OK, Benny, here is a totally nonpolitical point. I have a so-so insurance plan through my work which i pay handsomely each month for, and it seems like every time i have a medical visit of any kind I end up getting back most of the bills with a good chunk applied toward my deductible. The Germans and most other Europeans have a very good system where EVERYONE gets coverage, regardless of income. Yes, it's not perfect, but then last I checked, neither is ours, our doctors make mistakes, HMOS decline coverage, you're not covered for pre-existing conditions if you have to change jobs (not a problem in NHS, now is it?), and if you want REALLY good coverage, you have to be very wealthy, or have insurance. Those without, go without, including kids! That doesn't seem very fair. Even the Communist Chinese do better than that. Now, in Europe, if you want better care than the average Joe, you buy supplemental insurance or pay out of pocket. Same here, if you want more than what your HMO allows, you pay out of pocket.
Oh, and for those who say "who wants people like the DMV determining my health coverage and when I get treatment?", well, how does having a company of bureaucrats who are subservient to their shareholders and investors FIRST and then to their patients work any better. Sorry, I see one as being just as bad as the other. The former system seems to work pretty well for our people in uniform. It wasn't great, or fancy, but it got the job done when I was in.
Last edited by Bayern710; 04/02/2008 7:20 PM.
