re: #530 iossarian

The whole point about national systems, such as the Canadian system, or the NHS, is that there is prioritization of care. This prioritization is based on an ongoing public debate about a) how much money should be spent and b) what kinds of care are more important/urgent than others.

In the US, there is also a prioritization of care: are you able to pay or not?

So you’re basically choosing between two forms of prioritization - one which is need-blind and one which isn’t.

re: #522 Cannadian Club Akbar

Hip replacements are the classic example of a procedure that most developed countries agree can be delayed, in order to gain efficiency.

How long does an uninsured 55-year-old in the US have to wait for a hip replacement?

My father’s cousin is a doctor. The law in his state is that if someone walks into his office (gastroenterologist) and announces loudly that they are here for treatment and cannot pay, they must be treated.

I am currently watching (and doing a small part to help with) a fund-raising effort for an uninsured young lady with cancer. The treatment has already proceeded.

The issue isn’t treatment, it is paying for it.