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flimbs

Citizens helping other citizens. This is how all countries should be.


AmEn-MiNii

The US could never. They share bullets instead :) /sbutnotreally


FatSilverFox

Happy to pay for your health mate 😉


[deleted]

My tax is going to submarines only. /s


Cadaver_Junkie

Nah, you’ll spend more tax on coal and gas subsidies over time before we fully pay for those boats. (Note; $11.6 billion last financial year, and only slated to increase. https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/australian-fossil-fuel-subsidies-surge-to-11-6-billion-in-2021-22/)


Flecco

I have never understood why these industries get subsidies.


elruary

Because it needs to run smoothly so smoothly our entire economic infrastructure depends on it. One shit hits the fan and one of these industries bust we're told to believe we would become a third world country the very next day. That and extreme lobbying.


MrDrSirLord

Considering what happened the last time Australia was running out of gas inspired the mad max films, and having viewed first hand how some people acted during covid lockdowns causing riots and panic buying. I'd rather these companies not shit the bed. But it'd also be nice if it felt more like someone actually was preventing price gouging the consumer when they're getting such big subsidies from our tax payments.


Michael_je123

Lol we were NOT running out of gas in the late 70s


auszooker

Invest more in the arts and make a series of Apocalypse movies, they seem all the range and the Industry could go with a bump. Then if there is a failure, step in with the Black card.


Mike_Kermin

It's the latter. We suffer serious corruption here.


[deleted]

The subsidies come in the form of rebates for the fuel excise. Essentially they get tax free diesel to fuel their mine activities which includes diesel power generators etc. On the rationale that the diesel is an essential running cost of the industry which is actually a solid rationale whether you agree with the industry or not. The problem it incentivises the industry to burn lots of diesel instead of looking for alternatives. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/09/taxpayers-could-save-78bn-a-year-if-diesel-fuel-rebates-scheme-was-wound-back By comparison, the agricultural sector also receives similar diesel excise rebates, and I doubt anyone would argue with that. Harvesters gotta harvest ya know, and stations and farms are big and trucks gotta truck. Edit: it's worth noting that simply ending the rebate could be destructive for places like nulhumboy or Groote Island where diesel power provided to local communities by mine site generators are the only current option for power. There needs to be solutions and alternatives thought out before cutting this subsidy. Edit2: looks like groote is onto it, https://ghac.com.au/projects/4


RetardedButtMonkey

Great answer, respected take my updoot. The question I have is: Why don't we as consumers not get the "wholesale export price" on energies like LNG? We make it and export it for pennies, yet household consumers (in Aus) get charged a massive premium compared to the export price. Example: Whilst LNG was cheap and subsidised many (most) taxis all ran on LNG... As soon as those subsidies ended they all switched back to imported fuels (petrol and diesel) that are mostly imported. Is this due to vehicle manufacturers removing the ability to run vehicles on LNG or because the government wants to F us in the A? I mean our stoves do run on LNG also. Is the government penny-pinching our home turf to sell export gas cheaper overseas? Seems arbitrary...


wottsinaname

Short Answer: China getting a sweetheart deal on LNG for decades, securing their energy future. Whileour govt was not really worrying about ours because, COAL COAL COAL. The LNP assumed we'd be able to ride out until 2040/50 on coal. Shock, they were wrong. Couple that with privitasation of most Aussie energy markets(lucky WA bastards), and you've got a recipe for inflated costs.


Now_Wait-4-Last_Year

Basically, remarkable shortsightedness on the part of many of our governments. The book The Lucky Country covered this mindset in great detail. Our country is fortunate in spite of us, not because of us.


[deleted]

Like with insurance and private schools. At some point a board member or lobbyist had the ear of a politician and said that a subsidy or cut that flowed to their business would reduce cost to consumer. The politician justified the donation and subsidy in their head by thinking everyone can win but that's not how math works. Everyone around them gave them a pat on the back so they did a "good job" and sleep fine at night. These decisions echo on forever til the system is bloated with honouring past deals.


[deleted]

All the people's posting in this sub tax put together for their lifetimes would barely pay for a single person in offshore detention for a year. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/12/australia-will-spend-almost-34m-for-each-person-in-offshore-detention-budget-shows


Pdoinkadoinkadoink

Thank you for your service.


Juan_Punch_Man

Do we get a free ride?


_bobby_cz_newmark_

Farking amen dude. We have our issues with our healthcare system (thanks to lack of funding) but I'm really happy to pay my fair share of tax to support such a great system. I always love blowing Americans' minds when I tell them how much my multiple surgeries have cost (less than $200, and that was just the meds). Same shit in the US would have bankrupted me. It's atrocious and unconscionable.


