Nakorn Ping Hospital puts hold on Health Insurance for non-migrant worker foreigners

[NancyL]

We've just received word that effective tomorrow, December 2, Nakorn Ping Hospital will accept no new enrollments of non-migrant worker foreigners into their health insurance for foreigners program. This hold appears to be caused by concerns raised in Bangkok and Nakorn Ping Hospital has promised an update soon. We do not know if other Min. of Public Health hospitals in the province will continue to accept all foreigners into the health insurance program or will also limit enrollment to migrant workers, also.

Nakorn Ping Hospital has assured us they will honor the health insurance policies already sold to non-migrant worker foreigners.

We are working very diligently to understand the reasons for the hold in new enrollments and to see if this hold in new enrollments can be reversed.

Nancy from Lanna Care Net

Edited December 2, 2013 by NancyL

[Saan]

Blast and damnation. I set off this morning to register but I ran into a redshirt procession that turned from the moat onto the road to Mae Rim causing huge traffic problems. So, taking the line of resistance I got out of the jam and planned to go tomorrow. Now no tomorrow.

[mimithewoof]

Not unexpected - my feeling is that, after the year is up for those who have registered, re-registration will not be an option.

One small piece of news - our local Doi Saket mini-hospital which, before and just after the insurance scheme was brought in, was charging just 30 baht for redressing a wound, has now started charging foreigners 80 baht.

Double-pricing at tourist venues is one thing - in my view, this is a different issue. And no, I'm not a 'cheap Charlene', I'm just not happy about the ethics involved. One can avoid tourist traps, one can't avoid the odd visit to a hospital.

I didn't get round to registering either, Saan, too busy looking after my husband and doing the jobs he can't yet. I'll just have to stay horribly healthy.

[muchogra]

Thanks for the heads -up, NancyL. I think the program was originally set up for big businesses who employ many migrant workers, to whatever reasons! Now that many foreigners have enrolled; perhaps, they just realized they had screwed up somewhere along the line!

Anyone who thinks it's done for the foreigners are in fantasy land!

Edited December 2, 2013 by muchogra

[mimithewoof]

Actually, the more I think about this latest disappointing news, the more it bothers me. Maybe the scheme was set up to benefit big business, which is benefiting already by the appalling wages it pays its migrant workers and the appalling living conditions it so generously provides for many of them....BUT...

Many of my countrymen have been here for a good number of years, having arrived at a time when the exchange rate was more sympathetic for us Brits. Their already frozen pensions have been seriously eroded over the last few years by a combination of a Thai government-manipulated exchange rate and an unprecedented rise in the cost of living.

They may have either bought properties using their retirement nest eggs or rented for many years, putting money into their landlord's pocket. Some may be supporting wives and/or families on their diminishing returns, and all will have spent a great deal of money over their years here. Put succinctly, they've been of benefit to many small Thai businesses here in Chiang Mai, and their payments will have stayed mostly within the larger local community.

Surely it's not too much to expect that those in a not-so-good position, wherever they come from, should be able to take advantage of a paid-for scheme offering basic health provision, without taking it to ridiculous levels as has the British government?

Please, no 'if you don't like it, get out' comments, and please don't mention 'guests', as I know exactly how well I treat guests in my home as well and am also aware of the true meaning of the word in the English language.

[Mapguy]

No, Mimi, although I do appreciate and try to understand what you have said here, I do disagree with some of your concern. I absolutely do not think that this plan was established to benefit any "big business." Perhaps you are feeling frustrated by both change and personal challenge because of it. Be thankful that you received, in the end, good care for your husband despite his stubbornness at being "charged too much" at another medical centre.

I seems you and your husband may have arrived here on a very modest budget with your own set of "standards" as to what is available from the Thai healthcare system which is fundamentally for Thais, not for you and your expectations of care. Isn't that fair?

The hard reality may be that you can not always live cheap and die in your sleep.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Mapguy

[Tokay]

Not unexpected - my feeling is that, after the year is up for those who have registered, re-registration will not be an option.

One small piece of news - our local Doi Saket mini-hospital which, before and just after the insurance scheme was brought in, was charging just 30 baht for redressing a wound, has now started charging foreigners 80 baht.

