Originally posted by SquelchbelchDon't start this one again.
It's so great that 1 in 6 people can't even afford it.
46 million Americans have no access to healthcare.
When will the US adopt the British approach and create their own NHS?
Come on chaps, get with the program.
Tally-ho!
All the repub's will wail about the government taking their money and having to support fat people who eat hamburgers.
All the Dem's will call them stupid and selfish.
Debate over.
Originally posted by uzlessEither that or say that at least some people can get decent health care.
Don't start this one again.
All the repub's will wail about the government taking their money and having to support fat people who eat hamburgers.
All the Dem's will call them stupid and selfish.
Debate over.
Originally posted by EladarIt's just such an uncivilized way of going about things though...
Either that or say that at least some people can get decent health care.
Many small businesses aren't even offering insurance any more as the recession tightens it's grip on their (and the public in general's) finances.
I think a National Insurance compulsory deduction from wages and healthcare free at the point service is the only way forward for any country that wishes to use the term "civilised" about itself.
Originally posted by SquelchbelchIt's not necessary to nationalize health insurance. For example, here in Holland insurance companies are private companies, but they are forced to offer a certain basic health insurance coverage (determined by the government), which basically covers all life-threatening diseases, ambulances, etc. This insurance is mandatory for everyone, but people with low incomes get financial government support. So in this system, there is still a market force at work because the insurance companies want to maximize their profits.
It's just such an uncivilized way of going about things though...
Many small businesses aren't even offering insurance any more as the recession tightens it's grip on their (and the public in general's) finances.
I think a National Insurance compulsory deduction from wages and healthcare free at the point service is the only way forward for any country that wishes to use the term "civilised" about itself.
Originally posted by SquelchbelchAbsolutely not. Everyone should purchase their own health care out of their own pocket.
It's just such an uncivilized way of going about things though...
Many small businesses aren't even offering insurance any more as the recession tightens it's grip on their (and the public in general's) finances.
I think a National Insurance compulsory deduction from wages and healthcare free at the point service is the only way forward for any country that wishes to use the term "civilised" about itself.
Couple that with reduced restrictions on prescribing and licensing healthcare providers to encourage competition and the cost of both drugs and services will plummet to the point where everyone can afford them.
Of course, the AMA which presides over the heathcare cartel - for your own good of course - would oppose this; so would pharmacists and pharmaceutical manufacturers. "Don't change the model! We are getting rich!!!"
I know of a health care service in the US which recently increased prices 50% in anticipation of the government asking for a 30% reduction in costs over 3 years.
No government bureaucrat will negotiate a better deal than individuals voting with their pocketbooks -- when we deign to allow that sort of thing.
Originally posted by spruce112358Lack of restrictions on prescribing and licensing is what allowed the insurance cartels to form in the first place...
Absolutely not. Everyone should purchase their own health care out of their own pocket.
Couple that with reduced restrictions on prescribing and licensing healthcare providers to encourage competition and the cost of both drugs and services will plummet to the point where everyone can afford them.
Of course, the AMA which presides over the heathca ...[text shortened]... than individuals voting with their pocketbooks -- when we deign to allow that sort of thing.
Originally posted by spruce112358How about individuals who don't have enough money to "vote with their pocketbooks"? Should they just die because they can't afford adequate health care?
Absolutely not. Everyone should purchase their own health care out of their own pocket.
Couple that with reduced restrictions on prescribing and licensing healthcare providers to encourage competition and the cost of both drugs and services will plummet to the point where everyone can afford them.
Of course, the AMA which presides over the heathca ...[text shortened]... than individuals voting with their pocketbooks -- when we deign to allow that sort of thing.
The free market breaks down with health care; people will pay whatever is demanded in order to avoid sickness and death. Demand is "inelastic" in economic terms.
Originally posted by no1marauderWhat most people don't realise is that all private healthcare does in the UK is allow you to queue jump.
It is proof positive that contrary to Eladar's baseless assertion, it is quite possible to get "decent health care" in the UK.
You still get the same treatment from the same Doctors/Consultants in the same hospitals, albeit sometimes in a private ward.
Originally posted by no1marauderNot at all. Compare the services provided and how long it takes to receive care. Those who have health insurance in the US receive much better health care services compared to those in the UK.
It is proof positive that contrary to Eladar's baseless assertion, it is quite possible to get "decent health care" in the UK.
Originally posted by EladarThen why is life expectancy lower?
Not at all. Compare the services provided and how long it takes to receive care. Those who have health insurance in the US receive much better health care services compared to those in the UK.
If you want you can also compare to other countries with free universal health care, like Sweden (life expectancy: 80.6).
Originally posted by EladarDo you have any actual data to back this claim up?
Not at all. Compare the services provided and how long it takes to receive care. Those who have health insurance in the US receive much better health care services compared to those in the UK.
That per capita spending in the US on health care is far higher than it is in the UK, yet we have a shorter life span and higher infant mortality. And the situation is even worse compared to other countries.
The idea that only a private system can provide "decent health care" is just stupid.