NORAD tracks Santa....

[Jevhaddah_Slitherine]

My wife suffered a brain Aneurysm in January, she was taken to hospital and had her coiling operation within 24 hours on the NHS and is now well on the mend... I myself am severerly disabled and would have died many years ago if not for the NHS.

My twin girls were born at 26 weeks and are now 16 years, without the NHS they would be dead.

Sooo I am a bit biased on the good work the NHS does.

I cannot speak for anyone elses experiences but in my 51 years I have no complaints.

Private healthcare IS an option in the UK for those that feel the need, personaly I can't afford it and because of my injuries would not be accepted for it even if I could aford it.

Looks like the Santa on the plane better have his health insurance paid up... unless he is covered by the NHS [:D]

Cheers

Jev

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Jevhaddah


Private healthcare IS an option in the UK for those that feel the need, personaly I can't afford it and because of my injuries would not be accepted for it even if I could aford it.

Jev

It sounds like you would qualify for coverage under Social Security Disability here in the States. I'm not sure how much someone is given each month to live on, but your medical is covered. IIRC, living funds are provided based upon previous earnings, with a base rate. If you never could work, the stipend might be a little on the low side. Even if that is the case, you could comfort yourself with the thought that the Congress and Senate got some hefty pay raises each year. [:D]

OK-now I feel like I crossed the line-almost. I just couldn't help myself.

One little question before it is too late; do UK MP's have their own separate insurance plan and government pension plan? They do in the US. This is another little thing that frosts many (like me) Americans. If they participated in the same plans, perhaps they would care for those a little more.

[Qwixt]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro

The bill that just passed is unworkable for private insurance-they will fail, and those that passed it know it. This was just a first step. Hello socialism.

I just had to say that this is hardly the first step, and far from being the end of the world.

Government Worker Programs
Civil Service Retirement Systems
Federal Employee Retirement Systems
Railroad Retirement System

Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Programs
Public Housing
Rental Vouchers & Certificates
Section 8 Housing Vouchers
Shelter Plus Care
Single Room Occupancy
Low Income Home Energy Assistance

Social Security Programs
Social Security (OASDI)
Unemployment Insurance
Temporary Disability Insurance
Medicare
Medicaid
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

Welfare Programs
Supplemental Security Income
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Food Stamp Program
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
National School Lunch Program
School Breakfast Program
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Programs That Threaten Liberties in General
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Import Tariffs

[Doggie]

It's more off topic than you know. Nobody in the United States objects to affordable health care. This is about transfering wealth from working class families into a political slush fund. It aint about health care; it's about zillions in draconian tax increases.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Jevhaddah

My wife suffered a brain Aneurysm in January, she was taken to hospital and had her coiling operation within 24 hours on the NHS and is now well on the mend... I myself am severerly disabled and would have died many years ago if not for the NHS.

My twin girls were born at 26 weeks and are now 16 years, without the NHS they would be dead.

Sooo I am a bit biased on the good work the NHS does.

I cannot speak for anyone elses experiences but in my 51 years I have no complaints.

Private healthcare IS an option in the UK for those that feel the need, personaly I can't afford it and because of my injuries would not be accepted for it even if I could aford it.

Looks like the Santa on the plane better have his health insurance paid up... unless he is covered by the NHS [:D]

Cheers

Jev

Re-reading this post I get the impression that some of you outlanders have the wrong idea about the system here. DO you think we are a bunch of barbarians? Come on now; there are a myriad of social security nets in the US to help nearly everyone. Jev, you, your wife and your daughters would have been taken care of here-and quite well. The worst case scenario would have been if you were able bodied, working, without insurance and had a home which could be gone after by collectors. But...in large parts of the country homeowners can "homestead" your primary residence. In that case you can tell the collectors to go pound sand.

Believe it or not, there are people that do not want anything from the government-except to be left in peace. I know men that refuse to collect their social security pension-they would rather keep working.

It sounds like the UK has a good system, but one which is under the same pressures as the "system" in the U.S. Funny how these things worked well in the past, but are now on the ropes. I don't know about you, but I did not do anything to break the system.

I could really rant on this subject-I'll keep it short. I watched as a once very good insurance plan went down the toilet because of "do gooders". I was an agent for the Carpenters Union here some years ago. I was quite familiar with the health plan. I will give one little example of what started happening in the early '90's. Vision care was dropped (from a previous unlimited amounts minus frames) dental was capped at 1500 per year and a lifetime cap of 3000 from a previous amount that would have been adequate for any family for any amount of time. Why did those changes come into being? Because of what was called a MAP program. A program to get dope heads off of drugs. The amounts allotted for MAP at the same time the others were being slashed was 30,000 per year with no lifetime cap (or a very high cap amount-can't remember for sure). The real kick in all that is the the shrinks and shelters are apparently incapable of curring about 97% of the people that go through those programs. Most can stay clean for a few months and that is it. I said then, and I still say it; if you have some mental problem, take it to a priest or your mommy, at least you'll get someone who cares. Whatever, don't put your selfish bs problems on my back. Because, frankly, I don't give a damn.

