Health care

Hi everybody, I wanted to start this thread for awhile but never had the chance..here goes. A recent vote to ask people if HMO's are a better way of doing health care in the U.S. came to my attension. Out of 88,468 votes concerning if we are better off with them or worse came to these stats- 15% said better-85% said worse. It's a scary thought that this would be so lop-sided. I would like this to be a knowledge thread to inform people how they can get the most from health coverage. PLEASE add whatever you can to help.
I will start with this- get to know your states mandates.It may take a bit of time and energy to do this but the effort should be worth it. The mandates can save you money. They can improve your health. They can spare you the embarrassment and discomfort in the end. Call for pre-certifications and ask about your eligibilitys. Every state seems to be different. Check the law in the state where you live as well as work. Some organazations even offer free legal advise.Your state may have a web site you can check out. Good health to you all.
Conan

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Conan, master of the portal
Keeper of the Sun Sword
Decendent of the Kunze clan
Point man in the battle against evil Balrogs

[This message has been edited by Conan (edited 06-19-2001).]

[Epona]

I'm in England - thank god for the National Health Service!
It may not be perfect, but at least it exists!

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Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.

Epona of The Laughing Hyenas

[Lavindathar]

Seconded

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[Djinn Raffo]

Canada's Medicare up here.

[Neb]

In Denmark out taxes pay for free healthcare

[Djinn Raffo]

It is important for you to know how your system works.
It is important for you to take an active part in your government.
It is your government after all.
I pledge to take a renewed interest in affair's of state.

Could we in the U.S. ever go this way.? Can you guys enlighten me about the process that you take to "get scene by a doctor" where you live. I am really intrested. I belong to Kaiser Permenante. A HMO that is pretty big here in the states. I have only had a couple of problems with them but pretty good in general. The appt. wait in the afternoons can suck but times are kept more than not. The doctors aren't running raged and really do pretty good. Make your appts. in the morning to avoid delays.

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Conan, master of the portal.

[This message has been edited by Conan (edited 06-19-2001).]

[Djinn Raffo]

Well there are long waits for service here Conan. (Canada)
Experienced worker shortage.

[ogopogo]

Originally posted by Conan: Could we in the U.S. ever go this way.? Can you guys enlighten me about the process that you take to "get scene by a doctor" where you live. I am really intrested. I belong to Kaiser Permenante. A HMO that is pretty big here in the states. I have only had a couple of problems with them but pretty good in general. The appt. wait in the afternoons can suck but times are kept more than not. The doctors aren't running raged and really do pretty good. Make your appts. in the morning to avoid delays.

Up here in Canada we have free medicare. It has its problems but it is free which is great. Right now, all across the country there is a health care crisis however. The problems we are having is the lack of doctors in rural areas and nurses right across the country. With all of these people (doctors, nurses technitions etc...) being government employees it mean that the government must pay. This is a big reason our taxes are much higher than the USA taxes. Many people up here are trying to impliment a two tier health care system with one tier being free and the other for people who want to pay can. I think similar to the US system. There are many aruments on either side of this but my opinion is a full two tier system will cause the poor to have a lower standard of health care than the rich. Anyhow I could go on for a long time about this but I wont.
To answer your question of how do we go about seeing a doctor...we have walk-in clinics here which anyone can go to and see a doctor usually within 15 minutes. If you need to see a specialist though, the wait can be very long indeed.
I doubt the US will ever go to a fully funded government healthcare system though. I can not see Americans willing to have their taxes increased as well as the cut in pay it would mean to the doctors, lab techs, etc...
Anyhow just some thoughts from north of the border...

[Donut]

Originally posted by Conan: Could we in the U.S. ever go this way.? Can you guys enlighten me about the process that you take to "get scene by a doctor" where you live. I am really intrested. I belong to Kaiser Permenante. A HMO that is pretty big here in the states. I have only had a couple of problems with them but pretty good in general. The appt. wait in the afternoons can suck but times are kept more than not. The doctors aren't running raged and really do pretty good. Make your appts. in the morning to avoid delays.

Okay Conan - you've hit my specialised subject.

Health care in Britain (The National Health Service or NHS) is paid for from taxes. Everyone living in the UK for more than 6 months is entitled to register with a GP (General Practioner). If you have a medical problem (whatever it is - with the exception of accidents & emergencies) you go to see your GP. He/She will give advice, treatment and prescribe medication as necessary. If you need to see a specialist the GP will refer you. You can't see a specialist - even privately, without a letter from your GP. The only charge under the NHS is a charge for medication which is about £6 per item although many people are exempt from this charge.

I have travelled extensively in the US (mostly in the South and East of the country) and I can honestly say that the only thing that can get an American angrier than talking about the NHS is to suggest that he might like give up his right to own a gun.


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Save Chip - Don't let Sarah win!
Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas

[This message has been edited by Donut (edited 06-20-2001).]