Government-Run Healthcare in Britain

[BasilFawlty4444]

Somebody should sue these ignorant fact-distorting bastards.

[hauskalainen]

Lizzie. You seem to be confusing two things. You can get a pap smear test at any age in the uk. The point is that its free when you are 25. In America hardly anyone gets a free test as there is usually a co pay in that country. New law will change that in 2014 when they really will be paid totally by the insurer.

[lizziedavidson1987]

in the pap smear thing; England is the ONLY country in the UK that makes it's patients wait till their 25 to get one, everywhere else it's 20. That's for US to work on not you to exploit, US: Please leave us alone to deal with the bugs in our NHS. My parting shot is this: people in glasshouses shouldn't throw stones!

[MrToadful]

What about all those people in the USA who don't get tests and treatment because they either can't afford it, or their insurance doesn't cover it? Is that a perfect system?

We in Britain are very proud of our NHS. It's not perfect, by we'd take it any day over the USA's disgusting money-driven health insurance programme. We never have to worry that if we fall ill, we won't be able to afford our treatment.

[jimmybloodyjimmy]

i love how british people are now defending the nhs lol. we grumble when everything is ticking over, but if it came down to it, we would fight tooth and nail to defend it.

[mofi500]

Britain should be closer to Europe and not the USA , a truly vile society as this advert shows.

[hauskalainen]

Katie Brickell was NOT denied a pap test. She was denied a FREE pap test paid for by the NHS because statistics show that women of her age RARELY get cancer. Of course she was very unluckly. But exceptions fdo not make the rule and she was not denied a pap test as this ad WRONGLY claims. She would had every opportunity to pay for a private test privately if that is what she wanted.

[xCaliburnx]

A friend of mine was diagnosed, and treated swiftly, for a brain tumour. He is making a full recovery under the NHS and both his diagnosis and treatment were prompt and effective. He is still alive thanks to the NHS, despite a malignant brain tumour.

[qprnippon]

It may not be perfect, but like every British person I know, I am proud of our NHS and the fine people we have working in it.

Astonishing to me that a developed country could tolerate a situation where one-sixth of its citizens have no healthcare insurance.

[qprnippon]

One British woman said she felt "duped" after becoming the unwitting star of an anti-Obama health campaign.

Kate Spall told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "Absolutely I was deceived yes because when I then found out the link to the website and it was a huge political machine I was horrified because it was the polar opposite of what I believe in. I absolutely believe in universal health care."

[mrchev2000]

You just don't like the truth being told.

[m530bc]

CPR-Rights is a lobbying group for 20 Health insurance companies. We would have to be really stupid to believe anything they say.

I lived in the U.K for many years and their healthcare system is FAR BETTER than ours.

Rick Scott, You Lie!!

[bcmasta1returns]

If its soooooooooooooooo better, why did you go back to the USA?

[dayglowgreendoor]

Rick Scott is a criminal who was responsible for stealing billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars and murdering sick people through his sadistic manipulation of the health care system. Let's waterboard Rick Scott to find out the true extent of his crimes and identify the other health care terrorists responsible for stealing taxpayer dollars and killing sick Americans. WATERBOARD RICK SCOTT TODAY FOR A BETTER USA!!!

[cambeau]

I'm an Australian and over here we have a public universal health care system. And neither the liberal nor conservative sides of our government would dare to take it from us, such is the public support it has here.

I believe that to not have such a system in place is a denial of the basic human rights of the people of a nation.

Living with an illness is bad enough, let alone the fear that it will send you bankrupt.

[thandeka16]

I am actually very offended! As a Brit, I am very proud of our NHS! No it's not perfect, but I am certain it beats the system in the US which is a system of extremes. Rich people get great care, most middle and low income people get rubbish care. At least get your facts straight before you call a great institution in my country evil! I feel sorry for the American people being lied to in such a nasty fashion.

[dlwke2]

As a Canadian, I know it must sting hearing that Americans don't want to go down the path to mediocracy and govt takeover of healthcare as Britain has. It's only natural to feel that way. I'm sure the 40% of Britons who go abroad for surgery to avoid NHS waiting lists would feel inclined to defend their national pride, too, without wanting to acknowledge the truth that NHS is subpar. Keep believing discredited, big govt propaganda if it helps to soothe your wounded pride.

[hauskalainen]

Clearly dlwke2 knows nothing about Canadian attitudes or British stats on waiting times! 40% my arse!