Double-pricing at tourist venues is one thing - in my view, this is a different issue. And no, I'm not a 'cheap Charlene', I'm just not happy about the ethics involved. One can avoid tourist traps, one can't avoid the odd visit to a hospital.

I didn't get round to registering either, Saan, too busy looking after my husband and doing the jobs he can't yet. I'll just have to stay horribly healthy.

Thais almost always get cheaper treatment in Thai hospitals. Their discrimination knows no bounds.

[Mapguy]

Tokay,

If such treatment is "unfair" to you, why are you here (if you are) ?

I do not know from which country you arrived from in Thailand. Which was it ? What made it less a good place for you such that you came to Thailand? Did it discriminate at all? If so, how?

[amexpat]

"Please, no 'if you don't like it, get out' comments, and please don't mention 'guests', as I know exactly how well I treat guests in my home as well and am also aware of the true meaning of the word in the English language."

Tokay,

If such treatment is "unfair" to you, why are you here (if you are) ?

I do not know from which country you arrived from in Thailand. Which was it ? What made it less a good place for you such that you came to Thailand? Did it discriminate at all? If so, how?

See? Mapguy doesn't always say 'if you don't like it, get out', sometimes he says "why are you here".

[NancyL]

Well, here's my take. The program was established not to benefit big business that employees cheap migrant labor, but rather to meet the upcoming requirements of free-movement of labor across ASEAN borders. I only vaguely understand those changes, but this is what I've been told by people who claim to understand those upcoming changes.

What I do understand is that Thai social welfare agencies see foreigners (us) dying for reasons that no Thai person would have to endure, with conditions that are sometimes entirely treatable and preventable. They see dying western foreigners living in absolute squalor because they cannot afford care. They also see the tremendous burden these ill and elderly foreigners can create when their Thai families and even entire villages try try to care for them. These social welfare workers see it as a human rights issue. Can you blame them for thinking "if only these foreigners could purchase the same basic health care we Thai people can have?" With this directive, the provincial MOPH finally had a way to make this happen.

[mimithewoof]

Sorry to disappoint you, Mapguy, but firstly, my post wasn't about me, my financial situation or the reasons why I came to Thailand, it was about my concern for foreigners such as those which Lanna Care Net is helping.

Secondly, my 'standards', as you put it, regarding the Thai healthcare system were fully expressed in the original thread on this subject, where I noted that NakornPing hospital was at least several notches above its counterparts in any secondary UK city. Objectivity isn't anything to do with personal standards, which can and are adapted to suit varying circumstances but never ignored.

Thirdly, although my finances are hardly any of your concern, I am financially secure for, hopefully, the rest of my life, although not quite as secure as when I first arrived seven years ago and fell foul of one of my own countrymen peddling dodgy investments to unwary newbies.

I also try very hard not to make judgements based on a few facts and a good deal of conjecture - we've all done it in our younger days and it tends to cause offence - my comments about a certain style of reply were intended to keep the thread on its path as it's important to our community.

[elektrified]

Sorry to disappoint you, Mapguy, but firstly, my post wasn't about me, my financial situation or the reasons why I came to Thailand, it was about my concern for foreigners such as those which Lanna Care Net is helping.

Secondly, my 'standards', as you put it, regarding the Thai healthcare system were fully expressed in the original thread on this subject, where I noted that NakornPing hospital was at least several notches above its counterparts in any secondary UK city. Objectivity isn't anything to do with personal standards, which can and are adapted to suit varying circumstances but never ignored.

Thirdly, although my finances are hardly any of your concern, I am financially secure for, hopefully, the rest of my life, although not quite as secure as when I first arrived seven years ago and fell foul of one of my own countrymen peddling dodgy investments to unwary newbies.

I also try very hard not to make judgements based on a few facts and a good deal of conjecture - we've all done it in our younger days and it tends to cause offence - my comments about a certain style of reply were intended to keep the thread on its path as it's important to our community.

