Question for my American melanoma warriors

Congrats on living in Canada where there is real national health care!  So far in my journey, with the continued raising of my deductibles when I was diagnosis in 12/07 my out-of-pocket deductibles are…drum roll please…..$6,000.00 for 07,  $6,000.00 for 08, $7,500.00 for 09, and $7,500.00 for 10.  Now the the real kicker…we have a new deductible of $10,000.00 for 2011.  Tatatadah!  Now remember those amounts do not even include what my husband's small business employer pays…about $441.00 per month or so, lets see that is approx. another $5,292 per year.  Boondoggle!  Just for the last three years the total is approx.  $42,876.00

I have had health insurance, some years being double covered (approx. 15 years), all of my life.  If we consider just the amount paid in by MY employers…it is approx.  $185,000.00 for 35 years (premiums only, does not include deductibles paid).  This does not include medicare or SSI and the like.

Perhaps the amount paid is not that bad.  All I know is that it is a struggle right now. 

How much do you pay into your health care system?  Is it through taxes?

My best,

Suzan AB, stage IV

Congrats on living in Canada where there is real national health care!  So far in my journey, with the continued raising of my deductibles when I was diagnosis in 12/07 my out-of-pocket deductibles are…drum roll please…..$6,000.00 for 07,  $6,000.00 for 08, $7,500.00 for 09, and $7,500.00 for 10.  Now the the real kicker…we have a new deductible of $10,000.00 for 2011.  Tatatadah!  Now remember those amounts do not even include what my husband's small business employer pays…about $441.00 per month or so, lets see that is approx. another $5,292 per year.  Boondoggle!  Just for the last three years the total is approx.  $42,876.00

I have had health insurance, some years being double covered (approx. 15 years), all of my life.  If we consider just the amount paid in by MY employers…it is approx.  $185,000.00 for 35 years (premiums only, does not include deductibles paid).  This does not include medicare or SSI and the like.

Perhaps the amount paid is not that bad.  All I know is that it is a struggle right now. 

How much do you pay into your health care system?  Is it through taxes?

My best,

Suzan AB, stage IV

I'm sure it will vary some here and there, but I was in beteween jobs when diagnosed and treated in August-September 2008. My initial derm visit to remove 4 moles was $432.00, and about $600.00 to have them sent to pathology, and about $3400.00 to have a WLE and follow ups for the two that came back melanoma. The total I paid myself was was about $4432, give or take.

Michael-stage 1b, two years and two months NED.

I'm sure it will vary some here and there, but I was in beteween jobs when diagnosed and treated in August-September 2008. My initial derm visit to remove 4 moles was $432.00, and about $600.00 to have them sent to pathology, and about $3400.00 to have a WLE and follow ups for the two that came back melanoma. The total I paid myself was was about $4432, give or take.

Michael-stage 1b, two years and two months NED.

Hi Maria,

In the US, most people do have insurance through their company or privately.  If you have an education and a decent job you are almost always covered by the company you work for.  There IS some deductible…I pay $120 a month for a family of 5 and then each Dr visit is $30.  BUT our taxes are not nearly as high as countries w/ Universal Healthcare so that makes up for it.  Most people can see whatever Dr they choose and there are many to choose from in most cities.  I do not need a referral to see a specialist and I can choose a Dr who is close to my home (my derm is less than one mile from my home).  There are 6 others within 20 miles of my home.  If I see a derm who doesn't return phone calls promptly, rushes me, or I just don't like…I can "shop around" until I find one I like.  My Dr works for ME and not my Government.  The quality of care is better too.  I did read that you were told you ahd in situ..when you actually had stage I.  Obviously someone dropped the ball there.  Stage I can spread, in situ can not (hypothetically) so there really is quite a difference.  

Hi Maria,

In the US, most people do have insurance through their company or privately.  If you have an education and a decent job you are almost always covered by the company you work for.  There IS some deductible…I pay $120 a month for a family of 5 and then each Dr visit is $30.  BUT our taxes are not nearly as high as countries w/ Universal Healthcare so that makes up for it.  Most people can see whatever Dr they choose and there are many to choose from in most cities.  I do not need a referral to see a specialist and I can choose a Dr who is close to my home (my derm is less than one mile from my home).  There are 6 others within 20 miles of my home.  If I see a derm who doesn't return phone calls promptly, rushes me, or I just don't like…I can "shop around" until I find one I like.  My Dr works for ME and not my Government.  The quality of care is better too.  I did read that you were told you ahd in situ..when you actually had stage I.  Obviously someone dropped the ball there.  Stage I can spread, in situ can not (hypothetically) so there really is quite a difference.  

I think our health care in America is a national shame. I have a college degree and worked in law offices for many years. Health insurance for our family of 4 with a deductible of $10,000 cost me over $400 each month. And that is the norm for the families that I know.  So it is no wonder that approximately half of all Americans do not carry health insurance. I am not longer employed and my husband's income is small so we have had no insurance for the past several years.

