Quote:
Originally Posted by FireFly
I think Albertans are concerned about the slippery slope that is a two tier system. I mean, you look at places like New Zealand who started out with a two tier system and ended up Americanizing their system and Canadians get scared, and rightfully so. We don't want that at all.
They haven't shown us it's fool-proof. If anyone can show us it's fool-proof, then we'd be all for it. I'm unconvinced that the 'third way' is foolproof.
And I know that comment wasn't directed at me, but I was in the class with Thunderball and it rocked.
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I think the paranoia stems from the fact that most people in Canada think there are only two systems... Canada's and the US, mid ground is considered moving to the US. The slippery slope argument is a bit of a logical fallacy, depending on how its implemented. We are conditioned to think the American system is inherently flawed (which is true), but that ours is not (which is false). Exploring European/Japanese models while maintaining tough government regulation would more than likely lead to an increased benefit for all Albertans.
Reality is, our system is becoming too expensive, and really, our system is designed to save 9 people at the expense of the tenth, whose treatment costs are better spent on the other 9. I know people are going to come up with stories of advanced medicine in Canada, which can be undoubtably true, but the facts say that what the Americans have is either the same or more advanced (for those who can afford it).
If one has a serious health condition, it is advised by many to go to the United States for treatment... particularly to the Mayo Clinic. Because of that, US health insurance is offered at a very steep price to many affluent Canadians who can afford the premiums and 10k deductible. Many of Calgary's corporate elite already possess this.
The question is, how do you solve this? There really is no answer, except that the status quo can't continue. I don't think they have to prove its foolproof, just better than what we have. Nearly anything will be an improvement on people dying or miscarrying in a waiting room, which is way too common. Hell, anything more than never is too much.