The truth is that if you cannot get treated on time in the NHS you can go abroad AND get the NHS to pay for it! But guess what. It almost never happens. Why? Because the vast majority do not wait and for those that do, wait time is short. Read the NHS constitution!!

[minimacca999]

Where do you get the statistic that 40% of Britons go abroad for surgery? The NHS is not subpar the WHO listed british healthcare as 17th and american as 37th in 2000.

[hauskalainen]

I did read Atlas Shrugged. It was the most ridiculous over hyped piece of sh*te I have ever read! As for the author, the more I have seen of her (through archive footage)the more I detest all she stands for.

[inspectorgadget0022]

America does a lot of things very well, but health is one area where they dont do well. They suck. FLAT SUCK.

[ollyjh1]

listen to those that already have government healthcare....well our healthcare ranks miles above americas, we have a higher life expectancy and a lower infant mortality rate, on top of that we have the peace of mind that no matter your situation, the United kingdom of Great Britian and Northern isalnd will not let you die for being poor

[1878EFC2008]

These adverts are appalling in their dishonesty.

Why not scour america for similar stories? You'd find a lot more there, believe me.

[minimacca999]

I know just watch sicko

[wiggy1988]

I went to the NHS with a broken foot. Only a minor break though.

I went into the hospital, asked to see a doctor, waited for about 15 mins total and was taken for an xray, my foot was then plastered and I was given some crutches.

And when it was all over I was given some basic physio.

TIME SPENT WAITING- 15-20 MINS

MONEY SPENT- £0

The NHS is not about Socialism its about basic human rights.

[socarulz]

the NHS is one million times better then the US "system".

[FenQuaker]

The NHS is great. My wife is being treated by a world-class research oncologist at the University of Cambridge - for free - from the NHS - and you could not get this if you paid for it privately (the oncologist only works for the NHS). No rationing based on wealth - health is too important for that. Each according to their need.

[reginaldgoldthwaite]

"Ms Spall, who runs the Pamela Northcott Fund, to fight for patients denied treatment, said that she stood by what she said but was horrified by how her words had been used. What I said is what I believe, and I stand by it, but the context it has been used in is something I was not aware would happen, she said. The irony is that I campaign for exactly the people that socialised healthcare supports. I would not align myself with this group at all."

[TattooTomas]

Two of the people feature in this ad state they were duped and misled by a Betsy Kulman who was working for CPR and Richard Scott and that the video project was being funded by Columbia Healthcare in the US. Just Google "Conservatives for Patients Rights Betsy Kulman" to find the story.

Check on Wikipedia for "Richard L. Scott" to see what a piece of work the founder of CPR is.... Something to do with massive medicare fraud......

[mrjonnewman]

The NHS is great my sister would be dead now if weren't for the NHS!

[somekidnamed]

The people don't have enough money to cover food, housing, healthcare and the necessities of life.

Everybody needs health care, it's not a luxury. In Britain everyone gets health care coverage even if they lose their jobs and have no money.

Why is America the only country in the West which doesn't seem to care about its fellow citizens? What's with all the greed and nastiness?

[somekidnamed]

Yeh, I went to New Orleans 5 years ago, the place was a dump.

I've never seen such a level of poverty in my entire life.

The people there were overweight, but too poor to even afford healthcare.

What kind of a country puts profits before peoples health? It's crazy.

[danivonluze]

Sorry but your (1) was 'it takes away choice', and your (3) was an example of a removal of choice. That's not an additional point, it's repetition.

If there are more than one kind of treatment, then it's likely that all will be available on the NHS. We even have 'experimental ones' - the UK develops drugs too, you know - but what we don't do is to simply take the latest most expensive one from the pharma companies until it's actually known to be effective.

Most uninsured are not rich.

[danivonluze]

Besides, what the Democrats are proposing is not the same as the NHS. Your lying Conservatives are comparing apples with oranges. I can only assume it's because they don't have valid arguments against what actually is being proposed.

[danivonluze]

@FenrirLupus:

1) When you are ill, choice is not the option. You should be treated according to your illness, not on the ability to pay.

2) On outcomes, the NHS comes roughly the same as the US, slightly better in some areas. What's more, we pay about half as much per capita.

3) A repeat of (1). repetition is not valid argument. Besides which, you don't get to choose on paying taxes that cover national defence, policing, schools, or a whole host of other things.

[NorthPlum]

No, I'm talking about you. You are obviously too thick to understand a generalisation, yet you do it all the time.

[iamtigger2009]

lol...any Americans who actually believe this rubbish don't deserve a health care reform.

It's like natural selection.

