tony:
Quote:
|
Actually brazil is in the middle for life expectancy, they are 92 but the richest country in the world the good ole US is 38 which is pathetic.
|
It is a pity there is much misinformation and deviant slants spread about healthcare - it serves no useful purpose other than to keep lining the pockets of those with vested interests.
Couple of quick examples of other countries - The UK has UHC and it is accepted as a right. That said, it's not perfect - nothing is, but means any person can have access to treatment regardless of medical condition or cost.
Costa Rica also has UHC and ranks on par with the US annually (either one above or one below). The vast difference with both the UK and the US is that the cost of UHC for a family of four averages $250/year and is all-inclusive (medical treatment, dental care etc). The quality of care is no different to either the US or the UK. The other ironical aspect is, rates of taxation in CR are very low - if they are applicable in the first instance. If you make allowances for local salaries/costs - it still makes you wonder how they can sustain a UHC system for so little money.
On healthcare experiences here - only been in hospital once for a couple of days, but got excellent care and could not complain. A US expat friend here had to go into hospital re heart problem for a few weeks. He never had insurance here, but there was no hesitiation treating him - the priority was his treatment, not money. He was stunned that he was provided with a level of healthcare he would have expected back home. When he was released from hospital, he was only too pleased to pay $250/year for his family of four and wanted to do this as a way of saying thank you. Another elderly expat lady from the US had a heart attack a month ago - she is fine now, but was also amazed at the constant attention she got from both doctors and nursing staff.
Nothing is ever perfect anywhere and things can go wrong, but you can't help but wonder there is something seriously wrong when people get to the level of bankruptcy over healthcare. I've settled hospital bills for a good friend in the US - she exhausted her health insurance and they elected to not pay more (catch 22) - no way does any individual need to go without treatment because the system failed them. There is no valid reason for not providing healthcare to anyone who needs it - especially within any "civilized" country where normally, full treatment facilities exist.
Best wishes to your Dad and hope he continues to get the treatment he deserves
