This topic is about the idea of lobbying governments to provide free ostomy supplies, inspired by the example of Australia, where these supplies have been provided at no cost for many years. The discussion encourages people, especially in the U.S., to consider starting campaigns to achieve similar support. Here are some insights and advice shared on the topic:

1. In Australia, all ostomy supplies are provided free by the government, which has been a long-standing practice.

2. In the United Kingdom, all ostomy products and prescription medications are free, regardless of income. This is funded through National Insurance taxes and government contributions. However, there is concern about potential under-funding and privatization, so users are encouraged to defend the system.

3. In the United States, the situation is quite different:
- Costs and coverage for ostomy supplies vary widely depending on the insurance plan. Deductibles can range from $500 to $1,500, with only about 20% discounts afterward.
- Some plans, like Kaiser HMO, provide supplies at no extra charge, but only after paying for the health plan itself.
- Employer plans can cost around $160 per month for an individual, and co-pays for doctor visits have increased significantly.
- Medicare limits the quantity of supplies, and anything beyond those limits must be paid out-of-pocket. Advantage plans vary, making standardization difficult.
- Many retirees continue working just to maintain employer coverage, as retiree medical plans and individual Medicare policies can be very expensive.
- Medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy, with hospital stays potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars before insurance adjustments.
- Some U.S. members feel that petitions alone may not influence politicians without significant financial incentives and a unified national healthcare reform.

4. General suggestions include:
- Lobbying or petitioning is always worth trying, but success depends on the healthcare structure of each country.
- It's important to protect existing public systems, like the NHS, through political engagement to prevent the erosion of benefits.