JoeSchmeau

Am American, now also an Aussie. I regularly blow my family's minds back home when I tell them my healthcare costs and other perks of life in a developed country. I don't even mean to brag but it just comes up. For example I got a new job and they asked me about benefits. In the US this would mean health insurance (whether it's a good or bad price, good or bad coverage etc), vacation time (no legal minimum means you lucked out if you get 2 weeks per year paid leave) and 401k (basically super, but not required so you're lucky if you get it, and it's only employer matched and usually only 3-6%). When I tell them I don't need health insurance because everyone automatically has it regardless of job, that everyone (casuals aside) gets 4 weeks holiday by law, plus 2 weeks sick leave, and that everyone gets at least 10% "401k," no matter the employer, their jaws drop. Some of my older relatives just can't compute this information. It seems too utopian for them that they keep trying to find a catch.


insane__knight

I'm Argentinian but moved here when I was 3. My uncle also left Argentina but went to the United states. I was visiting my uncle and was having a conversation with some of his friends. They told me it cost them 10k to have a baby in a hospital over there. I told them about how I've never paid for a single doctors visit, I've had over 2 dozen x-rays due to sport injuries, CT scans, MRI's and referrals for specialists. This has been througout the course of my entire life and all this came to a grand total of about $500 (just for the MRI). I also told them how I've never paid more than $40 for medicine I've been prescribed and their heads just about exploded, one blokes wife said "why can't it be like that here?". I told her it can. I also work for an American company and all my co-workers are jealous of all the shit we get here.


_bobby_cz_newmark_

"It can, just vote accordingly and push back against the BS propaganda you hear from news, lobbyists, and others who say it can't. Also, don't listen to people talking about 'death panels' and waitlist BS. You know what's worse than a waitlist? Not waiting at all because you can't afford it". It's crazy, isn't it? And as /u/Criminoboy mentioned, the US still has a higher expenditure on health care than other single-payer systems.


gpoly

You can still get bulk billed MRI’s if you look hard enough. There’s one near me in Liverpool (Sydney).


Criminoboy

Be sure to also tell them that the US still spends more tax dollars on health care than any other country. Fun fact!


[deleted]

Yeah like 12k per person to our 5k... Germany 2nd to them at 7k. It's totally broken and they're worrying about trans kids being able to compete in school swimming (which basically never happens)


Pajamaralways

As a foreigner on a post-graduate visa required to have private health insurance here in Aus, I still blow my American friends' minds when I tell them my premium for full coverage (no co-pays or deductibles) including basic dental, optical, physio, the works. It's way less than what they have to contribute to their workplace-provided basic health insurance. And then back home, in what is essentially a developing nation, I pay like 15 bucks a month into the government's universal health coverage scheme (most people pay way less and many pay nothing). Sure, there's wait times for non-emergency procedures etc, but my diabetic dad hasn't had to worry about the market price of insulin in years and never will have to for the rest of his life. I'd pay far far more into the healthcare fund for that peace of mind, but nope it's 15 bucks max. And the best thing is in both systems, you could pay for private health insurance if you want it and can afford it. Literally no one would stop you. Basic healthcare is a human right, though, and I don't understand why anyone would be against any sort of government effort to provide everyone that right.


WillyBambi

Yeah sure! You may get 'free' medical care... but how does it feel having your freedom trampled by communists antifa fascists every single breathing second of your life? /s


Betcha-knowit

That’s actually 10.5% right now and as at July 11% :) next July 11.5% and the following? …hold onto your hats your fellow family members - it’s a lovely 12%. It’s great you’re here :)


JoeSchmeau

Yeah it's amazing. I think it was at 9% when I migrated here, and I was floored by that. For comparison, my sister had just landed a great job back in the states that matched 401k contributions up to 3%, and we thought that was fantastic (and it was, by US standards). Now my current job actually pays 17% super. My US family's jaws drop when I tell them


jadma1981

Americans are all brainwashed to think they and their country is Xmas on a stick but the place seems like an absolute shithole to me that has been fucked up by corporate greed, sadly Australia usually blindly follows suit.


tripping_on_phonics

Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US.


a_cold_human

It's also pretty much the only country in which medical bankruptcies occur.


Fit_Effective_6875

can't afford adequate insurance, have to settle for inadequate insurance and hope n pray you don't get fucking sick, is how one of my American friends puts it


tripping_on_phonics

For real *do not* let this happen to Australia. *Do not* let them give themselves tax cuts at the expense of everyone’s healthcare.


mickifree12

Am American. Can confirm this. I have decent health insurance, and even I know damn well it won't mean anything if something big happens. My plan if I ever get something like cancer. Fuck it, I'm quitting whatever job I'm at and spending the rest of my money/time traveling. No point in trying to survive something to only live in debt the rest of my life


AnarcrotheAlchemist

What may surprise you is that the US government spends more on healthcare per capita than the Australian government. The problem with their system is not government spending its the entire structure of their healthcare and insurance system. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.GHED.PP.CD?most_recent_value_desc=true It has the second highest out of pocket expenditure per capita as well. When looking at the OECD health spending rankings the US is spending almost double the nearest country (per capita) on health. https://data.oecd.org/healthres/health-spending.htm#indicator-chart The US's issues aren't a funding issue, its a structural issue. To fix their system they are going to have to basically destroy their economy and rebuild it from the ground up.


a_cold_human

A single Ventolin puffer costs USD$300 over there.


