CF Care in other countries question
- Thread starter Sevenstars
- Start date
I'm in Australia where we have a socialised system along with private healthcare (so we are a bit of a mish mash between systems).
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
I'm in Australia where we have a socialised system along with private healthcare (so we are a bit of a mish mash between systems).
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
I'm in Australia where we have a socialised system along with private healthcare (so we are a bit of a mish mash between systems).
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
I'm in Australia where we have a socialised system along with private healthcare (so we are a bit of a mish mash between systems).
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
I'm in Australia where we have a socialised system along with private healthcare (so we are a bit of a mish mash between systems).
<br />
<br />If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
<br />
<br />This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
<br />
<br />As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
<br />
<br />I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
<br />
<br />*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
<br />
<br />If you are on disability benefits, you would get your "insurance" through our government system, Medicare (everyone, benefits or not, gets this cover). You would have what is called a "health care card" which is given to low income earners and those on government benefits, which entitles you to a reduced fee than the rest of the population for medication and doctor's treatment.
<br />
<br />This means that you'd pay a fee of about AU$6 for each prescription of approved medication. A few are not on that list; you can get tobi and hypertonic saline from the hospital for a similar amount. Normal doctor's appointments will probably be "bulk billed" as you have a health care card which means little to no cost. As a comparison, someone working full time would be paying the regular amount for prescriptions which is AU$30, and doctor's appointments would be about $30 out of pocket. Also, there are specialists at the public hospitals but are often really hard to get in to, and if you have to go to a private specialist you'll be charged quite a lot.
<br />
<br />As far as I know, most things are considered elective. Going through a public hospital, you will have little to no out of pocket expenses but waiting lists for surgeries are regularly over one year. They can be shorter (usually a few months) for more urgent things, and emergencies should get attended to straight away.
<br />
<br />I guess then you also have to take into account living expenses which vary from country to country.
<br />
<br />*EDIT* Also forgot to add that if you want a vest here, you'd be looking at the full cost as none of our insurance covers them. Also not covered are vitamins and things like Nasonex which eat up a huge chunk of my budget.
In Germany if you are working for a company you do also get health insurance, half payed by the company, half yourself. Until now we do have the so called "law insurances" and private insurances. If you earn a lot of money or are selfemployed you can normally go to a private insurance, but they will ask questions regarding your health and normally will not take you as a member with cf. The "law insurances" normally have to offer you a membership even if you are sick and you are also insured there if you need social help and don´t work.
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
In Germany if you are working for a company you do also get health insurance, half payed by the company, half yourself. Until now we do have the so called "law insurances" and private insurances. If you earn a lot of money or are selfemployed you can normally go to a private insurance, but they will ask questions regarding your health and normally will not take you as a member with cf. The "law insurances" normally have to offer you a membership even if you are sick and you are also insured there if you need social help and don´t work.
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
In Germany if you are working for a company you do also get health insurance, half payed by the company, half yourself. Until now we do have the so called "law insurances" and private insurances. If you earn a lot of money or are selfemployed you can normally go to a private insurance, but they will ask questions regarding your health and normally will not take you as a member with cf. The "law insurances" normally have to offer you a membership even if you are sick and you are also insured there if you need social help and don´t work.
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
In Germany if you are working for a company you do also get health insurance, half payed by the company, half yourself. Until now we do have the so called "law insurances" and private insurances. If you earn a lot of money or are selfemployed you can normally go to a private insurance, but they will ask questions regarding your health and normally will not take you as a member with cf. The "law insurances" normally have to offer you a membership even if you are sick and you are also insured there if you need social help and don´t work.
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
Uli,45, Germany
In Germany if you are working for a company you do also get health insurance, half payed by the company, half yourself. Until now we do have the so called "law insurances" and private insurances. If you earn a lot of money or are selfemployed you can normally go to a private insurance, but they will ask questions regarding your health and normally will not take you as a member with cf. The "law insurances" normally have to offer you a membership even if you are sick and you are also insured there if you need social help and don´t work.
<br />
<br />There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
<br />
<br />I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
<br />
<br />The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
<br />
<br />Uli,45, Germany
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />There are cf-centers in most big cities, but there are differencies to american treatments. For example we don´t use the vest here but do more with breathing and massage treatments and the flutter. Pari is a german company, so you do get all the inhalation stuff here too, but the e-flow is a little bit different to the US-version.
