Unintended consequences of government-run healthcare

Rationing is being introduced in Scotland to control rising demand for free personal care for older people.

Scotland is the only part of the UK that provides people older than 65 with free personal care, which includes help with washing, dressing, and feeding.

Now, Audit Scotland reports that central funding for the policy fails to meet the costs of care. The report warns that costs will rise further as the proportion of elderly people in the population rises.

The bottom line?
I realize it’s only complementary care, but consider it a portend of thing to come. As costs and demand for services rise there’s only two things you can do to maintain centralized health care programs: raise taxes or curtail services.

2/1/08 11:32 JR