My Swiss family doesn't let me forget that "universal health care" does not necessarily mean a system like that in the United Kingdom. For this I am grateful, because of the horror stories that keep emerging from that system, such as the cases of Charlotte Wyatt, Leslie Burke, Linda O'Boyle, Jayden Capewell, and too many others to write about. It's worth looking at alternatives, and T. R. Reid's The Healing of America does just that.
I haven't read the book; my opinion is based on the New York Times review. There's much I don't agree with in the review, and I'm sure in the book also, but I like the gimmick: Reid had shoulder problems that were interfering with his golf game, and he decided to present the case to 10 different doctors around the world. The results?- When Mr. Reid presents his shoulder to his own orthopedist in Colorado, the doctor is quick to recommend a shoulder replacement. It will cost his insurer tens of thousands of dollars (assuming it agrees to pay), with unknown co-payments for him. Risks include all those of major surgery; benefits include a restored golf swing.
- In France, a general practitioner sends him to an orthopedist (out-of-pocket consultation fee: $10) who recommends physical therapy, suggests an easily available second opinion if Mr. Reid really wants that surgery, and notes that the cost of the operation will be entirely covered by insurance (waiting time about a month).
- In Germany, the operation is his for the asking the following week, for an out-of-pocket cost of about $30.
- In London, a cheerful general practitioner tells Mr. Reid to learn to live with his shoulder. No joint replacement is done in Britain without disability far more serious than his to justify the expense and the risks, and if his golf game is that important, he can go private and foot the bill himself.
- In Japan, the foremost orthopedist in the country (waiting time for an appointment, less than a day) offers a range of possible treatments, from steroid injections to surgery, all covered by insurance. (“Think about it, and call me.”)
- In an Ayurvedic hospital in India, a regimen of meditation, rice, lentils and massage paid for entirely out of pocket, $42.85 per night, led to “obvious improvement in my frozen joint,” Mr. Reid writes, adding, “To this day, I don’t know why it happened.”
To this day, I don’t know why it happened.”
I had to laugh at this statement. It happened because he gave his body the tools it needed to heal itself! What's the big mystery? Stop taxing your digestive system with sugar and fats, calm your nervous system with peaceful thoughts, stimulate the blood flow with massage...it's like magic except it's actually nature!
Thank you for this balanced look at health care around the world. My relatives in Australia are happy and well-cared for by the government subsidized health care down under. Basic care is offered to every single resident, including regular check ups, emergency visits, and full maternity coverage. Upgrades are available for those who wish to purchase additional insurance through private agencies. As to be expected, those who care to spend a little more money get better treatment and personal physicians, but from the description, the most basic level of care was identical to the HMO I was under at my last job.
Obamacare, for all its faults, is NOT socialized medicine, nor a copy of the UKs system. I really do not understand why all we hear are horror stories from the UK when such a system isn't even being considered.
The thing I haven't understood is that people say that the "obamacare system" (for lack of a better term) is tried and proven around the world, but yet when any comparisons are made to any other country, people say, "oh, well, it isn't going to be like that".
My question is, "Is it tried and proven, or is it a brand new idea?".
If it is brand new, and never been tried, then the argument against any other not ever tried before system is invalid.
If it is tried and true, let's see some examples, so they can be checked out.
The only country's health care plan I've heard a supporter of Obama's plan say they like is France, and they admitted Obama's plan is nothing like the French health care system.