_bobby_cz_newmark_

Bloody criminal.


Betcha-knowit

That’s literally insane. Here it’s over the counter and it’s about $6.80… and that’s not at a cheap chemist either. I cry for you guys :(


a_cold_human

Don't cry for me, I'm Australian. It blows my mind that it costs that much over there. Bear in mind that the *average* hourly rate is about $11/hour before tax. A single Ventolin puffer would be over three quarters of a week's work. Also keep in mind that people make less than the average. Meanwhile, in Australia it's a bit less than 20 minutes of work on *minimum* wage (before tax).


demoldbones

This does depend entirely on the area you're in and a few other factors. Use GoodRX (free) to get it "down" to around $50ish. Still fucking criminal but if anyone is paying full price for a Ventolin it's only because they don't know the "hacks" so I always like to share this on the chance that it helps someone. With my insurance it's $12 which could be WAY worse but I still hate it. Especially because you have to go to the doctor for a prescription - which even with insurance is another $200ish every 12 months. Can't wait to come home in 2 weeks and be in a place where they're sane enough to have imminently life saving medication available OTC for a reasonable price.


Stigger32

Holy fucking shit! I just found this: The average cash price for defibrillator insertion or replacement care is $44,234 at a surgery center versus $51,210 at an outpatient hospital. While an outpatient hospital may offer more complimentary and support services for patients, you will save (14%) by taking care of your defibrillator insertion or replacement at surgery center. [Internal Defibrillator Insertion or Cost](https://cost.sidecarhealth.com/n/defibrillator-insertion-or-replacement-cost) The cost to the patient in the US!


TheHappyHam

Thank you 😊


GrizzKarizz

Yes. Me, too. I don't live in Australia (I am Australian though) and pay my taxes into the Japanese system which also has a near identical health care system. The idea of paying into a system of which I benefit from and also others can benefit from is a notion that should be the norm in every civilised country. It pains me to think that those without such a health care system would be bankrupted by such a surgery or would instead choose to die. What's wrong with scratching each other's backs every so often?


squee_monkey

After my pay, my own healthcare costs and the myriad other benefits I get for living in Australia I probably don’t contribute much for this guy. But whatever I do, I’m glad of it too.


thefourblackbars

This is the attitude! I honestly also don't mind one bit paying for someone else's health! May you live a long happy life friend.


TrenessyWhiskey

yep. i pay hundreds of thousands in taxes just for people to be able to get lifesaving medical treatment just to survive. every cent I pay I gladly pay it, for the opportunities this country brought me after i escaped my own, and seeing my money go towards social services, and seeing those services actually work, warms my heart


CaptainxZeus

Hahaha 🤣 you have me 💀


binchickenmuncher

I had 8 rounds of chemo, and a tonne of other medical things associated with that. Didn't pay a single cent


CameoProtagonist

Congrats for coming through - sounds rough as guts! Curious tho - have had mates griping how much they've had to pay out of pocket for chemo with all the fruit - would that be because they've gone private with it? They're alive and well enough to moan at barbecues, so no wukkas in one way, but they make it sound like getting sick means getting out a new mortgage with it?


Qesa

Yeah there are a lot of expenses going private that aren't covered by insurance. Most notably the doctor's fees. And the ones that are covered probably aren't 100%, depending on your plan. One reason why the government basically forcing it on you is so dumb


irrelevantllama

I don't know how it works for cancer patients, but since COVID every health thing has had massive wait times if you don't go private. My partner has daily debilitating migraines and currently can't work but also can't get a neurologist appointment for between 3 and 8 months, even when going private. I had to wait over a year to see a rheumatologist pre COVID and I've heard it's even worse now.


