This doesn't change the immutable fact that the US government is massively corrupt and inefficient. It's easy for you to advocate UHC in America when you don't actually have to worry about the vast empowerment and centralization of authority it represents.
And private control of health care isn't corrupt? Please tell me you aren't this naive. Not only are there thousands of stories out there about denied coverage based on last-minute "reassessment" of plans, but I personally know people living in the U.S. who have had major operations denied for things that were essentially made up on the fly.
So yes, I think the government can manage it better. Even if there is corruption in the government, at least there are mechanisms like the branches of power (i.e. SCOTUS), and popular protest that could manage it. Private companies are answerable to no one. You try to sue them, and they sick a team of 10 lawyers on you. The individual can't fight huge corporate power.
And what proof do you have that the current system is less efficient or effective than other systems?
I can get any essential procedure done in Canada for free. You can't, at least not with a lot of bureaucratic hassle. The same goes for every other Canadian. We are all entitled. That makes it more effective.
As for what is efficient... if you want more efficiency, you have to sacrifice effectiveness. As an example from earlier, a diseased body part may be removed instead of treated in the U.S., all because of insurance policy. The private companies get to tell you what doctors you can see, and what procedures you are entitled to. You may call that efficient, but it is wholy ineffective. I much prefer a system where you have the right to the treatment that an unbiased physician thinks you should have.
Are you going to wow me with the grossly exaggerated uninsured figure, or are you going to cite skewed statistics about infant mortality rates and average life expectancy vs. other modern nations? If so, do not waste your time because I will debunk any such arguments with alacrity.
Bait and ignore.
Whatever. My original point was that our massive military has provided the world with numerous tangible benefits. That's all. Anyway, I don't care to discuss the military any further, let's talk about UHC.
And all I was saying is that the chicken littles who are running around crying about overspending are overlooking the areas of government which could, collectively, take minor cutbacks in order to pay for affordable healthcare. The military is one such department.
Be more specific. These vague regurgitations of Keynesian talking points fail to communicate anything of substance.
No.
What evidence do you have of insurance companies "screwing over" its customers with more regularity in America than Canada?
In Canada, private insurance is largely supplemental. For example, UHC means you are entitled to a hospital bed if needed, but private insurance could guarantee you private room. It's more of a luxury insurance. It also covers things like dental care, eye glasses, para practitioners, etc... all of which are supplementary to the public system. So, you see, Canada's health care system is not identical to the UK's. Our government doesn't pay for everything imaginable, but it does cover all the bases, and especially urgent care.
So, in short, it's simple logic that people get screwed over less, because by virtue of the Canadian constitution, they are entitled to way more than Americans are. Private insurance has less opportunity to screw people over in Canada, because it is illegal for them to cover procedures that public health care covers.
What evidence do you have that private health insurance is less expensive in Canada than America?
Simple observation. I have many American friends and we've already compared notes. You can always pay more in Canada for a supreme deluxe private health care plan if you want, but most people don't because it doesn't make sense. Plus, most people get insurance through their employers, easy peasy. In the U.S., private insurance covers care that would be covered by public care in Canada. This automatically makes your plans more expensive.
Or am I just supposed to take your word for it?
I could look up specific plans for you if you want, but really it just takes simple logic to deduce which country, on average, has the more expensive private insurance.
Sorry, but your answering a question does nothing to prove the assertion. Show me proof that UHC systems reduce cost (whatever that means) over time.
Cost of what?
Well, the way I help my fellow citizens is through charity. When I had some money to spare I donated it to St. Jude's children hospital every month of last year. You know, private organizations that are capable of distributing and managing their resources with efficiency and efficacy?
The donations of people, while nice, are not enough to cover major health costs. If a kid has cancer, his parents could sell their home, their family and community could donate money, and still it will not be enough. People in Canada donate to hospitals too... so I don't see what that has to do with supporting UHC or not.
Yup. I'm just a selfish bastard. I've never made any sort of sacrifice on behalf of others in my life. You got me so pegged.
In your own words.
Explain to me how I'm wrong instead of baselessly accusing me of selfishness.
It is a fundamental difference in our cultures, apparently. You know, I often hear Americans say there is not much of a difference between Canada and the U.S., but there is. People here happily pay taxes to support UHC. It's one of those things that is grossly blown out of proportion in the U.S. because people exaggerate the potential consequences based on their political agendas, but once the system is in place you see why it's a good thing.
You continually cry about expansion of government power, but you already pay taxes to support that power. Why is it such a big deal to know that some of those taxes would in turn go towards a system that would provide health care to every single American? To me, if you are really so offended, you should just stop paying taxes altogether... since clearly your government's power is expanding anyway.
I work and earn money, it is therefore rightfully mine. You want the government to take what is rightfully mine and give it to some stranger. What am I missing?
What you're missing is that it is already happening. All that matters is which systems you lend your support to.
Of course, no one ever goes to Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins to receive cutting edge treatments that are unavailable any other place in the world. Silly me!
Now you are changing the goalposts. Coming to the U.S. for specialized, innovative treatment is NOT the same as coming to the U.S. for treatment because the UHC system in Canada is not delivering; this is a claim that MANY Americans think. Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital also receives visitors from around the world for experimental procedures, as does Vancouver General Hospital. Both our countries contribute hugely to innovative procedures.
However, it is indeed a myth that Canadians flock South to get typical treatments because of lack of opportunity in Canada.
