I have issues relating to other's health care problems. I suppose here in Australia we're spoiled.
For example. I have the best private health coverage I could find and I pay less than $130 a month AUD; but it doesn't stop there. We still have a free health care system if you're ok with waiting for major ops.
In terms of what it would cost me for a GP visit. My current GP costs about $20 a visit but often I can claim the majority back with our Medicare Bulk Billing system (not to be confused with the US Medicare.)
Our system seems to work extraordinarily well. Those who want to pay for health care can (like I do, it's not that expensive) ... those who can't afford too are still covered by our free system.
Oops, sorry I wrote the comment when I woke up in the middle of the night.
Ok, Medicare in Australia is a funded by an income tax levy that every Australian pays, set at 1.5%. It's an almost paltry sum of money when you consider it's free healthcare.
My private health insurance also receives a rebate from the Australian Government. From what little I understand about the system, the Australian Government funds this out of my Medicare levy I pay, so that I'm not paying twice.
We also have plenty of other medical programs running in Australia - like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme which helps low income people afford the medications they require. I'm not up on the numbers, but I think it caps the costs of certain medications at about $5
It works well, I don't know too many people that complain about our system at all. The cost of health care certainly isn't an issue at all that weighs on too many peoples minds
For example. I have the best private health coverage I could find and I pay less than $130 a month AUD; but it doesn't stop there. We still have a free health care system if you're ok with waiting for major ops.
In terms of what it would cost me for a GP visit. My current GP costs about $20 a visit but often I can claim the majority back with our Medicare Bulk Billing system (not to be confused with the US Medicare.)
Our system seems to work extraordinarily well. Those who want to pay for health care can (like I do, it's not that expensive) ... those who can't afford too are still covered by our free system.