Defending the Truth

Not the topic here.

so you do support universal health care. your only gripe is the manner in which the funds are raised.

On the surface, yes, but of course even among plans such as mine, the final decision is in the details.

We should follow the lead that Germany and Switzerland have taken. It seems to be working out very well for the people there. They are very happy with the way their sysytem is working. And there is no lack of competition. In fact it is very competitive and only requires a small 5% to 6% in administraton costs, compared to about 22% in the U.S.

Together, they have 1/3 the population of the U.S. It's hard to compare the two nations like that and say we should adopt the "same" system.

Not really.

Here is a link to the analysis of five rich countries and their method of health coverage. As I said, I think that we could learn alot from Germany and Switzerland. Read and see if you agree.

FRONTLINE: sick around the world: analysis | PBS

If I'm not mistaken Germany has their own problems. They listed pretty far down on that list compiled by the UN World Health Organization, too, albeit not as far as the United States. And indeed, at least they manage to provide 'universal' health-care coverage. Whether or not true universal coverage is possible under anything other than at least single-payer or socialized medicine is debatable.

I think a system emulating something closer along the lines of mixture reforms like in Japan or Germany is more politically likely in the United States than say the very progressive and nationalized system France has. France definitely decided to go the nationalized non-profit route, and constant democratic pressure from French people are keeping it the number one top rated system in the world.

I am a member of another board that has quite a few Canadian, British and Australian posters.

Not a one of them has ever complained about their health care coverage. Not one. Most of them actually think our system sucks big time.

Here's a quote from a Canadian poster:

As for how hospital and medical personnel will get paid? Well, they get paid here just fine.

Healthcare costs are paid through the government and the province has to factor that into their annual budget. I believe annual provincial healthcare costs now make up about 48% of our annual budget. Employers also pay a tax as a contribution towards our provincial health plans. People who earn over a certain income level are taxed on a graduated scale each year with a health surtax which I suppose you could equate to your monthly insurance premiums. My health surtax this year was $400. I pay it happily. Some provinces charge their residents monthly premiums.

Then, if you're really lucky, like me, your employer also has an employee plan at no cost to the employee that bumps you up to more coverage (private room vs. ward or semiprivate) and covers dental (dental has a $50 per person annual deductible), eyeglasses, naturopath, massage, LDD, STD, etc.

But no one goes without medical care for lack of coverage if they are a legal resident of Canada. Hell, the illegals get free care!