you, I love visiting america, but to be bankrupt just because you get sick is completely ridiculous.
Obviously our health system also has flaws. I cannot speak for those who have needed to be hospitalised but I have had LOTS of testing and appointments in the last few years. Medicare pays a reasonable amount I believe... i have been for one lot of x-rays on my neck, one lot of my knee, an ultrasound on my knee and a CT scan on my spine, all of which were just billed straight to medicare and I didn't pay a cent.
if i go to the doctors i have to pay upfront about $50 but then i just walk into any medicare office and end up actually paying about $15 to see my doctor. it might take me 20 mins to wait to get a cash refund over the counter.
the only medication i'm prescribed permanently costs me about $20 for a 4 month supply because i assume its on the PBS list.
when i see an alternate therapist (eg. i see an osteo at least once a month) - this is covered by my private health provider and instead of costing me $65 per visit it costs me $27.'
my private extras cover with the health fund (covers extra things like basic dental treaments and alternative therapies, even money for your gym if you want... blah blah) costs me $31 a month.
obviously its not a perfect system what we have but we all pay a medicare levy with our taxes, and i feel that a lot of preventative care is covered as well. which is nice.
well certainly a lot better than the US system.
i expect a mass exodus from the US to france!!
well done michael, again, for a fine doco.
xJ
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