>>>>>>>>>That's how the system works. When doctors are considered a fair game, patients become fair game for doctors.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I agree completely, except that I wouldn't call it a system. It's an industry, that's how they call themselves anyway.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Of course it's a system, but it's a sink and has no output. It takes ill people as input and converts them into money for the doctors. Sometimes there's a bi-product - the odd well person gets output.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>It's not a system. It's a bunch of sort-of-independent players. You can't find a single insurer that works in all parts of the country, and no matter how you get involved, YMMV. A system would have same properties no matter where you touch it.
>>>>>
>>>>>Sorry. I thought you were referring to the medical "system".
>>>>>
>>>>>Tell me. DO you have to pay for dentistry for your kids? Once upon a time we didn't pay at all, then dentists got greedy; they were only able to change their Porsches once a year, so they pulled out of the NHS. Some stayed, but you still have to pay (but not as much as private). But kids are free up to, well 16 or 18 - not sure.
>>>>
>>>>It depends what you want to get. If you're looking for a good orthodontist then you would have to pay for sure.
>>>>Btw, programmers are greedy too. I saw it many times :).
>>>
>>>Essentially I was asking if kids get free dentistry over there. Your reply would suggest that eevryone gets free dentistry unless they have some exotic orthodontistry done. ?
>>
>>It depends on work done. Basically, all kids are insured, but then it depends what is covered by this insurance. Orthodontics is the most expensive part, but it's not exotic here, and in some cases, if you wish to get the best treatment for your child, few thousands could be a number.
>
>We have many kids (and adults) that are not insured for medical or dental work in California. The governator (Arnold) is trying to change that. I think that they mentioned 6 1/2 million were not insured in California, combining kids and adults. Perhaps other states cover kids?
>
>I sometimes hear of 46 million people who are not insured in the United States.

I guess that in California it includes illegals, who are not covered, but still served. Most states, NY including, have laws mandating insurance for kids, though parents should show minimum care to enroll them. It obviously different for adults who don't adhere to parental advices :)