I understand your countries have a socialized health care system. When I have asked UK & Canadians in the past about thier health care system thier response was simply "It Sucks". But not one would have traded thier own system for the American health care system.

So my questions are these. What do you think of your health care system & would you trade it for the American health care system?


edit: I forgot to add, this question applies to our friends of northern europe & other socialized health care countries as well.

Last edited by jonSun on Jun-04-2009 at 03:54

If you are not wealthy in Australia I am told that it sucks, but I have had a very lucky run in life and am yet to experience that.

it has its faults (namely that we lose some of our doctors who get educated here a lot cheaper than in the states, only to have them leave for a private practice that pays a lot more stateside), but when you compare the actual costs in our taxes vs the deductibles and insurance costs i believe that we come out winner.

not to mention our pills are cheaper and that everyone has access to it regardless of demographic. I don't care if i wait a bit longer, if i am dying triage will assure i do not wait.

big drawback: people read swine flu on the news and all go to the clinics in droves because of a sniffle.

i do think a second tier would be useful though, allowing extra financing to the system through reduced wait times to those who pay lessening the tax burden.

also during the running of the jew we get free viagra.

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Australia has a very high standard of living, and our health care system is actually pretty good. I'm sure it could be better, but I've never personally had any reason for complaints. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone I know having any complaints either.

I can go and see a doctor for free, and should I require surgery or some other kind of expensive treatment, it would be free too. I have to pay for medication, of course, but if I was poor, the cost would become partially subsidised by the govt. Personally, I have private health cover anyway (as a business owner, it's a tax deduction, so why the hell not?)

I'm aware that I pay higher taxes for this, but those taxes aren't just spent on our health care system.

No, I wouldn't trade it in for the American health care system.

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said better than i could, because of delirium tremens.

just for fun, what are the tax brackets in oz?

your description sounds similar to ours.

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quote:

Originally posted by elFreak said better than i could, because of delirium tremens. just for fun, what are the tax brackets in oz? your description sounds similar to ours.

Pretty high. These are for personal income tax.


$0 – $6,000 - Nil

$6,001 – $34,000 - 15c for each $1 over $6,000

$34,001 – $80,000 - $4,200 plus 30c for each $1 over $34,000

$80,001 – $180,000 - $18,000 plus 40c for each $1 over $80,000

$180,001 and over - $58,000 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

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quote:

Originally posted by elFreak it has its faults (namely that we lose some of our doctors who get educated here a lot cheaper than in the states, only to have them leave for a private practice that pays a lot more stateside), but when you compare the actual costs in our taxes vs the deductibles and insurance costs i believe that we come out winner. not to mention our pills are cheaper and that everyone has access to it regardless of demographic. I don't care if i wait a bit longer, if i am dying triage will assure i do not wait. big drawback: people read swine flu on the news and all go to the clinics in droves because of a sniffle. i do think a second tier would be useful though, allowing extra financing to the system through reduced wait times to those who pay lessening the tax burden.

Thats similar to here in the states except for the free part.


So would you trade your system for the american system?

quote:

also during the running of the jew we get free viagra

i think im gonna trade my car for a dogsled & move to canada.

quote:

Originally posted by Sushipunk Australia has a very high standard of living, and our health care system is actually pretty good. I'm sure it could be better, but I've never personally had any reason for complaints. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone I know having any complaints either. I can go and see a doctor for free, and should I require surgery or some other kind of expensive treatment, it would be free too. I have to pay for medication, of course, but if I was poor, the cost would become partially subsidised by the govt. Personally, I have private health cover anyway (as a business owner, it's a tax deduction, so why the hell not?) I'm aware that I pay higher taxes for this, but those taxes aren't just spent on our health care system. No, I wouldn't trade it in for the American health care system.

What the fuck part of Australia do you live in?

I pay $50 every time I see the doctor, and getting my wisdom teeth out a few years ago cost me $3,900.

quote:

Originally posted by Domesticated What the fuck part of Australia do you live in? I pay $50 every time I see the doctor, and getting my wisdom teeth out a few years ago cost me $3,900.

My bad, my private health care covers that. It covers dental work too

Edit: Correction, it's not my private cover, the doctor I go to bulk bills, and I get the rebate from Medicare later. I haven't been to a doc in 4 years though

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Last edited by Sushipunk on Jun-04-2009 at 03:52

i would not trade this ever.

we have a health card, and when you present it you are entitled to free service. (i believe (someone correct me if i am wrong) that a consult costs the government 46$ per visit)

dental is not free here and should not be. The pricing on procedures is regulated by the government and most jobs offer cheap and good insurance plans. I will add that children under 14 go to the dentist for free, and those on welfare have it subsidized but have to go to student clinics. It gives students mouths to learn on, and poor people extra teeth.

i pay 37% of my salary to the gov (including both provincial and federal tax), not all of this is spent on health care and i have no qualms paying this as my standard of living is high and comfortable.

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quote:

Originally posted by Sushipunk My bad, my private health care covers that. It covers dental work too Dental plan.

How much does private health care run over there & is that basically to cover dental? And is that extra health care purchased as a "just incase" you get your ass beat by a kangaroo?

we still pay salary insurance

i get sick, i get paid, it works for me.

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