Having never been to a Doctor or hospital during any of my visits to the U.K., are you joking or being serious when you say "I noted that NakornPing hospital was at least several notches above its counterparts in any secondary UK city."? If you are being serious I find it hard to believe. I'm not being critical of you only shocked if true.

[Frank James]

There's always one guy who didn't get the memo...I went to Nakornping Hospital this morning, to sign up for the fabled 2800 baht Stopgap Last Resort Medical "Insurance" for Downmarket Farangs (like me), the kind certain self-identified "verbose" posters on TV find so worthy of scorn and derision.

My Thai wife (from Isaan, cue more generalizations) went to the info counter to see where and how to sign up. She was told that the last two guys signed up yesterday, Dec. 2. The program, at least for non-laboring Westerners, is in suspension until further notice. I sensed a lot of curious eyes on us as I waited to hear what's what. The place is overflowing with patients, all needing to partake of the available services. In a way, I was glad to hear the program is (temporarily?) unavailable, as, after a look around, I conclude that I would rather take my chances sweating out what might be my last stand, in my own bed at home. This is not meant to cast aspersions on the facility, I'm sure they do a fine job there, but...not for me, thanks.

I will continue to pay the very reasonable and affordable out of pocket costs for excellent outpatient medical care at McCormick Hospital, and institution I cannot praise highly enough. If you are new to Chiang Mai and are looking for a good all-purpose medical facility, I recommend McC. They are nominally a Christian-based institution, but there is never any evangelizing there. Good people.

[Mapguy]

Well, here's my take. The program was established not to benefit big business that employees cheap migrant labor, but rather to meet the upcoming requirements of free-movement of labor across ASEAN borders. I only vaguely understand those changes, but this is what I've been told by people who claim to understand those upcoming changes.

What I do understand is that Thai social welfare agencies see foreigners (us) dying for reasons that no Thai person would have to endure, with conditions that are sometimes entirely treatable and preventable. They see dying western foreigners living in absolute squalor because they cannot afford care. They also see the tremendous burden these ill and elderly foreigners can create when their Thai families and even entire villages try try to care for them. These social welfare workers see it as a human rights issue. Can you blame them for thinking "if only these foreigners could purchase the same basic health care we Thai people can have?" With this directive, the provincial MOPH finally had a way to make this happen.

Well said. Let us hope that there is a way to provide effective care for all, not just foreigners from abroad but including very poor Thai, undocumented migrants, and refugees who do not yet receive adequate medical care.

[mimithewoof]

Electrified -

Sadly, it's true - for example, the London hospital in the area in which I lived is under investigation for medical malpractice and secondary hospitals in the UK crop up weekly on online media pages, with the reports usually involving untimely deaths.

A report two weeks ago nearly broke my heart - a parent took her two-year old daughter to her local accident and emergency department as she was worried about the little one's severe headaches. 'Growing pains' was the answer, together with a packet of child aspirins. The little girl died the next day from meningitis.

That's just one of so many. The problem began with a combination of the financial crash and the recruitment of overseas-trained (?) health professionals with little English. Now it's at desperation level unless you're very lucky, as government finance has been trimmed to the bone.

At one time, not so very long ago, we had the world's best health service. Losing it was a tragedy for the country.

Stay healthy, man!

[Frank James]

Mimi said:

"At one time, not so very long ago, we(UK) had the world's best health service. Losing it was a tragedy for the country."

So many Americans always wished we had ever had such a system. What happened? People bought into the Thatcher/Reagan/Randian Trickledown? Didn't want that "socshul-ism" no more?

Sorry to go off topic.

[seajae]

Thanks for the heads -up, NancyL. I think the program was originally set up for big businesses who employ many migrant workers, to whatever reasons! Now that many foreigners have enrolled; perhaps, they just realized they had screwed up somewhere along the line!

Anyone who thinks it's done for the foreigners are in fantasy land!

When I went for my tests last week in Surat Thani there were a lot of burmese there with their employers, I mean around 20 to 30 in the one group and several groups so yes it does look like it is so thai firms can employ burmese cheaply rather than for farangs, I was the first farang to register there and caused a bit of a stir.

