Universal HealthCare - Why? - The Pros & Cons

Universal HealthCare - Why? - The Pros & Cons

Universal HealthCare - UHC - is health care coverage for all eligible residents of a political region and often covers medical, dental and mental health care. These programs vary in their structure and funding mechanisms.

Why do we need it?
* Is one reason because costs have been driven out of the reach of the average citizen?

Is it economically & ethically sustainable?
* Is the funding for this Universal HealthCare going to be like trying to fill a Black Hole?
* Will it go the way of Social Security whereas there are more users than payers?
* Will medical services have to eventually be 'rationed' like in some countries causing death rather than curing the sick?

Experiences:
While most industrialized/advanced countries have UHC, with exception of the USA & Turkey, if you do have it what are your experiences pro & con? And are these experiences typical/universal throughout your system?

Are you perfectly happy with your system? If yes, why? If not, do you think it can be improved? How?

Have you become disillusioned with your system? Why?

Is your system ' FREE ', or do you have a co-pay/out-of-pocket/excess payment? If you pay, is it getting more expensive? Was it always this way?

We would like to discuss these issues with you, & hear your opinions whether you agree with UHC or you disagree with UHC.

Please state the Country you are from, or the Country you have had direct first hand experience in/with their system.

Please, try to keep the discussion civil, & show those with differing opinions than your own the basic respect due all.

Please take time to answer our poll, even if you have decided not to take part in the debate. Thanks

Originally posted by Smileyfaze:

Americans, by a large degree don't want "free", don't want "handouts", or "charity".

Thing is, the NHS isn't "free" a "handout" or charity.

It's the fruit of paying something like 15-20% of one's total income to Her Majesty's Gov't.
Same thing for the Canadian system.

Originally posted by thedawgfan:

t's the fruit of paying something like 15-20% of one's total income to Her Majesty's Gov't. Same thing for the Canadian system.

And if a Canadian or a Brit were below their respective taxation cutoffs, like our Federal Income Tax where only 50% seem to have to pay,
which means 50% of Americans are getting all Federal services "free & clear", how much would those lower income Canadians & Brits pay for their coverage?

15-20%?

Like the way Ma & Pa Kettle explains it here???

Shows how little you know Smileyfaze and thedawgfan pointed out the NHS isn't free - only at the point of contact as it comes out of taxes known as National Insurance. Thus as I pointed out on Opera moons back that going to doctor costs nothing nethere does visiting a hosital or getting an operation, etc. No-one has to worry about not being able to afford something. Completely different from your over-hyped, money, health "system". And on your own basis regarding so many Americans being on the low tax threshold shows just how widespread and rampant being poor in the land of the free and home of the brave is. Well over 40 million and still rising. But hey, someone with no conscience like you and gun daft you could spray them and cut the bill. I also pointed outh that no party in Great Britain has advocated the demise of the NHS from any political perspective from left to right so explain that away. We are an active democracy and certainly no les than your lot. But then a killer mentality couldn't care a damn about the poor and that's obvious.

Maybe you could explain in your wonderland why there are so many poor and the rich/poor gap widening fast? For all the applie pie stuff there seems a vast political crowd with no compassion nor tolerance which goes against all those high sounding phrases of your Consitution and declarations. Happiness is the province seemingly of the cumfy and if you aren't one then it is a case of stuff you I don't care.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

...Somebody will always be worse off...I'd prefer more people to be better off, that seems like the right trade to me.

In general, I have to agree with you there.

Wouldn't we all be better off just letting the poor die?

I mean, poor people, what're they good for.

"The Poor Will Always Be With Us".....somebody in the NT...Who's going to argue with somebody in the NT?

Well if you stopped the food kitchens they would go quicker in the land where the poor are a blot on the "dream." At least the undertakers would do fantastic business and need to employ more for the millions.

American like all humans live only for greed. someone please drop the BOMB. Damn the world

Originally posted by bb38313:

American like all humans live only for greed. someone please drop the BOMB. Damn the world

YeeHawww! SooooSallieeee!

Just imagine the bomb falling on the ex-Colonie sand taking out the biggest chunk of the world's greed motivation. Bet we would groan with disbelief at Smileyfaze surviving!

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Wouldn't we all be better off just letting the poor die?

I mean, poor people, what're they good for.

"The Poor Will Always Be With Us".....somebody in the NT...Who's going to argue with somebody in the NT?

Oh, not ALL of them, of course. Only the poor who are willfully poor. I have been screwed over by the willfully poor a few times. They're the ones who refuse a job if it isn't good enough. They act pitiful and ask for handouts, and they may promise to pay you back when they get back on their feet. But they break that promise. They're as bad as the willfully ignorant and the willfully stupid.

The people who are really trying deserve to be supported. But how does one know if they're really trying? :-( I don't know.

Originally posted by rjhowie:

Just imagine the bomb falling on the ex-Colonie sand taking out the biggest chunk of the world's greed motivation. Bet we would groan with disbelief at Smileyfaze surviving!

not really.

Originally posted by aefields:

The people who are really trying deserve to be supported. But how does one know if they're really trying? :-( I don't know.

the difference is when you point the barrel at those and all of a sudden they support you...
Just saying

American healthcare. My wife has Crohnes (not sure of spelling) Had surgery in 2004 Blue cross insurance cancelled because it was a chronic disease. I had double bypass in 2010 no insurance. Sent home the day after surgery. Have seen a Dr. twice at a charge of over $1000.00 which I can't afford on a $22,000.00 a year job. There is something about medicine for profit that just doesn't seem right. But this is the human greed factor. As for me America can go to hell. If I had the money I would be gone tomorrow.

Now that can't be questioned it is the greatets country in the world you know.