Comments on: I hate the American Medical System (but love jewelry!)

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:26:22 +0000

There is a program in Ontario that will cover ongoing high medical expenses -
Trillium Drug Program (with a rather dire web site name …
https://www.caringtotheend.ca/resource.php?id=287&section=23010&zone=99&cc=1

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:04:17 +0000

In Ontario there is the ‘Trillium Fund’ which helps people who have consistent, large medical bills. I believe they are listed on the web.I looked into it when your father was faced with ongoing large bills for appliances. The American situation is 3rd world and affront to a country that calls itself civilized.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:45:19 +0000

Thanks again, Shannon. I really appreciate your help.

AlexAugustus: Unfortunately, we are paying the cash price. I’ve had to do the haggling over pricing at hospitals/doctor’s offices for the past 5 years due to my MS and am well aware of the insane pricing discounts they offer for cash payments versus insurance. Maybe if hospitals didn’t gouge insurance companies for more than double what they charge “cash patients” then insurance in the US would be more affordable!

Hopefully we will have some news after today because this “not knowing” thing stinks! It gives me flashbacks of when I was going through the diagnostic process for 6 months before being diagnosed with MS. I remember how relieved I felt to finally know what was wrong and I desperately want to know what is making our baby girl sick! :(

Thank you to everyone who is helping out. I’ve always loved Shannon’s art and the new stuff he’s doing is great. I’ve got a couple of key chains and rings and they’re awesome.

By: Leon

Leon — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:09:33 +0000

I hope your daughter makes a speedy return to full health.

For all its wastefulness and incompetencies, the National Health Service here in the UK is actually pretty good. The US system just seems horrific.

By: alexaugustus

alexaugustus — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:03:16 +0000

Never pay full price for health care here in the US if you don’t have insurance. Those greedy bastards love cash and if you have it… you can negotiate. I would call and say I can’t pay 5000 what can I pay, until you get a figure you like. It bloody sucks that things are like health are treated like buying a used car :/

By: tim

tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:31:06 +0000

Missed the lego minifigure again. I WILL buy one of your one-offs someday! Please keep making them!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:17:40 +0000

GODDAMN those lego minifigs go fast!!!! If anyone else wants one drop me a line with the type of stone you want in it and I can do it as a commission piece.

By: Steph

Steph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:16:50 +0000

That’s one of the only good things I can say about Quebec, is that we have a prescription plan in place for those who do not have private insurance or health benefits from work. Still have to contribute to that every month on top of the ridiculous taxes one already pays here but if you’re on a serious amount of meds, it’s helpful!