If not for that kind of "planning" and allowing tens of millions of non payer's to suck off the system, it would have been just fine. The system was broken by those that write the law-and now some think that those same kings (or current jargon might be Czars) will fix it. Excuse me while I go laugh.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Qwixt

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro

The bill that just passed is unworkable for private insurance-they will fail, and those that passed it know it. This was just a first step. Hello socialism.

I just had to say that this is hardly the first step, and far from being the end of the world.

Non of those programs ensured the destruction of private health insurance-not even close. Keep in mind that when the biggest of your listed programs began, it was just a drop in the bucket, so to speak. You cannot seriously compare those to the current goals. Again, the current bill is not going to work and is viewed as a required first step (legally) to breaking the insurance companies. Health reform has only just begun.

And, BTW, import tariffs was the method originally used to fund the U.S. It clearly worked better than what they practice today. No tariffs encourages unfair trade with slave labor markets. How that can threaten liberties in the US is a stretch of the imagination.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Doggie

It's more off topic than you know. Nobody in the United States objects to affordable health care. This is about transfering wealth from working class families into a political slush fund. It aint about health care; it's about zillions in draconian tax increases.

And those taxes will be going into effect real soon-even though there will be virtually no benefit for 4 years.
Who wants to make a bet that the government will save that money for its intended purposes. [:D]

Anyway Doggie, you hit the nail on the head. But, the plan itself is still ridiculous in itself.

A better idea might be to conquer some other planet and have them pay taxes to provide earthlings with health insurance. No earthling should have to be troubled by such trivial matters.

[leastonh1]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro
One little question before it is too late; do UK MP's have their own separate insurance plan and government pension plan? They do in the US. This is another little thing that frosts many (like me) Americans. If they participated in the same plans, perhaps they would care for those a little more.

That's a good question. Officially, MP's and even the royal family use the NHS and even attend NHS hospitals, as opposed to private facilities. However, many NHS hospitals now have wards and suites specifically set aside for only "private" patients. E.g. those with private health care insurance. So, although those in privileged positions make a huge song and dance about attending the same hospitals us plebs use, I am pretty certain they don't end up in the same wards.

Having said that, I'd imagine even many of those people are still genuine champions of the NHS.

[Greybriar]

ORIGINAL: Doggie

ORIGINAL: Greybriar




Quit distorting the truth.

And once again I say: Drop it. NOW!

Who died and made you Arbiter of Truth?

The typical liberal attitude is telling.[8|]

Precisely why I wanted the topic dropped. R&P aren't allowed here.

Third time is supposed to be a charm, so let's try one last time: Drop it. NOW!

Personally I think it's past time for this thread to be locked.

[vonRocko]

ORIGINAL: Greybriar

ORIGINAL: Doggie

ORIGINAL: Greybriar




Quit distorting the truth.

And once again I say: Drop it. NOW!

Who died and made you Arbiter of Truth?

The typical liberal attitude is telling.[8|]

Precisely why I wanted the topic dropped. R&P aren't allowed here.

Third time is supposed to be a charm, so let's try one last time: Drop it. NOW!

Personally I think it's past time for this thread to be locked.

Greybriar, here's an idea,why not stop looking at this thread if it bothers you?Stop reading and replying! NOW!

[Jevhaddah_Slitherine]

Wotcha...06 Maestro..

My post about the NHS was to give my personal experience of it and how its existence aided my family. This was in reply to the comments that the NHS was dire.

I cannot speak for anyone else or judge the healthcare system in other parts of the world as I have no experience of them and meant no offence with my post.

My own injuries occured when I was on active service in the Royal Navy and in the 20 odd years since the BIG BANG that caused them I came to realise that I have a lot to thank the UK Health System for.

No system is perfect though and there are those that will abuse it if they can.

Cheers

Jev

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: vonRocko
Greybriar, here's an idea,why not stop looking at this thread if it bothers you?Stop reading and replying! NOW!

Hmm, does that make sense? By George, I think it does. VonRocko, you stop that, NOW! [:D]

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Jim_H

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro
One little question before it is too late; do UK MP's have their own separate insurance plan and government pension plan? They do in the US. This is another little thing that frosts many (like me) Americans. If they participated in the same plans, perhaps they would care for those a little more.

That's a good question. Officially, MP's and even the royal family use the NHS and even attend NHS hospitals, as opposed to private facilities. However, many NHS hospitals now have wards and suites specifically set aside for only "private" patients. E.g. those with private health care insurance. So, although those in privileged positions make a huge song and dance about attending the same hospitals us plebs use, I am pretty certain they don't end up in the same wards.