In most states, the poor can get on a health care program and go to local county health clinics but the quality of doctors is not that great. They are mainly young doctors right out of school or more likely, physician's assistants. This program will help pay for hospital stays also but not for other providers. Some providers will give you a discount on their costs if you don't have insurance. Under this program, my scalp surgery cost me $1,000 for the surgeon, $1,500 for the anesthesiologist, and only $200 for the hospital  If you need other medical help, you just have to pay up or do without. Many, many families go bankrupt due to medical bills.  In my case, I had to put some medical bills on credit cards and literally beg my other medical providers to accept small monthly payments.

The very poor (maybe like under $20,000 a year for a family of 4) can get Medicaid ( an national medical welfare program for the very poor) and that pays most of your medical bills. But this is not available to anyone without children living in the home except under certain circumstances.

I have had friends in Canada and England and I think their health care system is much better despite the horror stories we Americans have been told about "socialized medicine".

I think our health care in America is a national shame. I have a college degree and worked in law offices for many years. Health insurance for our family of 4 with a deductible of $10,000 cost me over $400 each month. And that is the norm for the families that I know.  So it is no wonder that approximately half of all Americans do not carry health insurance. I am not longer employed and my husband's income is small so we have had no insurance for the past several years.

In most states, the poor can get on a health care program and go to local county health clinics but the quality of doctors is not that great. They are mainly young doctors right out of school or more likely, physician's assistants. This program will help pay for hospital stays also but not for other providers. Some providers will give you a discount on their costs if you don't have insurance. Under this program, my scalp surgery cost me $1,000 for the surgeon, $1,500 for the anesthesiologist, and only $200 for the hospital  If you need other medical help, you just have to pay up or do without. Many, many families go bankrupt due to medical bills.  In my case, I had to put some medical bills on credit cards and literally beg my other medical providers to accept small monthly payments.

The very poor (maybe like under $20,000 a year for a family of 4) can get Medicaid ( an national medical welfare program for the very poor) and that pays most of your medical bills. But this is not available to anyone without children living in the home except under certain circumstances.

I have had friends in Canada and England and I think their health care system is much better despite the horror stories we Americans have been told about "socialized medicine".

Hi Maria, you forgot to add in 13% HST goods and services tax Ontarians pay. Not that I mind paying for universal health care myself, I just wish it was more evenly distributed. 

I love the fact we're not bankrupted when we have a medical emergency, and really feel for the thousands of Americans who are faced with crippling medical bills. But I'd hate to leave the impression that all of Canada has state of the art melanoma care when we have such a long way to go. Those of us who don't live in major centers like Edmonton, Montreal or Toronto (Halifax too if I'm not mistaken) often find it difficult to access standardised care and treatments. Patients have to search to find modern (and more humane)  procedures such as gamma knife for brain mets (instead of the more primitive SRS – and I mean primitive – Nic has shared video with some of us the past.) or the much less invasive VATs surgery for lung mets.

Unfortunately the entire Canadian province of British Columbia doesn't have a single melanoma specialist. (The oncs are sorted alphabetically; so much for personal interest.)

As a stage 1b I'm concerned with early cancer detection, but our cancer center refuses to teach skin checks or take photos of moles. A dermatologist (not a cancer specialist) is paid for 15 minutes, two-four times a year to complete a symptom check list (very clinical and rushed) and do a full body scan of moles and lymph nodes. Ironically, the locals claim we have the best cancer care in Canada. I don't see how they can all be the best, unless they‘re measuring apples and oranges. (Or as Joan said below, square footage. Joan’s been researching this stuff for years, so I tend to believe her when she speaks of hospital preenings.)

I think what concerns (and angers) me the most is when I hear about shattered melanoma patients being told to get their affairs in order at stage three. (Especially when I come here and see American Stage 3’s NED for years.) Or 1b's not offered SNB’s. (Neither of these examples are particularly rare.)

In general, melanoma in Canada is not seen as a cancer that can be managed, let alone cured, except in the very early stages, and/or in a few select cities. And while I'm very grateful for the care I have received, I refuse to become complacent until all of our citizens have a decent chance.

Hi Maria, you forgot to add in 13% HST goods and services tax Ontarians pay. Not that I mind paying for universal health care myself, I just wish it was more evenly distributed. 

I love the fact we're not bankrupted when we have a medical emergency, and really feel for the thousands of Americans who are faced with crippling medical bills. But I'd hate to leave the impression that all of Canada has state of the art melanoma care when we have such a long way to go. Those of us who don't live in major centers like Edmonton, Montreal or Toronto (Halifax too if I'm not mistaken) often find it difficult to access standardised care and treatments. Patients have to search to find modern (and more humane)  procedures such as gamma knife for brain mets (instead of the more primitive SRS – and I mean primitive – Nic has shared video with some of us the past.) or the much less invasive VATs surgery for lung mets.

