HMO ruling & Canada's health care

[Guest guest]

I'm just wondering if our American friends could explain the recent

US Supreme Court ruling on HMO liability to Canadians. Even though,

in general, the kinds of hassles that our American friends face when

it comes to health insurance can be ignored on these sites, we

probably need to sit up and pay attention.

I think it's relevant, as parties running in the Canadian federal

election to be held June 28th have had varied positions on upholding

the Canada Health Act, the consequences of which could lead us down

the road, in the not-so-distant future, to adoption of American-style

health insurance. Alberta's premier, for example, has said he is

going to announce changes two days after the federal election which

the federal government that's elected may or may not challenge.

[Guest guest]

> I'm just wondering if our American friends could explain the recent

> US Supreme Court ruling on HMO liability to Canadians. Even though,

> in general, the kinds of hassles that our American friends face when

> it comes to health insurance can be ignored on these sites, we

> probably need to sit up and pay attention.

>

> I think it's relevant, as parties running in the Canadian federal

> election to be held June 28th have had varied positions on upholding

> the Canada Health Act, the consequences of which could lead us down

> the road, in the not-so-distant future, to adoption of American-style

> health insurance. Alberta's premier, for example, has said he is

> going to announce changes two days after the federal election which

> the federal government that's elected may or may not challenge.

>

>

I also heard, minutes later on the news, that what the Alberta's Premier

is trying to accomplish is illegal, it's against the Canadian health chart (or

something alike). I don't think he'll be able to get away with that..!

Ray

[Guest guest]

Yes, it's illegal, but the government has to do something about it.

And the government at the time will have the ability, if they have a

majority, or support from another party, to change that legislation.

It's easily done and difficult to undo.

Intent in this area is still unknown for some parties. I think we

need to hear from all parties on what their stance is regarding the

Canada Health Act and future health care for Canadians. Otherwise

who knows what we are going to get?

I for one could never have afforded this surgery if it weren't

covered by provincial health insurance. It could easily become a

battle for coverage as it is in the US, that's what I'm saying.

> I also heard, minutes later on the news, that what the Alberta's

Premier

> is trying to accomplish is illegal, it's against the Canadian

health chart (or

> something alike). I don't think he'll be able to get away with

that..!

>

> Ray