Edited December 3, 2013 by seajae

[NancyL]

There's always one guy who didn't get the memo...I went to Nakornping Hospital this morning, to sign up for the fabled 2800 baht Stopgap Last Resort Medical "Insurance" for Downmarket Farangs (like me), the kind certain self-identified "verbose" posters on TV find so worthy of scorn and derision.

My Thai wife (from Isaan, cue more generalizations) went to the info counter to see where and how to sign up. She was told that the last two guys signed up yesterday, Dec. 2. The program, at least for non-laboring Westerners, is in suspension until further notice. I sensed a lot of curious eyes on us as I waited to hear what's what. The place is overflowing with patients, all needing to partake of the available services. In a way, I was glad to hear the program is (temporarily?) unavailable, as, after a look around, I conclude that I would rather take my chances sweating out what might be my last stand, in my own bed at home. This is not meant to cast aspersions on the facility, I'm sure they do a fine job there, but...not for me, thanks.

I will continue to pay the very reasonable and affordable out of pocket costs for excellent outpatient medical care at McCormick Hospital, and institution I cannot praise highly enough. If you are new to Chiang Mai and are looking for a good all-purpose medical facility, I recommend McC. They are nominally a Christian-based institution, but there is never any evangelizing there. Good people.

Thanks for your report, Frank James. So, yes indeed, it does seem that they put a hold on new enrollments of non-working resident expats -- at least for now. It is good that you were so gracious about not be able to enroll.

I should point out that they never did process enrollments in the mornings. That's the time patients come for out-patient treatment and, yes, it is a teaming mass of humanity and can be quite off-putting for newbies. I've been a number of times, guiding newly enrolled expats thru their first outpatient session with a doctor.

I've found they have volunteers on duty to help direct you to the proper queues, either locating someone with some English skills to direct you or simply taking you by the hand to guide you to the correct room if they can't explain the location. There are signs everywhere (in Thai) about how people over age 70 don't have to wait in queues and that applies to expats, too. People get up from their chairs to make room for you to sit next to your friend while waiting. Everyone is very considerate. The doctors and R.N.s speak fairly good English. The teaming masses of 8 am are treated and gone by noon. It may look like chaos, but it's organized chaos, kind of like an anthill!

The afternoons are fairly quiet -- that's when they wanted people to come to enroll in the program, not the mornings when people come to see the doctors.

Edited December 3, 2013 by NancyL

[hellodolly]

Actually, the more I think about this latest disappointing news, the more it bothers me. Maybe the scheme was set up to benefit big business, which is benefiting already by the appalling wages it pays its migrant workers and the appalling living conditions it so generously provides for many of them....BUT...

Many of my countrymen have been here for a good number of years, having arrived at a time when the exchange rate was more sympathetic for us Brits. Their already frozen pensions have been seriously eroded over the last few years by a combination of a Thai government-manipulated exchange rate and an unprecedented rise in the cost of living.

They may have either bought properties using their retirement nest eggs or rented for many years, putting money into their landlord's pocket. Some may be supporting wives and/or families on their diminishing returns, and all will have spent a great deal of money over their years here. Put succinctly, they've been of benefit to many small Thai businesses here in Chiang Mai, and their payments will have stayed mostly within the larger local community.

Surely it's not too much to expect that those in a not-so-good position, wherever they come from, should be able to take advantage of a paid-for scheme offering basic health provision, without taking it to ridiculous levels as has the British government?

Please, no 'if you don't like it, get out' comments, and please don't mention 'guests', as I know exactly how well I treat guests in my home as well and am also aware of the true meaning of the word in the English language.

I hear what you are saying but most of it is the same in any country. If you were still in your native country your money would be decreasing in it's ability to buy things. Inflation is a world wide thing not just Thailand.

Yes there are valid arguments to say the government has hurried inflation along but it could not and never will be able to stop it. This is where it pays to plan ahead can I afford the cost of living rise plus unexpected medical costs. If I can't maybe I best look at it as just a place to stay for a while. You have as you said put a fair amount of money into the economy but as a rule I would say the average ex pat put a lot more in the country they came from.

I personally think Thailand no more owes me free medical than the United States does and I am an American citizen. It was a more than generous offer and I for one am not willing at this point to say it is all over no more chances.

