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And just one more thing out of curiosity; how come you hear about Canadians coming to the US for health-care, but you don't hear about Americans going to Canada for health-care?
Because they're not covered. It's not like the actual services are free. Each province's medical plan is basically an insurance policy, and to qualify for this policy you need to be a Canadian taxpayer. When you receive treatment that is covered under the plan, the hospital or doctor bills the ministry of health for the services. If you're not covered, and you receive treatment at a Canadian hospital, they'll send you the bill.
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And later...
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The government’s primary role is simply to collect money and pay bills, a role that the government can carry out effectively and efficiently.
(Me replying to that quote)
This line is laughable. At least, when it comes to the government's involvement with health-care in the US.
Which is something I explained in that long-ass post up there (Ultra's note: the initial post at the top of the thread)-- most of the inefficiency is caused by having to satisfy the multitude of clerical demands of a litany of different insurance policies and the companies who provide them. I will address your earlier comment about government efficiency tomorrow evening.
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Well FReepers...anything else?
Well, if they are getting it for free in Canada why are they coming to the U.S. and paying cash?
most of the inefficiency is caused by having to satisfy the multitude of clerical demands of a litany of different insurance policies and the companies who provide them.
Define inefficiency. I mean, are you saying it's inefficient because there are private insurance companies? If so, what mechanism do you suggest to hold government employees accountable for bad performance? You can always fire your insurance company. It's a bit harder to fire a civil service protected bureaucrat who is going to get paid whether you see a doctor or not.
Or are you saying it's inefficient because unnecessary work is being performed and time is wasted before health care is provided? They why would you want to add governmental layer and spend unnecessary money and waste needed time.
Or are you saying the insurance companies are doing unnecessary work? I reject that. The insurance companies are tracking compensation for health services and getting rid of them would require adding government workers (who could never be fired, see above.) Anyway, the greatest efficiencies occur in fee for service with no middleman, but you are not suggesting that.
I will address your earlier comment about government efficiency tomorrow evening.
Looks like he's on the run.