Canadian DUers - help me out

[ChickMagic]

I have a friend who is a staunch republican. I mean he thinks
Rush is a liberal. He and I manage to have civil conversations
about politics which we both enjoy and have found common ground
on a couple of issues.

He just told me that with the health care system in Canada,
when you turn 55 and are in end stage renal disease, you
are refused dialysis. Is this true? I don't think it is, but
I'd like to know for sure.

He did have a great idea. We should take away the insurance
of congress critters and make them buy their own. Pre-existing
condition? Tough luck.

What say you, Canucks?

[Spazito]

1. Untrue...

Ask your friend to provide proof of what he says is true. I think you will find your friend will not be able to provide any.

[ChickMagic]

7. I think all the proof he has

are the rumors in the renal clinic he works in.

[Spazito]

17. That is usually where it comes from, ugly rumors that happen to fit...

their 'view' of things and away they go with it hoping no one calls upon them to actually prove it. I see down-thread you love the idea of the dinner bet, I DO hope you go for it!

[Oregone]

2. Untrue. There is no one to refuse it

Except your doctor.

[ChickMagic]

4. Excellent point

I think he believes the government callas all the shots.

[Oregone]

8. The government insurance merely pays for it

I haven't been contacted once by any government employee EVER about any of my care. Only doctors. They bill AFTER the procedure knowing BEFORE that its approved.

[Puzzler]

3. 100% false!!!

I am a cab driver, and I drive (and pick up) lots of people from the renal units (we have 2 main hospitals in Victoria, BC). Many of them are seniors (over 65). There is NO age cut off. This is 100% bullshit. Not one shred of truth to this "rumor". NOT ONE SHRED!!!!


(the screaming capitals are for his benefit, not yours... sorry)

[ChickMagic]

5. U'm going to show him this

He works in a renal lab and I'm sure rumors fly
fast and furious there.

[Puzzler]

9. If need be, I'll give you the phone number of our taxi company...

... and he can ask the people that work there if it's normal to transport people to and from the renal units who are over 55.

(Answer: yes it is. Most of the people are older)

[Puzzler]

10. Here ya go:

http://www.taxicab.com/


Tell him to phone.

[Puzzler]

11. And...

http://www.kidney.bc.ca/kidneys/dialysis/travel.html

[HeresyLives]

6. Absolute rubbish.

Even if you were 105.

[John Q. Citizen]

12. Don't just tell him, make him a bet for a nice expensive dinner at a nice place. That

way, when he pays up he will have thoroughly researched it and found out he has no chance of weaseling out of paying up.

And he will remember it, and he will remember not to be so stupid and ill informed in the future. And when one of his friends makes the same claim, perhaps he will make a bet with them.

[Spazito]

13. Oh my, I LOVE your suggestion!

It's perfect! I hope the poster of the OP takes your suggestion.

[ChickMagic]

16. I love it too!

Maybe I can make him swear to his puffery and then
show his all the evidence you guys have been so kind to
offer. Awesome idea!

[PDJane]

14. Rubbish. Absolute poppycock.

And for some of the rest which needs debunking, go here:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12523427 (interesting. This item was picked up by the Ethiopian Review!)

http://www.register-news.com/opinion/local_story_208202007.html?keyword=topstory

http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/mythbusting-canadian-healthcare-part-ii-debunking-free-marketeers


Are there things that could be made better? Yes, of course. Is our health care broken? Not by a long shot, even in Ontario, where there are more problems than the other provinces.

[ChickMagic]

15. Thank you!

I've printed all these responses and will give them
to him. He is open to discussion, so hopefully he'll
see this as legitimate.

I will suggest that he call the cab company as it's
an 800 number.

Thanks for your help. I knew it wasn't true, but since
he's in the renal business, I didn't think I had the
chops to take him on.

Thanks a million!