I have a question

I have noticed that some people are talking about the cost of products.

I am wondering what the costs are that you have to carry.

Prior to surgery, I had specialist appointments with colorectal and plastics. Also, I had CT scans, ultrasounds, biopsies, and pre-op meetings. I had surgery and spent 23 days in the hospital. I had daily hospital care at home, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, I got full-thickness burns from the radiotherapy, so I spent another 17 days in the burns unit, and then I had 7 months of daily home treatment (initially twice a day). Psychological care again at home.

I have since had two more surgeries and many days in the hospital. More CT scans, MRIs, nutritionists, and much more, and I have NOT BEEN CHARGED 1 CENT.

And I don't have private health insurance.

I pay $70 a year as a registration fee for the Ileostomy Association, which covers all my supplies from any ostomy company. I just have to pay the courier costs.

All working Australians pay a percentage of our wages; it was 3 percent, but I don't know what it is now. This provides public hospital coverage for all Australians.

There are always people who complain about it, but I am so grateful for it.

Hello indililli02.
Here in the UK, similar payments are referred to a 'National Insurance' contributions. These translate into a lifetime of 'free' medical assistance.
I am a firm believer in such a system and often wonder why other (so-called developed) countries do not adopt this kind of system.
Best wishes

Bill 

You're very fortunate, as far as insurance goes, anyway.  In the US, all of my doctors and most tests were covered, but insurance only covers enough supplies for 1-2 bag changes a week.  For the first four months after my ileo, I was changing my bag from leaks 4-6 times daily, so I had to pay out of pocket for supplies - about $500 - $600 monthly.  My stoma has settled down but there are still some supplies not covered.  Before I had surgery, I was told by many people that I'd never have to pay a dime out of pocket.

We also have universal healthcare here in Canada. All hospital stays, testing, medications, etc., are covered. Ostomy supplies are not, but as an ostomate, you are considered a person with a disability and are given a $10,000 yearly tax credit (it goes up with the cost of living), which goes a long way toward paying for extra medical expenses.

I also have extended health coverage through my former employer, which pays for most of my expenses, so I'm very fortunate.

Terry

You may have noticed that the comments about the cost of products come from the USA, as the majority of people on the site are North American.  

There are not many Australians on here, and guaranteed we know we are on a good wicket, so there will be no whingeing from us!🤭

However, working Australians pay one of the highest income taxes in the world (I think you missed a zero there because even in the lowest-paid jobs, the income tax is 30%), so it's all swings and roundabouts, I guess, with socialized healthcare. I don't begrudge paying taxes in my 40-year working life, but I often wonder what I could have done with that extra cash on a lower tax rate. 🥳

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How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

In the US, it varies greatly by what kind of insurance you have. I have excellent insurance. I have a high deductible of $6,250, but my employer provides funding for the first half, and I can set aside pre-tax money to cover the rest. Once my deductible is paid, everything is covered 100%. Everything includes all tests, medications, doctor visits, and ostomy supplies.

I am paying out of pocket for Marathon skin protectant because I couldn't get it approved, and I am also paying for some wound care supplies because insurance makes us jump through too many hoops to get it, and things like gauze and Tegaderm just don't cost enough to be worth the hassle.

But I am lucky... most people do not have such good insurance. Do not get me started on why we don't have universal healthcare. I could write a book and would probably start a massive argument.

In the Netherlands, residents are required to have basic health insurance. It's not free, so we have to pay for it. We can also take out supplementary insurance for healthcare costs not covered by the basic health insurance. Since this system was introduced, the requirements for reimbursement from the basic health insurance have become increasingly strict. Regarding ostomy supplies, there's a limit on how much you can use per day. Orders must be placed with a supplier with whom the health insurer has a contract. (And there's a difference.) The supplier generally receives a daily allowance. Regarding ostomy care, the saying here is "less is more." So you receive what you really need. This means that extras like remover sprays and fragrances are usually not covered. Therefore, there's little choice. A pack of gauze is covered. Other types of wipes are not. I've also noticed that a more expensive basic health insurance makes ordering supplies easier. Fewer questions are asked. I can order a maximum of two months' worth of supplies.

Thanks, Jo. I understand what you mean about the tax rate of about 30 percent. I was talking about the 3 percent Medicare levy; I know that it is probably higher now. But don't we have the most wonderful social security and healthcare benefits? Have a great day.

Hi Bill, we have reciprocal health coverage with the UK, which I didn't know at the time.

I was in London many years ago, and I got terrible face pain. I got a doctor's appointment, went into the surgery, checked in, and the doctor called me in. It turned out he had a son in Perth, Western Australia, so he wanted to talk about Australia. He did, of course, look after me, wrote a script, apologized that I may have to pay for the antibiotics, and showed me out. I walked directly onto the footpath! This confused me, so I walked around the building back to reception to pay for my appointment. The receptionist was surprised to see me again and even more surprised when I handed her my credit card.

Thank heavens for universal healthcare.

Kindest regards, Jennifer

Hello Jo Au.
I believe an appropriate response to remarks like the Churchill one is:
                               'He would say that, wouldn't he!'
His background being, a true, blue, CONservative, from an aristocratic, rich family.

                                A counter-quote might possibly be:

                      "Conservatives' capitalism is a philosophy of personal greed, 
                      a creed of arrogance, and the gospel of dominance and bullying.
                              Its inheritance has been the spreading of misery."

Sorry to all ostomates who don't like politics being expressed on this site. I have tried to avoid this trend wherever possible, but sometimes an alternative perspective is appropriate.

My own stance on politicians (and therefore 'politics') should perhaps be explained as:
A sceptic's perception about almost all politicians, from every persuasion, along with the somewhat appropriate adage:
                    ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’.

Best wishes

Bill 

 

We are very lucky we have an extremely good ostomy supply system in Australia. I assume you have seen the cost of supplies on the delivery docket when your supplies arrive... frightening.

Hello

I am not au fait with other countries' health costs by way of ostomy supplies and medical bills.

Here within the UK - to some degree, we are fortunate in that an NHS system - funded by tax-paying countrymen and women - allows for a degree of 'no-cost' ostomy supplies and NHS-funded medical treatment.

The UK has a heavy state borrowing balance sheet - for it funds not only tax-paying individuals but also those who

come to our shores, not having contributed previously to the country's resources.

For how long this situation is sustainable is uncertain.

What I do know is there are many medical practitioners who work not only within the National Health Service but also offer their services within the private health care sector - funded by insurance companies and individuals who contribute to private health care plans [and self-pay in some situations too].

Generally, most medical professionals give of their best, and accordingly, we are blessed with health care that is of quality accessible to all.

It is not easy to 'cost' in actual financial terms all supplies and treatments.

But, like most things in life, health comes at a cost that is not easy to measure.

Good luck with your own research.

This site is a mine of info - and many folk will come forward and share their knowledge and perceptions.

BW

~ ~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~ ~

, so

I never get a breakdown of the goods. Just about 3 months' worth of supplies. I do know that the cost is astronomical.

Kindest regards, Jennifer