<br />
<br />I do pay about 14 % of my yearly income for the insurance. And you have to pay (plus)1 % of your income a year for medications when you have a chronic illness like cf; without a chronic illness its 2 %.
<br />
<br />The insurance pays all antibiotics, also home-IVs, NaCl, all inhaled stuff, the eflow, flutter or similar things, physiotherapy (3times a week for me), hospital stays, doctor visits, fat soluable vitamins, Scandi Shake, calcium (if osteoporosis issues).
<br />
<br />Uli,45, Germany
<br />
<br />
I'll try answer your question. I live in the UK.
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.
You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
I'll try answer your question. I live in the UK.
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.
You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
I'll try answer your question. I live in the UK.
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.
You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
I'll try answer your question. I live in the UK.
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.
You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
Medicine available in the UK.
TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
xxxx
I'll try answer your question. I live in the UK.
<br />
<br />If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
<br />
<br />ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
<br />
<br />If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
<br />
<br />Medicine available in the UK.
<br />
<br />TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
<br />I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
<br />No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
<br />
<br />Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.
<br />
<br />You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
<br />
<br />So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
<br />
<br />I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
<br />
<br />xxxx
<br />
<br />If you work, how much tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You also pay national insurance if you earn enough. I think that also depends on how much you earn. I can't give you exact figure though as i'm doing a phd and therefore don't pay tax.
<br />
<br />ALL inpatient care is free on the National health Service (NHS). All outpatient care is also free (except the dentist and opticians). In England prescriptions are a set value of ~$12 per item. However i buy a yearly card which is about ~$200 and covers everything, no matter how much you get. If you don't earn much you don't have to pay. In wales prescriptions are free, in scotland they will be free by 2012 i think. There are benefits available to people with CF irrespective of how much they earn. It is called the disability living allowance. It has three levels in two parts (careers and motability) from $30 a week to $140 a week for each i think (perhaps more i'm not sure). It is judged on how ill the powers that be deem you to be. The motability component can get you a car. one of my friends has a convertable. It's widely known to be very unfair and depends on who read your form that day *sigh*. You can appeal any decision, it's a constant source of frustration - i only get low level (but i'm healthy), but i'd fear applying for more incase i lost what i'm already getting. For me it's more a luxery though - i don't depend on it. but other people do and it's a ridiculous system.
<br />
<br />If you don't earn there are many benefits available to you: incapacity benefit, housing allowance (i can't think of them all as i work and don't recieve any). Anyway you can live okay on them, i have friends who do. Either way you never have to worry about getting the care and medicine you need as that IS free. Alot of people find it is better to quit work and recieve benefits and work hours and struggle.
<br />
<br />Medicine available in the UK.
<br />
<br />TOBI, DNase, creon, and all the rest. So YES, you can get these expensive drugs!
<br />I have an eflow which my unit gave me. I know some people have had to buy them (it depends which unit you go to and how much money that unit has i guess), but more and more people are getting them free now i think.
<br />No, we don't have the vest (but they are trialing it in london i think). But you can get acapella, flutters, pep masks, physio beds etc.
<br />
<br />Waiting lists: I've never had to wait for an operation. I've had two ports fitted, hernias, sinus surgery's and a hemicolectomy. I think waiting lists apply more to the general population for non-emergency things - but as CF patients we are treated very well
There are private based medical hospitals though who will do these surgery's if you can pay. In fenburary i had to wait a week for a bed on our CF ward. It was the middle of a horrible winter and all the beds were gone (we have 11 beds on a specialist CF ward). I've heard it got a bit worse and they were having to send patients who weren't as ill to general respiratory wards. However a solution is in sight, our hospital is currently building a brand new 22 bed specialist ward. on the NHS. nice.<br />
<br />You'll never have to pay a thing for a transplant. The only thing you have to worry about there is whether one will come as our donor rates are ridiculously low, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for it on top of that. The only reasons you'd have for not getting one are medical, not monetary.
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<br />So yes the system has flaws, however, no matter how much or little money you have, you never have to worry about having enough money to pay for treatment and medicines....which i think is brilliant.
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<br />I stayed in america for 3 months 2 years ago. I got insurance with the people i worked with or i wouldn't have been able to go. Despite this i took 3 months worth of medicines from the UK with me as if i'd got it in america off the insurance i was on, i would have had to pay what i considered a ridiculous amount. I did not notice any difference in the standard of care when i visited the hosptial for clinic visits.
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