[Lien]

Hi Laurel,

I think your view of European healthcare is not entirely correct. Which is understandable, because American media don't really cover what's going on here. There are big differences between countries, and I believe there is no true Socialist country left here.
Most countries are trying to find a compromise between Socialism and Capitalism, to improve quality of life and to protect the weak and the sick.

I live in the Netherlands, where we have a good healthcare system with affordable insurance that's obligatory for all. We can choose our insurance company and our program, but we have to get coverage for the basics.

I have not paid one cent for all my regular therapies, and although my Zoladex & Arimidex tx were not the standard of care at the time when I was diagnosed, my insurance pays for it. My onc said it was up to me whether I wanted to do hormonal tx, but he signed the papers so I would get coverage. I also get most of my CAM therapies reimbursed by my insurance. I pay a couple of extra Euro's for coverage.

In my country it would be unthinkable that someone would be refused chemo until they payed their bills. I know of someone who had to sell her car to get treatment, in the US. I know of several people who got into deep financial trouble because their plans didn't cover all treatments.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems I think. Just like there are differences between breastcancer patients. Europe isn't one country with one government.

Just my two cents.

Love

Jacqueline