Re: Economics discussion (OT OT)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 1:31:17 PM Eastern Standard Time,

janou_pou@... writes:

> Janick

> who thinks that your health care system is way too expensive and not

> universally accessible

>

AMEN to that!!

who can't afford health insurance even when offered through an

employer!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 6:31:17 PM !!!First Boot!!!, janou_pou@...

writes:

<< The US is one of the richest countries in the world, but also one of the

countries that has the biggest gap between rich and poor. Canada is not a

rich country, but it is rich in social services (like health care, education,

welfare, unemployment insurance), contrary to the United States. The

government here puts a huge priority on this, and we pay taxes accordingly

(in my case, I pay 50% income tax, plus all our other taxes...).

I would especially blame your government on your practically non existent

" social services " instead of blaming it on your strong currency... IMO.

Janick

who thinks that your health care system is way too expensive and not

universally accessible

>>

lol oh boy sounds like a political discussion brewing. I will bite the bullet

and not add in my comments which are completely to the contrary...but oh its

SO hard.

a

Who knows many of her friends know her opinions on this

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 6:31:17 PM !!!First Boot!!!, janou_pou@...

writes:

<< The US is one of the richest countries in the world, but also one of the

countries that has the biggest gap between rich and poor. Canada is not a

rich country, but it is rich in social services (like health care, education,

welfare, unemployment insurance), contrary to the United States. The

government here puts a huge priority on this, and we pay taxes accordingly

(in my case, I pay 50% income tax, plus all our other taxes...).

I would especially blame your government on your practically non existent

" social services " instead of blaming it on your strong currency... IMO.

Janick

who thinks that your health care system is way too expensive and not

universally accessible

>>

lol oh boy sounds like a political discussion brewing. I will bite the bullet

and not add in my comments which are completely to the contrary...but oh its

SO hard.

a

Who knows many of her friends know her opinions on this

[Guest guest]

<< I will say though that the state I live in has an awesome program for kids

and I was able to get my kids GREAT coverage at a very low cost. >>

My sister applied for insurance coverage through the state for her two

children and was turned down. My sister doesn't work and her husband's

employer doesn't offer health benefits. It is VERY hard for them when her

kids get sick, and kids do get sick a lot. She had to take her 3 year old to

the doctor for an ear infection two days ago. The doctor visit was $50 and

the prescription was $80. There was no generic brand for this particular

antibiotic. They struggle to make ends meet and can't get coverage even for

her kids. This country is a great place to live, but some parts of the

" system " need a lot of work.

[Guest guest]

" Another reason why I don't understand why we are helping other

countries who are in need when we have children living on the streets

in the US that need our help and should be getting it first. Shows

were the politicians priorities are. Another IMO. "

le,

I think that the US is not keeping their currency high to " help out " other

countries... The US dollar is the strongest currency right now, and is a

reflection of your country's " wealth " (even if this wealth is not well

distributed at all...). The US is one of the richest countries in the world,

but also one of the countries that has the biggest gap between rich and poor.

Canada is not a rich country, but it is rich in social services (like health

care, education, welfare, unemployment insurance), contrary to the United

States. The government here puts a huge priority on this, and we pay taxes

accordingly (in my case, I pay 50% income tax, plus all our other taxes...).

I would especially blame your government on your practically non existent

" social services " instead of blaming it on your strong currency... IMO.

Janick

who thinks that your health care system is way too expensive and not

universally accessible

[Guest guest]

> lol oh boy sounds like a political discussion brewing. I will bite

the bullet

> and not add in my comments which are completely to the

contrary...but oh its

> SO hard.

> a

> Who knows many of her friends know her opinions on this

As a long founded (and often long winded) republican, I'm biting too!

Wow, 50% income tax. EESH! I actually have very few complaints

about my health insurance, but know there are many who cannot afford

it or do not have such luck....

Amy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 7:55:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,

taebogymmie@... writes:

>

> Do you have anything like the " Healthy FAmilies " that we have here in

>

Yes Sandie, my kids have something like that. But if I get hit by a bus or

something, we'll be in real trouble! I am glad that my kids are covered

though

[Guest guest]

<< Luckily, my employer gives us " credit " towards our medical expenses,

but it's still more out of pocket than it was when we were owned by a

private family. >>

I mentioned my sister not being able to get health care for her kids earlier.

What I didn't mention is that my employer takes great care of his employees.

The company I work for pays 100% of our health insurance. We have no out of

pocket expense for it. Of course we only have 4 employees! It's great

coverage too with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I know I'm one of the lucky ones

and sometimes take it for granted.

[Guest guest]

" lol oh boy sounds like a political discussion brewing. I will bite the bullet

and not add in my comments which are completely to the contrary...but oh its

SO hard.

a

Who knows many of her friends know her opinions on this "

I don't know your opinion... I'm only speaking with a Canadian point of view

of the subject. I'm very open to other opinions... it makes for very

interesting discussions...

Janick

who still thinks that the US represents the land of opportunity

[Guest guest]

" As a long founded (and often long winded) republican, I'm biting too!