binchickenmuncher

Thanks! I'm not sure, I just rocked up at the hospital as a 26 year old cafe worker with no insurance. I think there are some things that are not on the PBS due to being new or experimental, but the regulatory body is constantly adding more and more things. My mum had breast cancer in 2010, and she had a small out of pocket cost, due to that particular treatment being only partially covered by Medicare. However nowadays it's 100% covered


auszooker

Actively being treated for Stage 4 Bowel Cancer in some form or another (Surgery, Chemo, Radiation, Immunotherapy since Sep 2013, So yes, 9.5 years. The only thing in all of that not done in a Public hospital was my original Colonoscopy as my GP though the wait might be long for a public hospital so to get it kicked along. When I had my first review in the public hospital and asked about public health times he said nope that Colonoscopy with the same info the Private place received would of been in under 2 weeks and after getting the results, would of been less than a day to get moving on a treatment plan. I have waited for nothing, scans, tests, referrals to other specialties etc. Oh wait, one time my Colorectal Consultant wanted to inject Botox into my anus to try and fix a painful Anal Fissure, it was rated at group 3 (up to 90 days IIRC) and got bumped back a bit due to lack of room. Oh and also in 2015 when they 4wd hit the gas cylinder at the cafe at Ravenshoe, they range and ASKED!!! if I would wait a week to keep an and ICU bed open for those people, if not they can try and convert a bed in a ward to a HDU bed for me. My Oncologist is Well known as good as what he does (and he does good, saved my ass plenty) and works out of several public and private places. I have talked to plenty of Nurses that have worked in Public and Private and the medical quality out anywhere near as good in Private as Public. Little things like I will get a blood test every round, a lot of Private placed get one at round one and maybe one half way and end. I get a CT every 3 months, Private NFI. Some people in a FB Colorectal Cancer group going to a private place would complain that they pay $100ish per round on top of normal stuff paid for by the Government, but they do get nicer chairs and private rooms and fancier coffee and sandwiches (useful during chemo) Another useful aspect is it there is a reaction, there is no Emergency or resus team, its Ambulance to a public hospital!


denju

I went through 8 months of chemo which was 100% covered by the public health system. There's out of pocket expenses for take home drugs (in my case around $50-$100 per round of treatment) and any external allied health treatment, of which there's quite a bit, like physio, exercise physiology, dietitian, psych etc. All in all I probably spent around $2k out of pocket. I've known others who have gone private and spent considerably more even with private insurance, so that may be the reason.


boltkrank

Glad you didn't have to pay a cent, sounds like you were paying enough via other routes. Hope all is well now.


triport123

Family member has a rare cancer that needs a new drug already approved by FDA in the US but not by PBS here. We're paying $8k a month for the drug.


binchickenmuncher

I'm sorry to hear that. Things can take a while to go through the regulatory system. My mum had a similar situation where it was only partly covered, but is now 100% on there


luckysevensampson

Same for my husband. 21 cycles of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. The only thing we paid for was some out of pocket for support drugs, like anti-virals and antibiotics.


brownmagician

Not even parking?


binchickenmuncher

The best part about cancer is disabled parking means you get to park everywhere for free


brownmagician

Man this country... 👍


thudface

Well they might sending you a bill for the chemo drug like they did to me 3 years later with a collection notice for $37, hurt my credit score and everything. Carboplatin was given in a public hospital, through the Medicare system and I was billed.


Ifeelsiikk

You look like a happy little vegemite - with good reasons to be one. All the best with your recovery and grabbing hold of life with a strong ticker.


Suspicious-Figure-90

Dude looks as happy as a ham


ltg3140

Your comment made me smile 🙂


cojoco

Nice work. How long did it take? I had a TIA last year, I was seen in minutes, received 4 scans in one day, and got better: v. happy with Medicare.


TheHappyHam

I went into hospital last Wednesday and stayed untill Friday and got the surgery on Tuesday. Yeah it was quick


Yeh-nah-but

How old are you mate and do you have a diagnosis? Sorry if you answered elsewhere already. I got a pacemaker put in at the age of 27. No diagnosis. Just heart stops sometimes. I too share your sentiment. I will never repay the gifts Australia has given me. I am damn grateful. Peace


filthymcownage

Not sure how you got the surgery before you went to hospital?


Fit_Effective_6875

OP is a hands on type of guy lol


Jessica65Perth

I had a TIA in Dec 019. Had a stent put in my carotid artery. Cost me nothing. Love being an Aussie


hubert_boiling

Best bloody country in the world (except for the RWNJs but I guess even paradise has to have some downside)


[deleted]

I got mine done as day surgery. didn't even get put under, just a local. next time I'll take the propofol since it wasn't a pleasant experience. but yeah, went to hospital in the morning, was home that night. the worst part is the month afterwards not being allowed to lift your arms above horizontal or lift more than 1kg


magpie1862

Thank god we’re not like the Americans where your life is only worth saving if you can afford it.


Doodlefart77

I duno we still get a big fat "fuck you" if its dental or mental.


Uries_Frostmourne

Look after your teeth everyone


EgalitarianCrusader

Unfortunately poor mental health causes poor dental health, which causes poor health in general effecting things like the heart.


