How Rationing Works

The inevitable result of “free” health care is rationing. Here’s how it starts:

TENS of thousands of women aged under 45 and over 75 would be denied free mammograms under a contentious plan to stop those not considered at greatest danger of breast cancer from overloading the screening program.

At least paying for a test is still an option (for the moment). Under 45′s were presumably being exlcluded because they are lower risk – but over 75? I guess someone decided that people that age don’t see a reasonable return on investment… nice!

This is what happens when a faceless bureaucracy decides your fate, and though Palin was criticised for saying it in the US – it is a short step from what is effectively a death panel.

The Australian health system has many problems, but (thankfully) does not suffer the extremes of Canada and UK-style socialised health-care, where the private test wouldn’t even be an option – you just have to wait on the list until it’s your turn – and if they say you aren’t eligible for treatment: too bad!