Wow, 50% income tax. "

Ok, this is my last comment on the subject, because this is really getting way

way OT... LOL

You have to understand that Canada is a very " socialist " country (not that I

always agree with the political priorities of the nation). Some people here

think that the more you earn money, the more taxes you should pay. I have a

VERY good salary, and some people still think that 50% income tax is NOT

ENOUGH... (not me... believe it or not, I struggle on a 6 digit salary, which

is not 6 digits once the income tax is taken away). I'm what you call an

" autonomous " worker, and I don't get benefits from my employer (since I am my

own employer), except what is covered by the government (ie health care). No

pension plan, no employment insurance, nothing, I gotta pay this stuff on my

own. I won't go into details on my monthly payments, but let's just say that

50% of my salary goes on taxes, 20% goes on my insurances, pension plans,etc...

20% goes towards paying debt (student loans and other loans), which leaves me

10% for living expenses.

This is why I believe that for someone like me, in the states, I would not

struggle to get by, I would thrive in the US economy.

Janick

who now has an urge to find a job in the states

[Guest guest]

" As a long founded (and often long winded) republican, I'm biting too!

Wow, 50% income tax. "

Ok, this is my last comment on the subject, because this is really getting way

way OT... LOL

You have to understand that Canada is a very " socialist " country (not that I

always agree with the political priorities of the nation). Some people here

think that the more you earn money, the more taxes you should pay. I have a

VERY good salary, and some people still think that 50% income tax is NOT

ENOUGH... (not me... believe it or not, I struggle on a 6 digit salary, which

is not 6 digits once the income tax is taken away). I'm what you call an

" autonomous " worker, and I don't get benefits from my employer (since I am my

own employer), except what is covered by the government (ie health care). No

pension plan, no employment insurance, nothing, I gotta pay this stuff on my

own. I won't go into details on my monthly payments, but let's just say that

50% of my salary goes on taxes, 20% goes on my insurances, pension plans,etc...

20% goes towards paying debt (student loans and other loans), which leaves me

10% for living expenses.

This is why I believe that for someone like me, in the states, I would not

struggle to get by, I would thrive in the US economy.

Janick

who now has an urge to find a job in the states

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 11:22:45 PM !!!First Boot!!!, ceejaec@...

writes:

<< My sister applied for insurance coverage through the state for her two

children and was turned down. My sister doesn't work and her husband's

employer doesn't offer health benefits. It is VERY hard for them when her

kids get sick, and kids do get sick a lot. She had to take her 3 year old

to

the doctor for an ear infection two days ago. The doctor visit was $50 and

the prescription was $80. There was no generic brand for this particular

antibiotic. They struggle to make ends meet and can't get coverage even for

her kids. This country is a great place to live, but some parts of the

" system " need a lot of work.

>>

,have you sister call her state senator. (not federal) Unfortunately

most people are denied public assistance the first time around whether they

deserve it or not. Persistence can pay off. If you need any help e-mail me

off the list

GalofGOP@...

a

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 7:56:31 PM !!!First Boot!!!, amynewcomb@...

writes:

<<

As a long founded (and often long winded) republican, I'm biting too!

Wow, 50% income tax. EESH! I actually have very few complaints

about my health insurance, but know there are many who cannot afford

it or do not have such luck....

Amy

>>

Yes, but more government is not the answer. If government had less

regulations over certain aspects of health care (not quality regulations mind

you), costs would be significantly lower.

a

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 8:06:10 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Agaw12577@...

writes:

<<

Me! LOL! My biggest complaint is that even with the employer kicking in, the

cost to us is about 150 dollars A WEEK! That is an insane amount of money

for

poor people like me, LOL! I will say though that the state I live in has an

awesome program for kids and I was able to get my kids GREAT coverage at a

very low cost. I love that there is such a focus on children, but if the

parents get sick, then what?

who just needs to become a millionaire and then wouldn't have to

worry about this stuff!

>>

, I think you are WAY overpaying. Check into group health insurance.

Self-employed individuals and individuals who do not have access to health

care often form large groups to buy health insurance in bulk and at a cheaper

rate. Your state's Department of Health should be able to steer you in the

right direction.

a

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 8:06:10 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Agaw12577@...

writes:

<<

Me! LOL! My biggest complaint is that even with the employer kicking in, the

cost to us is about 150 dollars A WEEK! That is an insane amount of money

for

poor people like me, LOL! I will say though that the state I live in has an

awesome program for kids and I was able to get my kids GREAT coverage at a

very low cost. I love that there is such a focus on children, but if the

parents get sick, then what?

who just needs to become a millionaire and then wouldn't have to

worry about this stuff!

>>

, I think you are WAY overpaying. Check into group health insurance.

Self-employed individuals and individuals who do not have access to health

care often form large groups to buy health insurance in bulk and at a cheaper

rate. Your state's Department of Health should be able to steer you in the

right direction.

a

[Guest guest]

> AMEN to that!!

