So Much For The Wonderful Canadian Universal Healthcare System: Canadians look for US-style private insurance (government, states)

[newdixiegirl]

Originally Posted by Myghost

The truth is that if you tried to take away Canada's, or any of these countries universal healthcare, you'd have chaos on your hands. Granted, people love to complain, but just try taking it away.

My recent boss was a hard-core MAGA conservative, originally from England. He used to love to chide me about anything liberal, but every time I pressed him on healthcare, he had to admit he was baffled why ANYONE would want our system. He did complain about problems in the British system, but when challenged always had to admit it was light-years better than what we have, and said he'd fight to keep it, if faced with going toward a US-style system.


My boss after him was Canadian. He was not a MAGA conservative, but said the exact same thing.

Canadians looking for US-Style insurance is certainly not the majority. It is anecdotal at best.

So yeah, "fake news".

You get it! And good for you for saying that to your former English boss, the MAGA guy. I say the same thing to any Brits here on CD posing as Trump conservatives. They're a riot. I know their type, though, because I have British immigrant parents.

[newdixiegirl]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The carpenter's son cured people free of charge. Current-day conservatives would consider that an unforgivable sin.

Yep.

I don't understand a lot of church-going US conservatives. They're all for missions to help poor people in countries like Central America or Haiti or Africa have better access to healthcare and housing (I'm in total favor or that, as well). But suggest that perhaps we should help poor Americans have better access to housing and healthcare in, say, Detroit or Baltimore, and they angrily dismiss that suggestion as "socialism."

I do not understand.

[BruSan]

Originally Posted by GotHereQuickAsICould

That's an amazing hospital.

How do they stay in business providing cancer treatment for free to those without insurance?

Some Americans are completely reliant upon a charitable source of healthcare delivery:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...-a8623091.html

Were it not for those RAM clinics, thousands would go completely without healthcare of any kind.

Those were originally funded by a wealthy (Stan Brock) British ex-pat - imagine that?

[skeddy]

why doesn't anybody mention these financial support organizations here in the USA?

American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national agency based in Washington, D.C. that can direct you to the local ACS office in your area. The ACS offers programs that help individuals, families, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. A 24-hour helpline is operated at 800-227-2345 (800-ACS-2345) with online chat available on the organization's homepage.

CancerCare is a national, non-profit agency that offers free support, information, and financial assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social workers over the telephone, in person, and through the organization's website. CancerCare's reach also extends to health professionals, providing the educational resources they need. Telephone 800-813-4673 (800-813-HOPE) or email info@cancercare.org.

AVONCares Program for Women Facing Cancer is a program managed by CancerCare that provides financial assistance to low-income, underinsured, and underserved women throughout the U.S. Support services include transportation, child care, and home care to improve the lives of those undergoing treatment for breast cancer or cervical cancer. Telephone 800-813-4673 (800-813-HOPE) or email info@cancercare.org.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a non-profit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance. Telephone 800-366-2223 (800-366-CCCF) or email info@candlelightersnyc.org.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to people who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Callers may request a booklet outlining LLS's Patient Aid Program, as well as the number of their local LLS office. Telephone 800-955-4572. Online chat is also available on the organization's website.

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to people with cancer regarding insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis. The Patient Assistance Program is a subsidiary of the PAF and provides financial assistance to patients who meet eligibility criteria. Learn more by calling 866-532-5274.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are offered by many leading pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications or insurance copay costs. While eligibility requirements vary, a single consolidated application form allows for easy registration with multiple drug companies.

Road to Recovery is a service offered by the American Cancer Society that allows online users to search for and connect with free or low-cost local transportation services using their zip code or city/state information. Learn more by calling 800-227-2345 or via live chat on its website.
Federal and State Health Agencies

In addition to non-profit programs, there are governmental channels that can provide direct assistance to people with cancer:

Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses. At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive federal income assistance such as Social Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies/equipment. Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for American 65 years or older, as well as disabled people under 65 and individuals with permanent liver failure. Medicare may offer reimbursement for some home care services or coverage of hospice services for those accepted into a Medicare-certified program. To receive information on eligibility or explanation of coverage, call 800-622-4227 (800-MEDICARE) or 877-486-2048 for TTY users.

Social Security Administration is the government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled people, while SSI supplements those payments for those who meet income eligibility requirements. Information on eligibility, benefits, and application requirements is available by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured children in low-income families. For referrals to your state CHIP administrator, or information on eligibility and application requirements, call its national helpline at 877-543-7669 (877-KIDS-NOW).

Veteran Administration (VA) offers medical benefits, including cancer treatment at a VA Medical Cancer, to eligible veterans and their dependents. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided, while treatment for all other conditions may be available based on the veteran's financial need. Telephone 877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS).

Hill-Burton is a program by which hospitals that receive construction funds from the federal government are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization. Information about the facilities offering this program is available by calling 800-638-0742.
Other Means of Financial Assistance

Community service organizations such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer financial help. These organizations can be found in your local phone directory.

Community fundraising and crowdfunding are other mechanisms well worth considering. Many people find that friends, family, and social networks are more than eager to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Online fundraising websites like GoFundMe are frequently used for these kinds of campaigns, allowing families to cull wider support using social media channels.