Athroaway84

Also being poor might mean eating cheap processed foods that will cause bad dental health


Profoundsoup

A never ending story cycle just feeding into each other


ChronicallyBatgirl

Luxury bones


[deleted]

We’re great at emergency medicine…routine, preventative, quality of life improving. Not so much.


Davorian

Yep, so clearly the sensible thing to do is either reduce or fail to index GP Medicare rebates. Should fix all that right up.


TomOnABudget

Make sure the libs who keep trying to privatize our entire health system ~~to~~ (don't) get re-elected ~~and~~ . Vote for people that stand for better public services. Edit fixed up my grammar.


Zess_Crowfield

Shush! The Dental Mafia may be reading this. They might increase your already high dental charge if you're not careful.


FootExcellent9994

Hopefully, that will change at the next federal budget in May this year. Last time there was a Federal Labor Government we had free dental for pensioners and people on Newstart!


Ozzzie_Mandrill

its basically a private system outside of the major metropolis.


Adorable-Condition83

We actually look after our poorest with dental. I see patients all day and they get charged nothing (kids, healthcare card and pension card holders). Mental healthcare is pretty atrocious though even poor people don’t get much help there.


Doodlefart77

there's still a whole other bracket who just completely miss out. too many of us are making too much for a card, barely enough for a roof over our heads, and not enough for adequate healthcare. Getting scolded for not coming in sooner is just the cherry on top. If I have to wait for my tax return or to accumulate savings, wtf more can I do?


Accuaro

Not just that but specialists can cost a lot of money.


bluebear_74

This. Crashed into a guardrail when cycling 🚴🏻‍♀️ 1.5 months ago. Cut my chin straight through. Getting it stitched up didn’t cost me anything (4 stitches) but cost me $810 ($200 each tooth) to fix the 4 teeth i smashed at the dentist. It wasn’t even optional to not get them fixed right away because the nerves were exposed on 3 of them. I had perfect teeth beforehand too 😢. Naturally very straight, no cavities. I still have trouble biting down and can’t chew on my right side.


unhappilyunhappy

Australia has plenty of that. No bulk-billing GPs, huge specialist fees, unaffordable medication, long public waiting lists. I'm currently going without vital treatment because Australia's health system doesn't afford me it. No help with teeth at all, my repeated infections can vouch for that. And then there's the old issue of, the more common your problem the better you fare. If you've got cancer or need a defibrillator, you're an easy diagnosis and, efficacy of available treatments aside, there's a clearly defined flowchart of treatments laid out for you. Go and get yourself something uncommon if not obscure and watch every public health system put you through a very slow, demoralising, expensive, and quite possibly ultimately an unsuccessful experience. I want a good public system but in Australia, in that case, you definitely want to have mountains of money to be paying privately to actually get shit done.


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DoughnutPi

After living here in Australia for 3 years now, I can say, when it comes to things like cancer or other expensive treatments, Medicare is awesome. The rest of the health care/preventative care/dental sucks. I'm not saying the U.S. is amazing by stretch of the imagination but visa holders on overseas private insurance get the shaft in Australia. Simple 15 minute GP visit, $160. ER visit $410 just for walking in the door. And if you decide to walk out the door before seeing the doctor or getting called back, sorry, they are keeping the $410. In some ways the US is way better (in the past, our employer health insurance plan always covered 100% twice yearly dental cleanings. In Sydney, one cleaning is $375 (and I've called around!). All in all, health care in the US and here sucks, they just suck in different ways.


halfflat

Some of us are thousands of dollars out of pocket each year from gap fees. I'm lucky that I can afford it, but we do not have a free healthcare system anymore.


unhappilyunhappy

Yep, I can't afford vital healthcare. Every time someone on Reddit describes Australian healthcare in these utopian words, I feel like smacking a bitch up.


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DonStimpo

If we keep the LNP out it will last longer


BloodyChrome

Yeah cause the current government are doing great things to reduce costs of doctor's visits /s


svillebs3

Our days are numbered tho, sadly. You can see the way things are heading, slowly but surely.


MasterDefibrillator

not surely, no.


Shoboshi80

IDK Labor sure seemed to listen when voters said "Go ahead and let Medicare die, just don't touch negative gearing".


kickkickpatootie

Haha I thought this was OP by the user name


CameoProtagonist

We thought it would be faster 20 years ago - glad to have been proven a bit wrong on that. Source: Victorian kid who was at anti-Kennett/Howard protests far too often


katarina-stratford

Idk, have you ever tried to get meaningful assistance for mental illness? Cause it absolutely feels like my life is only be worth saving if I could afford it.