Having said that, I'd imagine even many of those people are still genuine champions of the NHS.

Thanks for the info. I would say that speaks well (or better) of British officials than their American counterparts.

A month or so ago there was a petition (started by a Congressman) that demanded that the US Congress/Senate utilize the program which is being developed. I could not sign it as every time I tried to get to the web site it was jambed-too busy. Thanks to this thread, I remembered about it-time to try again.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: Jevhaddah

No system is perfect though and there are those that will abuse it if they can.

Cheers

Jev

So true. Not all abusers are those seeking medical treatment.
Cheers

[JWW]

ORIGINAL: Greybriar

ORIGINAL: Doggie

ORIGINAL: Greybriar




Quit distorting the truth.

And once again I say: Drop it. NOW!

Who died and made you Arbiter of Truth?

The typical liberal attitude is telling.[8|]

Precisely why I wanted the topic dropped. R&P aren't allowed here.

Third time is supposed to be a charm, so let's try one last time: Drop it. NOW!

Personally I think it's past time for this thread to be locked.

Actually you went a step further than just asking people to drop the thread, don't you think?

[JWW]

ORIGINAL: Jevhaddah

Wotcha...06 Maestro..

My post about the NHS was to give my personal experience of it and how its existence aided my family. This was in reply to the comments that the NHS was dire.

I cannot speak for anyone else or judge the healthcare system in other parts of the world as I have no experience of them and meant no offence with my post.

My own injuries occured when I was on active service in the Royal Navy and in the 20 odd years since the BIG BANG that caused them I came to realise that I have a lot to thank the UK Health System for.

No system is perfect though and there are those that will abuse it if they can.

Cheers

Jev

My own views about health care were shaped by my military career and in particular by the great work done by the folks at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and since I retired from the Army by the great folks in the Veterans Administration system. You hear about tremendous problems in the military and VA systems, but they have always been great to me. Saved my life. Twice. It's why I have no problem with single payer. Been there, done that, all of my adult life.

[Doggie]

ORIGINAL: Greybriar

Precisely why I wanted the topic dropped. R&P aren't allowed here.

Third time is supposed to be a charm, so let's try one last time: Drop it. NOW!

Personally I think it's past time for this thread to be locked.

It's all about what you want, huh? So let's try one more time : bite me.
I don't care what you want. I don't answer to you. You know where you can shove your rightous indignation.

Nobody is talking about religion. Politics are allowed here all the time, as political decisions are what leads to wars, and wars are what war gaming is all about. What's frowned on is personal abuse, like when you called Mister Maestro a liar, and decided you are the guy who's going to tell everyone else how things are going to be around here. Newsflash -no, you aint. Nobody cares what you don't like.

Now even if things are a bit off topic here, everybody else is being civil to each other. Everybody but you, the self rightous wanna be forum fuhrer. So how about you use your free health care to address this psychotic meglomania you seem to be suffering from? Or you could kick your cat. I've heard animal abuse is one of the warning signs displayed by sociopaths like yourself.

[Sarge]

Get a load of this guy...................lmao

ORIGINAL: Greybriar

I don't know which is the bigger lie.

Drop it. NOW!

ORIGINAL: Greybriar
Quit distorting the truth.

And once again I say: Drop it. NOW!

ORIGINAL: Greybriar

Precisely why I wanted the topic dropped. R&P aren't allowed here.

Third time is supposed to be a charm, so let's try one last time: Drop it. NOW!

Personally I think it's past time for this thread to be locked.

[PunkReaper]

My experience of the Uk National health Service has always been excellent. Whether same day free visits to the doctor for minor illnesses, to quick efficient surgery for my son's broken back to the numerous scans, radiotherapy, surgery and drugs for my wife's brain tumour. All free..... all without worry about hitting limits of cover etc.... I will admit I don't know much about the American system but the lies I have read on the USA websites about the Uk system recently has made my blood boil....... [:@][:@][:@]. I personally don't care what system the US adopts but it saddens me to see politicians lying to fulfill their own political agendas.

Now like JD I will shut up ....................... NOW!

[Chijohnaok2]

ORIGINAL: Punk Reaper

My experience of the Uk National health Service has always been excellent. Whether same day free visits to the doctor for minor illnesses, to quick efficient surgery for my son's broken back to the numerous scans, radiotherapy, surgery and drugs for my wife's brain tumour. All free..... all without worry about hitting limits of cover etc.... I will admit I don't know much about the American system but the lies I have read on the USA websites about the Uk system recently has made my blood boil....... [:@][:@][:@]. I personally don't care what system the US adopts but it saddens me to see politicians lying to fulfill their own political agendas.

Now like JD I will shut up ....................... NOW!

Question to you and others in the UK.

If the NHS is excellent, then why are there some in the UK that come here to the US for treatment?

[I am not trying to provoke an arguement. I am genuinely curious.]