[Sheryl]

This was to be expected, if you will refer to the original thread informing of this system the pricing structure was based on expected utilization by migrant workers and somehow -- apparently by mistake though still unclear -- the wording of the directive came out as "foreigner" in general, not migrant laborer. Chiang Mai is not the only place where, based on the actual wording of the directive, cards were issued to resident expats.

It was always anticipated that the problem would get recognized sooner or later and now it has. Hopefully this will lead to expedited efforts to establish a similar scheme specifically targeted to expats and priced according to their anticipated utilization patterns. The latter does take some actuarial work by health financing specialists to develop. It has always been the government's intention to develop a scheme for expats, it is just that migrants got the first priority. There is also thought being given to a system for uninsured tourists.

In all three cases the impetus has nothing to do with big businesses nor Asean. It is to address a problem faced by an already under-funded health system, which loses money every year on care for foreigners (migrants, resident expats and tourists) who cannot pay their bills.

I am sure a solution will come, the question is how soon. Hopefully the experience thus far has demonstrated that the insurance scheme in place for migrants is a viable approach that just needs some tweaking and a rationalized pricing to work for expats.

[Sheryl]

Not unexpected - my feeling is that, after the year is up for those who have registered, re-registration will not be an option.

One small piece of news - our local Doi Saket mini-hospital which, before and just after the insurance scheme was brought in, was charging just 30 baht for redressing a wound, has now started charging foreigners 80 baht.

Double-pricing at tourist venues is one thing - in my view, this is a different issue. And no, I'm not a 'cheap Charlene', I'm just not happy about the ethics involved. One can avoid tourist traps, one can't avoid the odd visit to a hospital.

I didn't get round to registering either, Saan, too busy looking after my husband and doing the jobs he can't yet. I'll just have to stay horribly healthy.

Clarification: this is not dual pricing. Thais pay 30 baht only if they are covered under the UC plan, and it is a co-pay not full fee to the hospital; hospitals receive capitation payments from the government annually according to the number of people enrolled in the scheme.

If they were charging you 30 baht before, this was an error and one that cost them money since as a foreigner they do not receive money from the government towards your care.

It sounds like you are just now paying the (very affordable) full fee for persons not covered by the UC or SS plans.

[mimithewoof]

Sheryl - thanks for your clarification - my husband, I think, is still is shock from losing half a finger unexpectedly after an unpleasant week with a raging infection; he tells me he prefers the treatment at NakornPing so is now attending there for dressings.

HelloDolly - why do Americans always judge according to their experiences in their own country? The UK and the USA, and their nationals, are as different as chalk and cheese, as are those experiences and the way the different nationalities react to them. Britain's fall from top of the world ended almost a century ago, America's is yet to come, but it's working on it!

Yes, UK citizens are entitled to free healthcare (although I never needed to use it in all my 60-plus years there), but I believe not many UK expats living in CM, myself included, would have expected to have the same privilege in Thailand. Also, my friend, in the UK I'd have been entitled to various top-up allowances on top of my pension, giving a fair chance of being able to make it through. That, however, wasn't attractive enough to keep me there, as Tony Blair and his cronies were systematically destroying my country, helped along by Wall Street and its culture of greed.

I've been visiting this forum for nine full years now, and have rarely posted, especially in the last few years when the negativity became just too much to bear. Guess this'll have to be my final excursion into the online world of Chiang Mai expats, where which pub is best and where to find the cheapest cheese is paramount. Outside this rarefied atmosphere, the world keeps turning. Take it or leave it, but don't just assume.

[davehowden]

mimithewoof

Please please please keep posting, you warm the cockles of my heart.

[Saan]

Sheryl - thanks for your clarification - my husband, I think, is still is shock from losing half a finger unexpectedly after an unpleasant week with a raging infection; he tells me he prefers the treatment at NakornPing so is now attending there for dressings.

HelloDolly - why do Americans always judge according to their experiences in their own country? The UK and the USA, and their nationals, are as different as chalk and cheese, as are those experiences and the way the different nationalities react to them. Britain's fall from top of the world ended almost a century ago, America's is yet to come, but it's working on it!