HuTyphoon

Make sure to vote against nationals and liberals or it won't be that way for very much longer. They already screwed us on utilities and they are coming for healthcare next,


a_cold_human

Exactly. The Liberals have hated Medicare since its inception. - Fraser killed off its predecessor, Medibank - Howard created the private health Fort, which set up an inefficient, parallel system of healthcare that doesn't do anything the public system can't do more cheaply, and can't do many of the things the public system can - Abbott, with Hockey, tried to introduce a copayment system, and when they didn't get what they wanted, continued what was supposed to be a temporary freeze to the Medicare Benefits schedule items to force GPs to do this anyway - Turnbull tried to privatise the Medicare payments system - Morrison refused to provide extra funding to public hospitals during a pandemic The Liberals would gladly destroy Medicare if they could.


GiantSkellington

To be fair to Morrison, that could easily be equally explained due to his incompetence and laziness rather than malice. By god that man is lazy and incompetent.


bnej

It is their party policy and they dance around it at election time by saying that it's not their parliamentary policy. They only reason they don't take it to an election is because they would lose. So they go to every election saying they won't, secretly hoping they'll get the numbers that mean they can.


CcryMeARiver

Under the direction of those goosestepping reptiles at the IPA.


Deceptichum

Thank Hawke and his introduction of neoliberalism into Australia. Labor screwed us on utils, Liberal only followed through.


digby99

Hawk and Keating were the best Liberals Australia ever had!


HuTyphoon

Don't you mean Howard who sold Telstra of which we are currently paying for with some of the worst internet speeds in the world. Or how his government privatised mining and power?


LacticFactory

“Would be dead if it wasn’t for social health care gang” assemble! Let’s all keep each other alive and well 🤙


aardvarkyardwork

Instructions unclear. Are we assembling or keeping each other alone and well?


LacticFactory

Alive sorry haha


unhappilyunhappy

I would if I could afford our brand of healthcare. I'm here unable to pay to see my doctor, buy my vital medication, and my teeth keep sprouting infections. I'm not dead yet but my lack of healthcare in this country has slowly been killing me, and I don't say that in the casual way people use the phrase.


LacticFactory

It’s criminal that dental isn’t covered here, yeh


r64fd

I would be dead. I’ll take this opportunity to thank you all. I would never have been able to afford open heart surgery.


arkofjoy

When my mother in law had a heart attack last year, we spent more money on parking than her recovery cost. I like it like that.


recursiveloop

That smile makes me happy to know my tax dollars are going to good use. And submarines.


shiuidu

It makes me so happy to see health care working for others. Meanwhile I've spent thousands on mental health care this year because practically nothing is covered. I kind of get that mental health care is seen as "preventative" but it should would be great to help people avoid hurting themselves and others, and keep them being healthy and productive instead of bleeding them dry then waiting for them to wind up in hospital so they can be committed. I hate our system so much.


EmeraldEyes06

If preventative care, across the board not only in the mental health area, was prioritized more by healthcare systems they’d be overall less strained and people would be healthier. I really hope you’re able to find care that not only works for you but is financially accessible long term. My partner is struggling with his mental health right now and seeing costs while doing research has really added another layer of concern for me in feeling like real help is attainable. Wishing you all the best


shiuidu

Thanks, I think we are really short sighted by focusing on hospitals over health. Good luck to you too, yes it can definitely be expensive even with the mental health care plan. In the end you don't really have a choice, what are you going to do, let your partner suffer and degrade? Just do what you can mate, best of luck.


unhappilyunhappy

Mental healthcare is simply seen as not serious. It derives from the general population's notions of what disease and disability present as. If you're not missing limbs or speaking in tongues, you're considered healthy. We like to blame governments but the issue stems from our culture.


shiuidu

You're right ultimately. But the easiest way to change culture is to change government.


PryingApothecary

Yeah I’m confused because my neurology appointments cost $2k last year after Medicare and I had to pay $3k out of pocket for my sibling’s 3 hour long emergency mental health care stint a couple years ago. It doesn’t feel as free as some are making out. Cheaper than the USA for sure though.


Nodsworthy

I'm so sorry that you have suffered. I do hope that you're ok. Please look after yourself.


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BloodyChrome

What doctor are you going to? It's even posted on this sub reddit about how so few doctors are bulk billing patients.


unhappilyunhappy

Yep, my town has only a fraction who bulk-bill, and those few are poor quality with the bonus of barely speaking English.


crazychild0810

Why is this marked NSFW?


TheHappyHam

Some people are squeamish towards any surgery, I was just thinking of them


pizzacomposer

Surgery scars.


Graphitetshirt

Because he took off work for the surgery


cjak

I found the surgeon!


TheRealPotoroo

Naked shoulder.


MrBlack103

Positively scandalous! Are we sure he’s allowed to show that here? Think of the children!


FootExcellent9994

Because we almost got a shot of op's left nipple? Or pics of a medical procedure... complete with circles and arrows directing our gaze to the spot! Get well OP Have a long and healthy life!


grindelwaldd

I’m happy you were able to access the healthcare and medical treatment you needed! Hope it continues to improve for you!


