Retiring to Canada

[Richard8655]

It's good to hear we have the VA in this country that can provide essential medical services to veterans (as you mentioned with your friend) without health insurance and at no charge.

It seems a paradox to me that many will call the Canadian system "socialistic", yet fully support the VA... which is a completely government-owned, government-run system at federal medical facilities staffed by civil service employees. Come to think of it, why can't we provide this safety net to all Americans, not just veterans? I think health care reform is a small (but good) step in that direction.

But getting back to the purpose of this thread, other countries do offer affordable health coverage even for retirees. So staying in this country with the worry and fretting over affordability and the unknowns of always having coverage is not the only option we have to accept. A high deductible policy is no answer to real health care coverage. It's really a reflection of the sad state of affairs here to have to resort to that. People will tend to avoid seeing a doctor unless an emergency or the illness has progressed where it's often too late.

 

[dex]

It seems a paradox to me that many will call the Canadian system "socialistic", yet fully support the VA... which is a completely government-owned, government-run system at federal medical facilities staffed by civil service employees. Come to think of it, why can't we provide this safety net to all Americans, not just veterans? I think health care reform is a small (but good) step in that direction.

Do some research and you will find the answers to your questions. VA health care is for those who have contributed with their health to the security of the USA. To present it as you do demeans their service.


Do You Qualify For VA Health Care?

1. Are any of these statements true?

• You served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released
• You were/are a Reservist or National Guard member and you were called to active duty by a Federal Order (for other than training purposes) and you completed the full call-up period

2. Are any of these statements true?

• You were discharged or separated for medical reasons, early out, or hardship
• You served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
• You were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting)
• You are a former Prisoner of War
• You received a Purple Heart Medal
• You receive VA pension or disability benefits
• You receive state Medicaid benefits

 

[Richard8655]

How am I demeaning veterans' service? I just mentioned I'm glad we have such a system. I work for the VA, so you need not quote for me the eligibility rules.

 

[Martha]

How am I demeaning veterans' service?

You aren't.

 

[dex]

How am I demeaning veterans' service? I just mentioned I'm glad we have such a system. I work for the VA, so you need not quote for me the eligibility rules.

I doubt the above is true. Anyone who works for the VA and seen the sacrifices veterans have made could not call the public's support for the VA as a paradox as you do below.

These men and women have paid the price for our country with their priceless mental and physical health.

It seems a paradox to me that many will call the Canadian system "socialistic", yet fully support the VA... which is a completely government-owned, government-run system at federal medical facilities staffed by civil service employees.

 

[Richard8655]

I doubt the above is true. Anyone who works for the VA could not call the public's support for the VA as a paradox as you do below.

It seems to me you're completely misunderstanding. Maybe my choice of words is too complicated. I'll talk simpler. The VA not paradox, the VA good. Canada has similar system. This also good. Paradox that many say Canada system no good while they say VA good.

I'm starting to wonder if it's possible to have an intelligent discussion at this forum. Some people here seem fairly hostile to any opinion they don't understand or that may differ from their own.

 

[GregLee]

Come to think of it, why can't we provide this safety net to all Americans, not just veterans?

I think that is a good idea. We should create free government run clinics that anyone could go to when sick. At least at the beginning stages of such a system, we should expect long waits and 3rd rate care, because we all know there is not enough money in the world to pay for 1st rate care for everyone. But in providing 3rd rate care for all, at least we would be providing some sort of care, and we could hope to improve such a system of free clinics in the future.

 

[dex]

It seems to me you're completely misunderstanding. Maybe my choice of words is too complicated. I'll talk simpler. The VA not paradox, the VA good. Canada has similar system. This also good. Paradox that many say Canada system no good while they say VA good.

I didn't know Canada had a similar system for the general public where one of the qualification for service was similar to the VA.

1. Are any of these statements true?

• You served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released
• You were/are a Reservist or National Guard member and you were called to active duty by a Federal Order (for other than training purposes) and you completed the full call-up period

2. Are any of these statements true?

• You were discharged or separated for medical reasons, early out, or hardship
• You served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
• You were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting)
• You are a former Prisoner of War
• You received a Purple Heart Medal
• You receive VA pension or disability benefits
• You receive state Medicaid benefits

 

[Richard8655]

I didn't know Canada had a similar system for the general public where one of the qualification for service was similar to the VA.

1. Are any of these statements true?

• You served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released
• You were/are a Reservist or National Guard member and you were called to active duty by a Federal Order (for other than training purposes) and you completed the full call-up period

2. Are any of these statements true?

• You were discharged or separated for medical reasons, early out, or hards
• You served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
• You were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting)
• You are a former Prisoner of War
• You received a Purple Heart Medal
• You receive VA pension or disability benefits
• You receive state Medicaid benefits

I give up.

 

[kcowan]

I didn't know Canada had a similar system for the general public where one of the qualification for service was similar to the VA.

In Canada, active members of the forces get superior medical benefits, just like civil servants, including expanded coverage for drugs dental etc. Once they retire, they rely on the public system except for expanded benefits.

They also qualify for gold-plated pensions.

 

[M Paquette]

It seems to me you're completely misunderstanding. Maybe my choice of words is too complicated. I'll talk simpler. The VA not paradox, the VA good. Canada has similar system. This also good. Paradox that many say Canada system no good while they say VA good.

I'm starting to wonder if it's possible to have an intelligent discussion at this forum. Some people here seem fairly hostile to any opinion they don't understand or that may differ from their own.

Don't worry about it. The US is currently going through one of its regularly scheduled bouts of internal self-conflict, while Humpty Dumpty busily redefines selected words to mean just what he chooses it to mean - neither more nor less. Eventually this will all come to an end and sanity will prevail... for a while.

Meanwhile, grin and bear it.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Eventually this will all come to an end and sanity will prevail... for a while.

Don't bank on it.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

In Canada, active members of the forces get superior medical benefits, just like civil servants, including expanded coverage for drugs dental etc.

As do persons in prison.