Income tax deductions allow you to deduct many of your medical expenses from annual income before taxes. Examples of tax-deductible expenses might include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs/equipment costs, and the cost of meals during lengthy medical stays. Your local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office can help you determine which costs are deductible.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/findi...atients-514488

[moneill]

I knew a family that was middle to upper middle income family. The husband had a job with a large corporation with a cadillac insurance plan.

Their middle child got cancer. Within a year the financial impact was being felt.

After over 6 years of fighting cancer, the child died and the parents were left with debt.

They had all the resources....and they still incurred debt.

They were fortunate to live in a major city and had relatively easy access to good cancer treatments so their travel costs weren't prohibitive.

They were told the day the boy was diagnosed to apply for Medicaid because their insurance benefits would run out for sure and they need to be in the system as quick as they could.

There were 'groups' that helped but nothing completely covered the cost.

That's another strain families shouldn't have to deal with.

[mak2]

Originally Posted by moneill

I knew a family that was middle to upper middle income family. The husband had a job with a large corporation with a cadillac insurance plan.

Their middle child got cancer. Within a year the financial impact was being felt.

After over 6 years of fighting cancer, the child died and the parents were left with debt.

They had all the resources....and they still incurred debt.

They were fortunate to live in a major city and had relatively easy access to good cancer treatments so their travel costs weren't prohibitive.

They were told the day the boy was diagnosed to apply for Medicaid because their insurance benefits would run out for sure and they need to be in the system as quick as they could.

There were 'groups' that helped but nothing completely covered the cost.

That's another strain families shouldn't have to deal with.

About 15 years ago my wife had a huge blood clot in her aorta. We had great insurance. She took an ambulance from our house to a local hospital, helicopter from the little hospital to the major hospital downtown. She had emergency surgery, was intubated in the ICU for weeks, step down units and finally discharged to a rehab money farm. By the time I got home after he surgery and her first few days in the ICU, there was already a bill for the $16,000 for the helicopter ride in the mailbox. We blew past the max's in our insurance policies...to make a long story short, we ended up paying around 200k out of pocket. We make way to much to have a dime "written off" so we really did pay it all off. It was at least 3 years after she was home I got the last bill I remember. IT was $600 for a NS IV started in the helicopter. By the way, she already had that from the local hospital. I think we were way overbilled because we kept paying, had insurance etc. Also, the rehab unit was shameless making up charges.

[moneill]

Originally Posted by mak2

About 15 years ago my wife had a huge blood clot in her aorta. We had great insurance. She took an ambulance from our house to a local hospital, helicopter from the little hospital to the major hospital downtown. She had emergency surgery, was intubated in the ICU for weeks, step down units and finally discharged to a rehab money farm. By the time I got home after he surgery and her first few days in the ICU, there was already a bill for the $16,000 for the helicopter ride in the mailbox. We blew past the max's in our insurance policies...to make a long story short, we ended up paying around 200k out of pocket. We make way to much to have a dime "written off" so we really did pay it all off. It was at least 3 years after she was home I got the last bill I remember. IT was $600 for a NS IV started in the helicopter. By the way, she already had that from the local hospital. I think we were way overbilled because we kept paying, had insurance etc. Also, the rehab unit was shameless making up charges.

Insurance doesn't seem to support the rehab needed for most illnesses/injuries.

My husband has had 2 cycling accidents and therapy allotments run out quickly.

You would think they would support the rehab/therapy to avoid further issues.

I'm sorry for all you had to go through and the fact financial stress is piled on is crazy. Until we have to go through it -- if you don't have a major illness/injury and never push the limits of your insurance -- you don't understand how difficult it makes things...no matter where your income falls.

[mak2]

Originally Posted by moneill

Insurance doesn't seem to support the rehab needed for most illnesses/injuries.

My husband has had 2 cycling accidents and therapy allotments run out quickly.

You would think they would support the rehab/therapy to avoid further issues.

I'm sorry for all you had to go through and the fact financial stress is piled on is crazy. Until we have to go through it -- if you don't have a major illness/injury and never push the limits of your insurance -- you don't understand how difficult it makes things...no matter where your income falls.

Thank you,

[Pgh guy]

Originally Posted by BruSan

Uh huh:

https://www.quora.com/Do-doctors-get...-and-CAT-scans

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111498587452921637

https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/so...errals/633405/

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/h...tors-warn.html

https://online.ahu.edu/blog/are-mris-being-overused/

https://www.healthimaging.com/topics...-mri-kickbacks

Whoopee for the profit motive , eh?

You can post all the links you want, I can only speak for my experiences. I am not arguing whether one system is better than the other.

[Pgh guy]

Originally Posted by moneill

My Mom had an MRI within 24 hours and then another one a month later. She lives in Canada.

Many Americans have great plans and pay dearly and many Americans can't have any care because they can't afford it -- and not because they don't work hard......

I didn't pay dearly, but perhaps my employer did for thirty years. I am retired and was covered by that plan until I was 65 then went on medicare and pay for a supplemental plan that is not as good, but have not run into any problems.