Yes, UK citizens are entitled to free healthcare (although I never needed to use it in all my 60-plus years there), but I believe not many UK expats living in CM, myself included, would have expected to have the same privilege in Thailand. Also, my friend, in the UK I'd have been entitled to various top-up allowances on top of my pension, giving a fair chance of being able to make it through. That, however, wasn't attractive enough to keep me there, as Tony Blair and his cronies were systematically destroying my country, helped along by Wall Street and its culture of greed.

I've been visiting this forum for nine full years now, and have rarely posted, especially in the last few years when the negativity became just too much to bear. Guess this'll have to be my final excursion into the online world of Chiang Mai expats, where which pub is best and where to find the cheapest cheese is paramount. Outside this rarefied atmosphere, the world keeps turning. Take it or leave it, but don't just assume.

Mimi you have just got to sort the chaff from the wheat. There are some very positive things about Thai Visa. From medical problems to the price of burgers: it is what makes this forum work. Like any community this one can be trite, trivial or terrific.

[delboy]

Yesterday (Monday) afternoon, my friend and I contacted our local hospital in Doi Lor, Amphur Chomthong, about the scheme. They phoned to Mae Rim and we were told that we qualified, and the best days to go were Tuesday and Thursday. We decided to enrol in the scheme today (Tuesday). We were concerned when we saw this thread last night, but decided to go anyway.

We arrived at 8,30am, completed the registration form, had a blood-pressure check, had an X-Ray, and provided urine and blood samples. We then saw the doctor, gave them copies of each page of our passports, the wife's ID card and Tabhun Bahn (spelling?). We paid our 2,800 baht and got a temporary card, we have to return on Dec 20th for the real card. We were finished at midday, the staff were very helpful and friendly, and it was a great help to have someone with us that was fluent in Thai and English, as few of the staff spoke English.

We were told that we can use the card to get treatment at any government hospital in Thailand, not just the hospital we registered at, and that the medical check will be neccessary at every re-registering.

After the points covered in this thread, there must be a doubt as to whether we will get the real cards, or not. But there is nothing we can do, except to wait and see.

Thanks to everyone here for their comments and advice.

[paulchiangmai]

There's always one guy who didn't get the memo...I went to Nakornping Hospital this morning, to sign up for the fabled 2800 baht Stopgap Last Resort Medical "Insurance" for Downmarket Farangs (like me), the kind certain self-identified "verbose" posters on TV find so worthy of scorn and derision.

My Thai wife (from Isaan, cue more generalizations) went to the info counter to see where and how to sign up. She was told that the last two guys signed up yesterday, Dec. 2. The program, at least for non-laboring Westerners, is in suspension until further notice. I sensed a lot of curious eyes on us as I waited to hear what's what. The place is overflowing with patients, all needing to partake of the available services. In a way, I was glad to hear the program is (temporarily?) unavailable, as, after a look around, I conclude that I would rather take my chances sweating out what might be my last stand, in my own bed at home. This is not meant to cast aspersions on the facility, I'm sure they do a fine job there, but...not for me, thanks.

I will continue to pay the very reasonable and affordable out of pocket costs for excellent outpatient medical care at McCormick Hospital, and institution I cannot praise highly enough. If you are new to Chiang Mai and are looking for a good all-purpose medical facility, I recommend McC. They are nominally a Christian-based institution, but there is never any evangelizing there. Good people.

Thanks for your report, Frank James. So, yes indeed, it does seem that they put a hold on new enrollments of non-working resident expats -- at least for now. It is good that you were so gracious about not be able to enroll.

I should point out that they never did process enrollments in the mornings. That's the time patients come for out-patient treatment and, yes, it is a teaming mass of humanity and can be quite off-putting for newbies. I've been a number of times, guiding newly enrolled expats thru their first outpatient session with a doctor.