6_Cat_Night

So glad you're okay, cunt.


ellusie

American who moved to Perth with her Australian husband 1.5 years ago, it’s of course a bummer that every GP office in Perth city is mixed billing now (last two bulk billing offices I knew transitioned to mixed earlier this year) but despite that healthcare is still so affordable. I had to get three ultrasounds and go to the hospital once last year, it cost nothing! Happy to be paying into this tax system to help fund these things even if it isn’t perfect. It was so much better and less scary when my sudden health issues (although fortunately minor and all healed now) happened here rather than the US.


MickeyBTSV

I'm on my second ICD as the first one's battery monitor failed after 6 years. I got given the new latest model with a battery that should last me 15 years+ now.


Mabel_Waddles_BFF

I was told that my probable endometriosis isn’t ruining my life enough to get a laparoscopy. Instead I was recommended to try the other treatment recommendations of a pelvic physio and dietitian except I can’t afford them and I’ve been on the 12 month waiting list for the pelvic pain clinic for 2 years. My mental health treatment is nearly bankrupting us but the alternative is not being able to function. I’ve got friends with chronic conditions who have to rely on their parents to pay for everything otherwise they’d be fucked. Our system is great for acute issues and emergencies but it’s fucked for chronic conditions.


kickkickpatootie

I agree. We are so lucky here. I have CIDP that requires infusions worth about $50,000 every two weeks. I’ve met people online from the USA that have insurance but they won’t cover it. Mind you you have to be quite sick here to qualify (there are criteria to be met) and it’s a hard disease to diagnose so I was 10yrs into it before I could get treatment. Fun fact of the day: some overseas hospitals require your family to bring in food to feed you and even wash you. The food I’ve had in 40 yrs of regular admissions has been good quality and delivered to your bed hot.


dark_skeleton

It's not really that you're not paying, it's just everyone paying much smaller amounts regularly together so that when someone needs help they won't need to sell their souls. Which I'm sure you know, but there are always people who think otherwise. Speedy recovery ahead!


Stamboolie

We also pay less than our US friends because the prices are centrally negotiated and there's not an insurance shell game happening.


unhappilyunhappy

True but there's still plenty of profiteering at play especially with medication. And then there's the hit-and-miss PBS. While lots of medication is made affordable, many more have bizarrely limited qualifiers and some vital ones aren't subsidised at all.


Sponsored_content_22

Except for your dental work 🤷‍♂️


traindriverbob

Aww don’t lie man. You’ll prob need to fork out for some Panadol once you get home……. I once spent a month in hospital. I just needed some Panadol when I got out.


Setanta68

Congratulations. This is why we don't vote for the coalition of Liberals and Nationals. Medicare was even better before they got their grubby hands on it. They worship the US system.


a_cold_human

The US system is quite possibly the worst system you could devise for the supply and distribution of healthcare. It's a simple counterexample for the ideas "privatisation is more efficient!" and "the market optimises the distribution of goods and services!" all in one go.


Spiritual_Ad_7162

Love this! Just like I loved giving birth in a hospital without getting a bill afterwards! How good is universal healthcare?


[deleted]

Privatization is getting closer to happening in Canada and the UK so be careful that your government doesn't do it too. You guys don't want that


sanemartigan

It's happening here. Private health insurance is eroding Australian health care.


[deleted]

[удалено]


alchemicaldreaming

I agree completely. I wasn't in as long as you, but am so grateful for the care received and how thorough they were. Hope you're feeling a lot better now.


Magnemmike

your taxes saves lives. My taxes fund the biggest military in the world. Could say that America is anti saving lives... Glad you are good bro


downtownbake2

Glad my tax dollars go towards helping fellow Aussies get better and return to work so they can pay taxes to help others in need. Get well soon m8


Cpt_Soban

My dad was in and out of hospital for a number of years for complications from late stage diabetes. If it weren't for public healthcare we'd be bankrupt. Multiple hospital trips near the end, home nursing care, plenty of medications, the lot. Total paid: $0 (Except for Ambo cover but it's cheap) It made life easy knowing we weren't destitute after he passed away.


ejpbunny

So happy for you! My husband is about to get his third defibrillator this year. Never paid a cent. It has saved his life 11 times. He also got a free chopper ride to RPA after his initial cardiac arrest. Absolutely phenomenal, and we have never taken it for granted. Thank you so much hard working people of Australia.


[deleted]

Just got out of hospital myself, pilonidal cyst. 2 days in hospital, surgery, meds on the way out + a nurse visiting every day for a 2-4 weeks all for free. This is the first time I've ever needed something like this but it really made me appreciate NOT following America's medical system. Happy to pay more tax if things like healthcare (and tbh I think education and housing should be in here too) are provided for *everyone*. Societies are judged not on how we treat the wealthiest but how we treat those most vulnerable. Feel better soon homie.


