England & Canada question

[Marigold2]

My friend a retired Dr is very much against Obama's plan for healthcare.
He sent me this, it was part of a larger e-mail.
In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.
My question is this
1) Is this statement true?
2) Those of you that live in England how would you rate your health care?
3) Those of you that live in Canada how would you rate your health care?
4) And last have either of you in these countries every been on a waiting list and if so for what and how long?
Thanks all, Monica

[phesina]

I have a 5th question:

Those of you in England or Canada, would you trade your health care system for one like ours?

[Nomilynn]

I would NEVER trade our health care system in Canada for what is in the USA! It isn't as bad as it's being made out, in my opinion. I had an elective surgery a couple years ago and I had to wait 4 months to have it done (I think). However, my boyfriend ended up needing emergency surgery on a Saturday a couple years back, and it didn't cost him a cent, other than his medical plan premiums (which his work pays as part of his benefit package).

I am now working at a place that also pays my premiums, and also pays 100% of my extended health, which means that I do not have to pay for any of my diabetic prescriptions.

As far as older people not getting service, I've not heard of that. It's my understanding that every situation is assesed and age is considered when determining treatments. My old co-worker's husband (who is over 60 but I'm not sure of his age) underwent quadruple by-pass surgery last year - it cost him nothing.

If I need to go and see my family doctor, the longest I've had to wait is maybe 2 or 3 days, because he's been on vacation. Usually I call ahead a couple of days because it's my schedule that's limited, not his.

I think it just depends on your situation. I know someone here who elected to have knee surgery (and paid for it out of pocket - $500) because she was in a lot of pain and would have had to wait 3 months. However, emergencies are not affected.

[Laura's Babies]

I have been wondering what they have to say about it too.

In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed

That sounds exactly like what the people against the new health care program are saying will happen here.. I am still investigating the pro's and con's of it before I decide but so far, I have found a lot more against it and very little is being said to rebuff things like that being said.... THAT is what worries me! NO ONE is guaranteeing us things like that won't happen here. I find the bill (what I have read of it) is extremely vague and could go either way, depending on who reads it and how they interpret it..

I would love to hear from the people here who have that already.

I would like to ask them also, what does it cost them per year?

[Prairie Purrs]

Here's an article refuting that email, with footnotes listing the sources relied upon in the article:

http://www.factcheck.org/askfactchec...lder_than.html

[caseysmom]

I have 7,000,000 in an account waiting for you, just send me $5000 and that 7,000,000 can be released....must be true its an email!

[Laura's Babies]

Prairie Purrs- I didn't get that email.. I saved that one to read later and the rebuff that is with it. Thanks..

[ChrisH]

In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.

I presume when you write England you mean the whole of UK/British Isles, which consists of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England?

A simple answer to the question/statement. It is totally untrue. There is no cut off point where age is concerned.

[Laura's Babies]

This is what I had been hoping for! Positive answers about it instread of all the negative ones that are out there and to get them from the ones who have experienced it! THAT means a LOT! THANKS from me!

[mvm417]

Walter Annenberg & wife Leonore were ardent, staunch lifelong Republicans. Annenberg helped get Nixon elected president and Nixon then appointed Annenberg as Amb. to London (the most prestigious ambassadorship). Annenbergs were great friends of the Reagans and often socialized with them - most notablly New Year's Eves (plural "eves"). The couples were perhaps best friends. Leonore was appointed by Reagan as the State Dept. Chief of Protocol.

The Annenberg Foundation concentrates much of its grants on education.

Google: England 59 yrs no heart repairs stents bypass
and note about 10 sites COMPLETELY refuting that canard about England not allowing those over 59 years to have these heart procedures. Sites cite their sources for the information. Note also that that weird email making the rounds telling us all that England doesn't allow these heart procedures gives no sources for its statements and the originator is anonymous. When I received that email, I thought it was a joke. And indeed it is.