[ericschand]

Here's what I feel you do.

On the tax forms, similar to what they do with public vs seperate school, you
ask a question. Do you wish to pay health taxes and remain within the public
Universal Healthcare system?

Answer yes, you remove the amount of taxes for the health portion, and the
person remains under Alberta Health Care.

Answer no, you do not remove the health portion, they are free to spend it
on their own insurance.

Note, they can answer yes, but still use the private system if they like.

However, let's say Mr. Simpson decides to go into the private system and
does not pay the taxes. All of a sudden he is diagnosed with severe radiation
poisoning problems. The cost will be $100,000 for treatment, and just
like the USA his insurance companies deny him benefits, 'cause he fell
down the gorge landing on his head a number of times.

Mr. Simpson cannot simply say, well, let me back into the public system.

He would have reimburse the public system, by paying at least 66.7% of
the $100,000 (ie. $66,666.67) plus the past 5 years of the health portion
of his taxes. First he must pay the 5 years portion. Then as it adds up he
must pay 66.7% of the cost.

He can't come up with it? Too bad, he must stay in the private system, and
work it out with them.

You must choose the system you want, public or private, there is no,
just don't remove any money and I'll take my chances. Default would be
public system.

All children turning 18 are automatically put into the public system, until they
file their first taxes and make a selection.

Lay this out on the table, then let people make the choice.

ers