I've found they have volunteers on duty to help direct you to the proper queues, either locating someone with some English skills to direct you or simply taking you by the hand to guide you to the correct room if they can't explain the location. There are signs everywhere (in Thai) about how people over age 70 don't have to wait in queues and that applies to expats, too. People get up from their chairs to make room for you to sit next to your friend while waiting. Everyone is very considerate. The doctors and R.N.s speak fairly good English. The teaming masses of 8 am are treated and gone by noon. It may look like chaos, but it's organized chaos, kind of like an anthill!

The afternoons are fairly quiet -- that's when they wanted people to come to enroll in the program, not the mornings when people come to see the doctors.

Interesting Nancy L, I was there last Thursday and spoke to two Americans who were there getting the insurance in the morning, they went through the blood test and x-ray bin the morning but had to wait till 1 pm to get finalized. I myself was there to make sure that I was insured as the Doi Saket hospital told me I had been insured for the past five years at Nakornping hospital, something I strangely knew nothing about. Upon checking admin told me that I had indeed been insured for the past five years but the government had stopped the scheme on Sept' 30th, hard to believe but true. I have no idea under what scheme I was insured but it seems that it started at the time I got my yellow book. A good thing I checked or I would have assumed I was covered until I needed the service and then found out I was not covered since Sept' 30th. The next day I went to my local hospital, Doi Saket and started the registration program there, on Monday I received my registration. Just like to add Nancy L that I think you are doing a very good job for local falangs and I would like to thank you for that. I also think that perhaps we owe prime minister Yingluck a big thank you for giving us the opportunity to register for a health care system, she doesn't get much praise but I think it might be due in this instance.

[Frank James]

In truth, I wasn't expecting much from this short-lived plan, which for most of us existed as a loophole in a plan devised for uninsured "guest workers". It would never have stayed at the 2800 baht level, that's too low. I hope some other sort of scheme gets worked out sometime, but considering the tattered state of the kingdom at this time, this would probably be among the lowest of priorities, and rightly so.

Unlike my fellow American HelloDolly, I DO expect damn near free high quality universal healthcare as a right of citizenship. We should have had at least a Canadian style system a long time ago, and not this ridiculous Obamacare monstrosity, written entirely by and for the benefit of the insurance industry. But, that's over there, and I'm over here, and I don't expect America to pay for my medical care here. (Unless they just want to!)

And Mimi, I like your style. We need more input here from thoughtful posters like you. BTW, have you heard of any good deals on cheese this week?

[elektrified]

I too, would encourage Mimi to stay with the forum. Your input was well intended and much appreciated. Just ignore the idiots (like the one you referred to).

[mimithewoof]

Electrified and Frank - you're both very sweet and I thank you:-)

Guess I'll give it some thought, even without the undeniable mental stimulus of a huge wodge of French goat's cheese with raspberries! I'm crying...

[hellodolly]

In truth, I wasn't expecting much from this short-lived plan, which for most of us existed as a loophole in a plan devised for uninsured "guest workers". It would never have stayed at the 2800 baht level, that's too low. I hope some other sort of scheme gets worked out sometime, but considering the tattered state of the kingdom at this time, this would probably be among the lowest of priorities, and rightly so.

Unlike my fellow American HelloDolly, I DO expect dam_n near free high quality universal healthcare as a right of citizenship. We should have had at least a Canadian style system a long time ago, and not this ridiculous Obamacare monstrosity, written entirely by and for the benefit of the insurance industry. But, that's over there, and I'm over here, and I don't expect America to pay for my medical care here. (Unless they just want to!)

And Mimi, I like your style. We need more input here from thoughtful posters like you. BTW, have you heard of any good deals on cheese this week?

What country can you get darn near free high quality universal healthcare in. None

So why would you expect it in the states.

Having lived in Canada for over 30 years I can tell you that what ever you think they have is wrong. Like a friend of mine had to have triple bypass heart surgery. He was on a waiting list for over a year. Do you consider that high quality health care? They said I had to have an MRI so a year later I asked my doctor when I was going to get it. Then there was the arthroscopic surgery on my knee that was about 9 months and Workers Compensation had to lean on them to get it that quick. Or the time I had to drive my buddy 300 miles to have an in and out in a day operation. I had to take him to Victoria B C because they didn't have any good hospitals for it in Vancouver B C. The list goes on.

You have been watching to much Michal Moore.