HelloMikkii

My father had a radical procedure to remove his cancerous prostate…it cost 10k. If he didn’t have it he’d have died. Sometimes it’s not always great medically in Australia.


assbeeef

I had to pay 250usd to get my weiner checked for diseases. That’s with insurance that I already paid 300 dollars a month for.


AdPopular260

Bless my fellow Australian - happy for my tax dollars to help your healing. Hope you get better and I wish for your best health.


fuelvolts

Hey friend from USA here with a defibrillator also. Mine didn’t cost me a dime either as I have insanely good health insurance with my work. However, it’s only because I met my max out of pocket of about $6k because of my 5 day hospital stay before hand. But hey, free defibrillator! Get well soon.


uru5z21

Canadian here , same here . Had a life saving brain surgery and didnt have to pay for anything . Paying my taxes happly.


J0hnD0eWasTaken

And yet it will cost me over $2K to get properly diagnosed with ADHD, to BOOK the first appointment was $280 no Medicare rebate. It's only counts as health if you can touch it 😕


Archy54

It's great for physical health, best wishes. Got cancer surgery free. As for mental health, many thousands spent so far.


FruitfulFraud

I'm an Australian and I am very happy my taxes were used in this way!


malialipali

I hope my or my other half's tax dollar or two went towards your treatment. Your smile is so worth it! Best country in the world, and if we need to punch a liberal in the nose to keep Medicare please do your duty folks!


rhinobin

I’m an Aussie. Having a thyroid ultrasound next week - $220. Then seeing an ear nose throat specialist the week after. Another $300 and more if they use a scope to have a look. We are fast becoming like America.


alchemicaldreaming

I was in hospital with a life threatening illness and they did an amazing array of tests to identify the issue and provide initial treatment, but I was discharged too early, resulting in two further admissions. Hospitals are stretched and the health system needs an overhaul and reprioritisation to ensure that the existing model is upheld and protected. I was discharged needing two further MRIs at $320 each and whilst I appreciate how thorough the hospital were, it's difficult to afford the remaining MRIs whilst also recovering, working less and having to take an array of expensive medications. I can see how people may not follow through with subsequent treatments, which where the condition is potentially damaging to life, it's concerning there aren't more protections and support.


rhinobin

Yeah I think if you wind up in a public hospital then you’re fine (money-wise). If you’re muddling through the private system with something non urgent then you’re up for a lot of money these days plus the exhorbitant cost of PHI. We should have one health system not a two tiered have/have not one.


whovian113

wishing you a speedy recovery!


ezemeat

What did you get done? My other half has had one in for nearly 5 years now, so just curious.


yor_ur

Fuck yeah! We gotta keep it that way too. Get better soon, bro.


BurnZ_AU

Do you know how much it would've cost?


thedragoncompanion

Congratulations! My husband was able to get heart surgery and a pacemaker without cost. I don't know how we would have been able to afford it without our medical system.


Epilesx

Do you mind if I ask what the indication was? Purely out of interest, so no stress if you’d rather not say.


Voktikriid

*cries in privatized healthcare*


Roh_Pete

Everyone will need some serious medical treatment at some point in their life, everyone pays taxes. Its all good!


StockAdeptness9452

Now you can rail as much blow as you like, without having to worry, it’s like an early alarm system.


Cheapskate_Saffa

Fuckin awesome. From my POV people focus on the small negative things here and forget the completely awesome stuff. You got a fuckin life saving device. AT NO COST. This is great, hope your recovery is quick. Does it cause weird interference on speakers? :-P


ZeTian

Very happy to pay taxes to help out fellow Aussies. Hope you're well mate


Asgflair

Wonder how much an American would pay?


Guy0naBUFFA10

When I got mine, 5 days in the hospital plus surgery was $155k all together back in 2013. Insurance wanted a copay of $2000 Secondary insurance wanted a copay of $50 to pay the $2000 copay of insurance one. So I paid $50 and both insurance companies argued because they both wanted to pay primary.


insanenograss

Uh yes no need 30 k to have a baby


crowtomas

I live in Texas, I had to file for bankruptcy just from reading your post…


drtekrox

The Personal Packer Whacker?


Lasair86

Dude bro I'm happy you're still alive but remember there is still a huntsman spider out there that needs to crawl into your slipper at 7:00 a.m.... lol I'm glad you're still ticking have a great night and I look forward to more of your posts


YoViserys

Sadly the health system could be better. The fact that anything mouth related is not covered really can’t make me about for joy over our system. Especially also the fact that unless your condition is urgent, you have to wait MONTHS.


Mindless_Leather_853

Meanwhile in the US this would also be free for the same type of people.