Hey, guys,

I didn't mean to start anything. I was just trying to think how we could make the system we've got work a little better, 'cause I know a comprehensive health care system is something that people will be fighting over for years.

Before I had regular employment, it was reassuring to know that VA was there, fortunately I didn't need it. My daughter, I delivered at home, we just got good pre-natal care from a GP. No fuss, no muss.

My son was lucky to be born just before I got downsized out of CH2M Hill. Good, healthy kid. Then a year later I got picked up by Navajo Nation, health, dental and vision insurance from a variety of "providers" who spent all their time figuring out reasons to not pay a claim. They always paid eventually, but they held the $ for 6 months or so and collected the interest.

Thailand, I lived there a couple years. They had universl health care in government clinics, also a lot of private clinics in the cities. I used to go to the "Mayo Clinic" on Thanon Phahonyothin. They had US-educATED doctors and nurses who could speak english, and everything. They were really good on injuries, cuts, fractures, burns, bullet wounds. Everything else they just prescribed penicillin and opiate pain killers. $100 baht ($8.50, then) per visit, cash an carry.

Traveling, I was always envious of the Canadians. Their system covers them even in foreign countries. It is really tough being broke and sick or injured in a foreign country.

But my favorite health plan is to stay healthy and avoid taking any medicine that doesn't come out of the ground.

Well, I really can appreciate this list for proving space for this kind of topic!

jn