paging canutius

[plumapen]

From today's NY Times: Swiss Model for Health Care is Gaining Admirers

Now, Ms. canutius is currently undergoing a long overdue tonsillectomy (or about to) so I'm not expecting her to weigh in on this right away, but I thought my US based flisters might be interested in this article and in getting her perspective as a Yank living in the Swiss Alps, and on

Comments

[canutius]

Canutius loves the Swiss system because frankly, it works. Just so you know what it really looks like, my policy is my own. If I lose my job, fall ill, become disabled, no one can take away my basic insurance. There's also no lifetime limit like some of the policies in the States have. No matter what I cost, I will still have my insurence. Costs you ask? I pay - this is with a "normal" exchange rate, i.e. reflects reality

[taraxacumroseus]

You already shared most of this with me at some time or another, but I appreciate the reminder. I would like to direct every jackass out there who thinks that "government" healthcare can't work to this post. Why can't this work here? WHAT is the problem with something like this? Ugh, it sickens me.

That's interesting about the ERs. I remember going to the ER a couple of times with my mom because my doctor couldn't get me in when I was sick. It was ridiculous. I'm not even sure one could get away with doing that anymore the way insurance companies like to reject everything.

[canutius]

Well, while I won't say they don't work, I still don't think national health care is THE answer. They tend to get bogged down in administration etc. and people do wind up on waiting lists who shouldn't have to be there. I prefer our system, which doesn't cost any more than most national health care systems by the way. After all, national health care isn't free, you have to pay into it just like with any health care plan, or it comes out of taxes, which are effectively your money anyway. I'd rather have the option of changing companies. Plus, having everything separated, means that there are several groups interested in keeping costs down, like the insurance companies, the hospitals and the taxomed group (doctors group which regulates costs to some extent, like how much they can charge for a normal visitation, how often they can have you back for checks etc.). It keeps everyone from becoming complacent, which has always been the bane of national anything, especially health care