OT: Does Vermont really have universal health care?

Whistle
1

I was listening to the Democratic presidential candidates debate the other night, and Dean said that Vermont has universal health care. Is this really true? I’ve looked on the web and can’t find out anything about it, and certainly not the conditions under which someone could get health care coverage in Vermont. I have a relative who desperately needs medical coverage but is compromised by mental illness among other things. This makes it difficult for her to keep a job, especially one with medical benefits. It is likely that she will need to move soon in search of work, and if Vermont has universal health, I’d say that’s the place to start looking. If anyone has any information on this, especially residency requirements, how to get it, etc., I’d really appreciate the information! Having reliable access to medication and physicians services would go a looooong way towards allowing her to remain employed in whatever job she might get. Thanks!

Robin

2

This is all I was able to find. It’s pretty old (2001), and doesn’t sound all that promising.

http://www.pnhp.org/news/2001/september/the_argument_for_a_h.php

Redwolf

3

I’m not sure about Vermont’s healthcare…

But has she looked into Canada?

4

It’s rather harder, I think, to emmigrate to another country than it is to establish residency in another state.

Redwolf

5

I’m pretty sure Canada is one of the easiest, though.

6

Not necessarily. A friend will be moving to Canada and applying for citizenship soon, and she said that there was a definite waiting period as well as hoops to jump through. I didn’t have a lot of opportunity to get more details, but it didn’t sound like the same thing as me setting up new residency in Wisconsin at all.

7

What I meant was that Canada was relatively easier to move to than many other countries (from the US).

8

(Jeez, I hate it when computers freeze up…)

Ahem.

Well, Cran, that’s not helpful to the question whether you’re talking like a politician or really mean it. And I think it’s safe to say you know that.

9

Robin: I assume that you found this site yourself, but just in case. It doesn’t come close to answering your question, but maybe it can point in the right direction.

http://www.dsw.state.vt.us/Programs_Pages/Healthcare/healthcare.htm

All the Best, Tom

10

..had an “ethnocentric reality check” for a moment there…

..it’s funny, I don’t ever give it a second thought when people emigrate to the U.S., and take the oath and become a citizen..it’s always seemed so mundane…but the thought of leaving the U.S. and becoming a Canadian made me shiver…talk about ethnocentrism…sheesh..I’ve nothing against Canada (except the speed limits) but I just can’t imagine giving up my identity as an American…

11

I had a tough time becoming a landed immigrant
in Canada, because I had been arrested in
civil rights demonstrations in the 60s.
But this happened a long while ago. Best

12

I don’t know about Vermont, but in New York state, we have universal coverage for all minor children.

13

I talked to a woman on Saturday who was concerned about getting landed immigrant status here. She was apparantly in good health and was married to a Canadian citizen. I don’t think she has any real worries but she seems concerned anyway because of all the red tape. Obviously I can’t speak for the immigration authorities but I rather doubt that some with known health problems would be given landed immigrant statuse simply to take advantage of health care.

Steve

14

That’s very helpful, Tom, thankyou!

Robin

15

Glad to be of help. It means that all my posts are totally irrelevant to the topic at hand. Most maybe, but not all :slight_smile:

Tom

16

Quote @ Davey

..had an “ethnocentric reality check” for a moment there…

..it’s funny, I don’t ever give it a second thought when people emigrate to the U.S., and take the oath and become a citizen..it’s always seemed so mundane…but the thought of leaving the U.S. and becoming a Canadian made me shiver…talk about ethnocentrism…sheesh..I’ve nothing against Canada (except the speed limits) but I just can’t imagine giving up my identity as an American…

I don’t think this post should really become a political thread; I was just making a suggestion like everybody else has. But I will say that just as people come -to- America for various reasons, people move -out of- America for various reasons. It doesn’t mean that they’re unpatriotic or bad people because they choose to live in another country, which is the feeling I get from your post.

17

I’ve heard several times, but never actually confirmed,
that people from Canada often come to the USA
for healthcare, because, while it’s more affordable
there, it’s more available here. Best

18

I’d be inclined to think it depeneded which part of Canada you were in. Surely it’s more available in Toronto than it would be in Yukon wilderness.

19

People from Canada sometimes go to the States for health care because, since it’s free in here, there’s sometimes long waiting lists for some type of procedures. Those willing to pay the big bucks will go in the States. Those who don’t have the money have to wait, but they’ll eventually get free care.

20

You would be inlcined to think that. You’d be wrong… Toronto, from what I hear, living less than two hours away, is one of the worst places for speed of health care being given, and I was just reminded of a story of a older teen being driven around Toronot until he died. Of an Asthma attack. Because “Health care, health care all around and nary a doctor to be found”
Lots of doctors, but so many people that waiting lines, routing procedures, etc are making it impossible to get emergency medical care quickly, if at all.

As far as giving up “american identity” Who says you have to? I have both my american and canadian citizenship. So do my parents.

Universal health care is good, but so are leaders who are concerned with the citizens, not just the budget.