> who can't afford health insurance even when offered

through an employer!

That's ridiculous!!!! If people who can't afford insurance get a

serious injury or illness, it'll practically bankrupt them.

Luckily, my employer gives us " credit " towards our medical expenses,

but it's still more out of pocket than it was when we were owned by a

private family. It was $5 a pay then, it's about $13 pay for me

now.

Do you have anything like the " Healthy FAmilies " that we have here in

Cali out there?!?!?!

Sandie, Tae and Bo who hopes some major changes happen in our health

care

[Guest guest]

> Me! LOL! My biggest complaint is that even with the employer

kicking in, the

> cost to us is about 150 dollars A WEEK! That is an insane amount of

money for

> poor people like me, LOL! I will say though that the state I live

in has an

> awesome program for kids and I was able to get my kids GREAT

coverage at a

> very low cost. I love that there is such a focus on children, but

if the

> parents get sick, then what?

> who just needs to become a millionaire and then wouldn't

have to

> worry about this stuff!

>

$150/week?!?!?! That's highway robbery. For that money, they better

pay 100% of everything and take you when ever you feel like showing

up...unannounced even. I don't have the copy of our benefits info

anymore, but I'll try to remember to ask someone with kids how much

they have to pay out of pocket.

It's bad enough lately with people having to choose whether or not to

pay rent/food or pay utilites (which unfortunately is a true concern,

because per the news only a handful of folks in Cali even qualify for

assistance from PG & E), now they have to do the same with insurance.

That's good that they have something for the kids at least.

Sandie, Tae and Bo )!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

We pay $106/month for our HMO for the 4 of us. It pretty much covers everything

with a $10 copay.

Joan

Re: Economics discussion (OT OT)

> Me! LOL! My biggest complaint is that even with the employer

kicking in, the

> cost to us is about 150 dollars A WEEK! That is an insane amount of

money for

> poor people like me, LOL! I will say though that the state I live

in has an

> awesome program for kids and I was able to get my kids GREAT

coverage at a

> very low cost. I love that there is such a focus on children, but

if the

> parents get sick, then what?

> who just needs to become a millionaire and then wouldn't

have to

> worry about this stuff!

>

$150/week?!?!?! That's highway robbery. For that money, they better

pay 100% of everything and take you when ever you feel like showing

up...unannounced even. I don't have the copy of our benefits info

anymore, but I'll try to remember to ask someone with kids how much

they have to pay out of pocket.

It's bad enough lately with people having to choose whether or not to

pay rent/food or pay utilites (which unfortunately is a true concern,

because per the news only a handful of folks in Cali even qualify for

assistance from PG & E), now they have to do the same with insurance.

That's good that they have something for the kids at least.

Sandie, Tae and Bo )!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 11:48:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, galofgop@...

writes:

> Self-employed individuals and individuals who do not have access to health

> care often form large groups to buy health insurance in bulk and at a

> cheaper

>

I looked into a few things that we could buy on our own and it was just as

expensive, if not more. I did find one plan for about 300 a month, but the

copays were 30 dollars a visit and there was a deductible and all of that.

I'll have to keep investigating!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/8/01 11:05:24 AM !!!First Boot!!!, Agaw12577@...

writes:

<<

I looked into a few things that we could buy on our own and it was just as

expensive, if not more. I did find one plan for about 300 a month, but the

copays were 30 dollars a visit and there was a deductible and all of that.

I'll have to keep investigating!

>>

OH...and if you or your husband are still enrolled in college (or when you go

back) many colleges also offer somewhat affordable health plans for students

who do not want to use the medical facilities on campus. Something else to

check into.

a

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/01 8:16:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, js.tate@...

writes:

> We pay $106/month for our HMO for the 4 of us. It pretty much covers

>

What state are you in and what company is that? The best I have found has

been 30 dollar copays! Oh, I just wanted to make one thing clear. I don't

have medical insurance. We don't pay the 150 a week. Actually, I just looked

at the papers and it is 137 a week, my mistake. Anyway, we don't have

insurance because my husband has to wait three months to get it (he just

started this job). I just wanted people to know that I am not actually paying

that insane amount, yet!

[Guest guest]

Dh works for a cabinet company in Washington state. He's in middle management.

I think they have different insurance than the production workers, but I'm not

sure. We've always had fairly good insurance and I know it's definately

something that I take for granted.

Joan

What state are you in and what company is that? The best I have found has been

30 dollar copays! Oh, I just wanted to make one thing clear. I don't

have medical insurance. We don't pay the 150 a week. Actually, I just looked

at the papers and it is 137 a week, my mistake. Anyway, we don't have

insurance because my husband has to wait three months to get it (he just

started this job). I just wanted people to know that I am not actually paying

that insane amount, yet!

[Guest guest]

Amen Janick~

As a social worker in graduate school, I completely agree. My job is

not thought of very highly and that is because we help poor people, and they

are not thought of very highly. I wouldn't change my profession for the world

though, but maybe I need to move to Canada!! LOL

Temera