|
Cerek, as I understand it the problem with getting treatment under the Canadian and UK health care systems is a bit overblown by Americans. From what I understand (corrections are welcome, guys), necessary surgeries and treatments get priority. An ER does not make you sit around with a broken arm for a week, for instance.
However, elective surgeries have a long waiting period. Some elective surgeries have very long waits, which is why some Canucks hop the border and simply pay at US hospitals.
Anyway, as you yourself mentioned, if you can't get insurance in the US, you're screwed. As I said, health care is fine if you're rich (or properly insured) here. Hey, my insurance rocks (wife is a state employee), so you won't hear me complaining. If I have a car wreck in South Chicago, I get my happy ass trucked uptown to Northwestern's facilities, which comprise several buildings and cover several city blocks.
But, if you're flipping burgers you've likely got no health or dental to speak of. (Now, if you're poor ENOUGH, you can probably get state/tax-funded health care.) Anyway, that's the real failing. In the 21st Century, the richest country on the planet absolutely should have at least basic minimum health services for its citizens.
Now, to look at the BigDrugCos I just get pissed. They whine because we hop the border to buy drugs at a 50%-75% discount in Canuckia. Well, if they're willing to sell them at that price there, they are STILL MAKING PROFIT. We absolutely should do what Canada does and put limits on prescription drug prices. We have absolute proof the companies will keep peddling their wares -- drug dealers always do.
__________________
 
|