Universal Healthcare

@kylaerin (145)
United States
November 7, 2008 4:47pm CST
I watched Michael Moores movie Sicko the other day in class and while I realize that it is not 100% factual I also understand that in many ways it was. Americans each and everyday are denied the basic care to save their lives because the insurance companies don't want to pay and because they take it upon themselves to play god. My question to you is 1) where are you from? 2) do you think that the health care system that is in place where you live is adequate? 3) do you like the idea of universal health care why or why not? 4) have you or any family member especially in the united states been denied any type of basic life saving care because of your inability to pay or because you were just denied because it was considered experimental treatment? I am just interested in learning everyones takes and why people feel the way they do about this topic especially! I can't wait to hear all of your responses!
1 response
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I live in the US now but used to live in Germany where everybody has to have healthcare in some form of basic coverage. You not always get the life-saving measures you may need. Yet the system is somewhat better than elsewhere. My SIL's mother used to live in the Netherlands. She had intestinal cancer. She was treated for a couple of years then the doctors said, enough, there is nothing more we can do for you at your age, go home, make your peace, you have three months, maybe a year. She came back to Germany and was told that if she would have come earlier they would have treated her more aggressively with better methods than generally allowed in the Netherlands. She got another three years of the treatment they could provide to her. Michael Moore showed France's system but conveniently neglected to show the long wait times in doctor's offices and hospitals. According to a friend of mine, waiting for half a day to see the doctor is not unusual. I remember how much time I had spent in waiting rooms in Germany to see the doctor, couple of hours even with an appointment. Need a hip replacement, the waiting list is two years unless you are already in a wheelchair, then you may get one in three months. Yes, the medicine is subsidized and generally cheaper. But as healthcare costs rise everywhere, copayments are required, too. You also not always get the best medicine for your ailment, or complete diagnostics. When Moore was in Cuba, he got preferential treatment to show off how great their system is. Don't be fooled into believing that their system would help everybody to the full extend needed to help them. As to denial of treatment. Here in the US it's the individual insurance account coordinator from the insurance company, with universal healthcare it's some public servant. Both have their set of requirements that need to be fulfilled in order for the patient to receive a certain treatment. Cost and usefulness of the treatment especially in respect to overall health and age is a concern for both. Neither decision maker will care more about you, neither can go above and beyond the rules. Both will take it upon themselves to "play god". Point is, even though people may have insurance doesn't mean they'll get the treatment they need. The difference is with universal healthcare nobody has to go to the ER or free clinic for basic treatment and diagnostic, they can go and see a regular doctor. Now, if you think Obama will introduce universal healthcare so that some can get it for free you are sadly mistaken. People will have to pay a premium to get the Government plan, just as much as everybody who currently has a healthcare plan has to pay a premium. It's also still a choice not an obligation. My guess is there'll still be people who'll chose to rather be uninsured or won't be able to afford it. It's Obama's idea to reduce the costs but it's doubtful he'll be able to offer a plan everybody can afford unless he structures it the way that those with a higher income pay more and those with no income pay nothing in a sharing the wealth kind of spirit;) Which is also what is done elsewhere where universal healthcare systems are in place.
@kylaerin (145)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Thanks for the response. I don't really know what I expect to happen. I have always had insurance through my various employers. I don't really think that health care should be free but I believe that it should never be denied regardless of anyone's situation. I think its horrible that insurance companies can deny coverage based on the smallest of facts. And I think that preventative care should be more accessible and covered by our insurance. I am ashamed of the way health care is. No one should be denied any attempt to save their life regardless of how small the actual chance of living. And all children should be covered to the fullest.