Unfortunately the entire Canadian province of British Columbia doesn't have a single melanoma specialist. (The oncs are sorted alphabetically; so much for personal interest.)

As a stage 1b I'm concerned with early cancer detection, but our cancer center refuses to teach skin checks or take photos of moles. A dermatologist (not a cancer specialist) is paid for 15 minutes, two-four times a year to complete a symptom check list (very clinical and rushed) and do a full body scan of moles and lymph nodes. Ironically, the locals claim we have the best cancer care in Canada. I don't see how they can all be the best, unless they‘re measuring apples and oranges. (Or as Joan said below, square footage. Joan’s been researching this stuff for years, so I tend to believe her when she speaks of hospital preenings.)

I think what concerns (and angers) me the most is when I hear about shattered melanoma patients being told to get their affairs in order at stage three. (Especially when I come here and see American Stage 3’s NED for years.) Or 1b's not offered SNB’s. (Neither of these examples are particularly rare.)

In general, melanoma in Canada is not seen as a cancer that can be managed, let alone cured, except in the very early stages, and/or in a few select cities. And while I'm very grateful for the care I have received, I refuse to become complacent until all of our citizens have a decent chance.

I grew up in Canada but have been an American citizen for the last 20 years. My father is a doctor in Canada. My melanoma started in my left leg and my aunt in Canada also has melanoma in her left leg. From time to time she and I compare notes. There are pros and cons of each system.

My wife and I pay $500 a month each for healthcare with a $4,000 deductible each. I choose that deductible level and have hit it twice (mainly because of 5 day hospital stays for bi-chemo and IL2). You either pay for healthcare out of your pocket, or you pay through taxes…there is no free lunch.

I believe in Canada the PST and GST is 13% or 15%? If you spent $25,000 a year on 'stuff'…that is 5% x 25,000 = $1,250 more paid than American counterparts. If you use an automobile you play $4 a gallon of gas instead of $3…so if you spend say…$50 a week on gas in the US…you spend almost $1,000 a year more in fuel. If you drink liquor or smoke, and spend $1,000 a year on booze, you spend $1,000 more in canada. That's $3,000 right there in sales tax, gas, and liquor…which easily buys quality health insurance in america.

I've probably had 15 PET scans in 10 years in american (I believe they cost roughly $5k each on the street? My co-pay is $450)…my Aunt has had zero in Ontario…why? Because in Canada, the PET is still considered experimental (I don't know if this has changed recently?). I don't think I'm over stating when saying a PET scan is 'standard' now when assessing melanoma and other cancers.

In the past I've emailed my oncologist about new tumor(s) and been operated on the 'next day'…I think this would be difficult in Canada. My doctors did not blink when offering me bio-chemo and IL2 (expensive treatments).

I think my aunt would say she has had excellent care in Canada. I would as well say I have had excellent care in America. I don't mind paying for my healthcare out of pocket.

hope this info is useful

I grew up in Canada but have been an American citizen for the last 20 years. My father is a doctor in Canada. My melanoma started in my left leg and my aunt in Canada also has melanoma in her left leg. From time to time she and I compare notes. There are pros and cons of each system.

My wife and I pay $500 a month each for healthcare with a $4,000 deductible each. I choose that deductible level and have hit it twice (mainly because of 5 day hospital stays for bi-chemo and IL2). You either pay for healthcare out of your pocket, or you pay through taxes…there is no free lunch.

I believe in Canada the PST and GST is 13% or 15%? If you spent $25,000 a year on 'stuff'…that is 5% x 25,000 = $1,250 more paid than American counterparts. If you use an automobile you play $4 a gallon of gas instead of $3…so if you spend say…$50 a week on gas in the US…you spend almost $1,000 a year more in fuel. If you drink liquor or smoke, and spend $1,000 a year on booze, you spend $1,000 more in canada. That's $3,000 right there in sales tax, gas, and liquor…which easily buys quality health insurance in america.

I've probably had 15 PET scans in 10 years in american (I believe they cost roughly $5k each on the street? My co-pay is $450)…my Aunt has had zero in Ontario…why? Because in Canada, the PET is still considered experimental (I don't know if this has changed recently?). I don't think I'm over stating when saying a PET scan is 'standard' now when assessing melanoma and other cancers.

In the past I've emailed my oncologist about new tumor(s) and been operated on the 'next day'…I think this would be difficult in Canada. My doctors did not blink when offering me bio-chemo and IL2 (expensive treatments).

I think my aunt would say she has had excellent care in Canada. I would as well say I have had excellent care in America. I don't mind paying for my healthcare out of pocket.

hope this info is useful