One of the major arguments that we've been hearing against healthcare reform is that, as "everyone" knows, socialized medicine is horrible. We've heard all about long wait times to see a doctor, about incompetent doctors, and about the multitudes of people who come to the US for their healthcare in spite of being able to get it for free in their own country.
From the discussions I have personally had with people who live in countries with socialized medicine, I believe that this is simply untrue. But, I would like to find out for sure.
So today's blog post has one simple request: if you live, or have lived, in a country with socialized medicine, please tell us about your experiences with it. How long do you have to wait for a doctor's visit? Did you feel that the doctors you saw were competent and able to fix whatever was wrong with you? And, if you happen to have lived in the US and another country, how did the doctors there compare to those the US?
I can't wait to read your responses!
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My 83-year-old mother lives in Australia and will soon be having her second knee replacement (she's also had a hip replacement). Australia leads the world in the quality of both its medical research and its medical practitioners. It also has socialized medicine of which my mother is a very satisfied beneficiary.
ReplyDeleteShe pays a small, affordable (even for a pensioner on a fixed income) monthly premium for supplemental insurance, the primary benefit of which is to allow her to set her own admission dates for elective surgery. Without this, there is, indeed, a possibility that a more urgent case could take her place, but only if the delay would not be harmful.
Bottom line: the entire population of Australia would probably be up in arms if anyone tried to take away their socialized medicine.
Hey Jen,
ReplyDeleteNew Zealand has a mostly socialized health care system, and always has. (Many govts have tried to cut it back... and get told the same thing.. NO!)
For us it means that if you get sick enough to require hospital treatment, it's free. Normal doc visits are generally free for under fives. (some doc charge $5, ours doesn't) Most medicine is subsidized. For example - our ten year old requires medicine that wasn't covered by the govt and was costing me over $100 a month, but her specialist applied for a Chem number, and it now costs me $3. (We don't pay for specialists, they're provided as part of our health care system. You can pay... but you're paying to see the SAME specialists you can be referred to for free!)
Health care at the regular GP is subsidized by the govt. We pay about $35 per visit -for a working adult. We don't pay for lab tests. Blood tests etc are all covered.(mammograms are free once you're over 45, cervical smears are free.)
Our system is slightly odd at times... it's better to go directly to the hospital if you think you'll need xrays... then it's completely free. If you go via the GP - the x-rays have a part charge.
Obstetrics is another one that's kinda odd. You can pay for a specialist (as I did a few times, but it was still heavily subsidized and I think the biggest bill was $1,800.) or be referred should the need arise (which happened last time) - I had a whole specialist team and all the tests known to man at my disposal... it was fabulous and cost me nothing!
Most people use midwives over here now - they're free and visit you in your own home... which is great. We have excellent prenatal and post-natal care.
Our system doesn't cover dental once you're an adult. From birth until you're 18 - dental care is free. Any accidents that effect the teeth are covered - but not entirely. (Which is really annoying, as crowns etc are pricey.)
It also doesn't cover optician visits - unless referred by the school - when you're at school. The cost of lenses and glasses, are not covered - unless you're on a benefit of some kind. (due to lack of job!)
We have some holes that need plugging in the optical and dental area - but all in all, I'm damn pleased we can call an ambulance at any stage and not worry!
We have private hospitals too, if that's the way people want to go, then they can.
Over the last year we've had a child require emergency surgery, needed to call an ambulance -6 times, x-rays, numerous specialist visits, counselling and therapy for our 10 yr old... and no doubt a number of other things I've forgotten.
We can get help at any time, and never have to worry about whether we can afford excellent medical care or not. :-)
There is even a 24 hr health line. So you can call up a nurse and ask for advice.
Hope that helps.
Cat
Thanks guys for your input! I find it interesting that, of all the people I have talked to, not one single person living in a country with a socialized healthcare system is unhappy with it. I really wish we could get something like that in the US. But, even the proposed reform won't do that.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Canada most of my life and have never had a problem with the health care system. Two weeks ago, my stepdad was diagnosed with blocked arteries, two days later they had him in the operating room. If I decide I'd like to see the top allergist in the country, I mention it to my GP, he makes a phone call, I see the top guy. My baby needed a cyst removed on his browbone, the chief of plastic surgery at Sick Kids Hospital did it. I've never even heard of anyone having to wait or having a problem. I am sure you can find some people who have had trouble, just as in any country, but we've never had a complaint, nor has any member of our families, our friends, acquaintances, etc. And, contrary to what is being said, the government does NOT choose what tests you may have. You want a test, you tell your doctor, test is done, period.
ReplyDelete