[NorthPlum]

Because you are a clueless fool, and you don't know what you're talking about.

I'm sure you are one of those fat Americans who eat McDonald's everyday on the hour. See? I can do it too.

[623058]

what utter shite! this come from the same stupid that believe stephen Hawking is not British.

[LokiMD]

What this offensive ad doesn't show is the hundreds of thousands of people that have their lives SAVED by our hard working doctors and nurses. The US should keep its attack ads within its own borders and not start on the UK.

[mrjonnewman]

And they would all be dead now in America!!!

[ThePatriots1]

I wonder how giving you better healthcare at a lower cost infringes on your freedom?

What a moron!

[NorthPlum]

Once again?

Ok. You don't think I know public schools are run by the government in the US?

Only reason I'm insulting your intelligence, is because you use the generalisation that everyone in the UK has bad teeth. Don't tell me you aren't because you are.

[somekidnamed]

That's funny, most of America is in horrendous poverty.

Just look at what New Orleans looked like BEFORE Katrina struck it.

We'd never let our people sink so low.

Look at states like Alabama and Mississippi, they're like third world countries.

[NorthPlum]

Dental care is absolutely fine in the UK.

Just because you undergo teeth whitening, doesn't mean you have healthy teeth. But my teeth are fine.

And you are generalising again. Most people in the UK can afford enough food to get fat, in fact, food is pretty cheap in today's age in Britain. You make it out as if we can't afford things, but this is far from the truth. We have what you call brains to which end we utilize them, as we know too much food, makes you fat.

[NorthPlum]

As for your other question. My sister had a tumour growing, we thought it was just a graze or she had hurt herself. So my mother took her to the GP for check up and he mentioned that she could possibly have cancer. - To which end we were pointed toward the local hospital, where they diagnosed her with cancer and scheduled treatments on the same day there.

[NorthPlum]

I'm sure it is not like this all the time. But not every health care system is perfect and most have their problems. However there is always going to be some sort of obstacle in the way, it's just working to make a better health system and improving upon faults in the system that makes a good service. - Which is what the NHS is all about.

But heck, if you don't want private health care, that's your choice, but it seems that enough American's want universal healthcare.

[NorthPlum]

They had diagnosed what type of cancer she had, so they had to get their medical equipment ready for chemotherapy. They do this everywhere I can think of and I know this as I've talked to others in private health care, who have/had cancer.

It would be malpractice if they did otherwise and she would have had to wait longer if they suddenly brought her in on the day without knowing what type of chemo-method they would use on her.

[somekidnamed]

My teeth are perfect. We get braces provided free on the NHS.

How's your waistline? Still obese?

Have you managed to point your own country out on a map yet?

[NorthPlum]

Fenrir, what are you on about? My sister had cancer at the age of 14 and she was treated immediately, there was NO waiting lines. She had a set date to come in for chemotherapy and she was treated on the same day, and on the specified hour that the clerk had booked us in for.

So don't talk about stuff you don't know about. You can guys can keep your private system, but don't go judging other peoples health services when the same could almost be said, if not worse about yours.

[NorthPlum]

I'll tell you a story. I broke my leg a couple years ago, and I was ferried to an NHS hospital and was treated immediately. They done the pulling of the leg to get my bones in line and then operated on my leg half an hour later, while I was on morphine. What I'm telling you, is that everything was done immediately. (continued..)

[NorthPlum]

The only waiting line I saw was after they had done all the major surgery and when my leg was now "ok". At tops, I had to wait half an hour to see a doctor to confirm the operation went alright and to get x-rays and they operated very well. But now they have built a huge new hospital where I live and have employed more doctors and staff. So I imagine the quality of care has gone up, since a few years ago.

[NorthPlum]

I'm not trying to taint a rosy picture and say our health system is perfecto'. I'm just saying that it's pretty good. There are some flaws in the service itself and waiting times are one of those for very minor issues which aren't life threatening. But for a free service for all (60 million+ people), it's pretty god damn good.

[augustshowers]

Britain clearly has superior health care. How could anyone support the American? If you're uninsured, your chances are little to none. If you're death is imminent, you won't be denied care. But at what cost? If you survive you're likely to be swamped in bills for years to come. I know people who have reached a point where they avoid doctor's offices and hospitals for as long as they possibly can.

America is built on policies for the rich and by the rich, with little opportunity for anyone else.

[augustshowers]

*your death

[somekidnamed]

I'm British and I say that this ad is an absolute disgrace and nothing could be further from the truth.

The National Health Service has been wonderful to me and my family.

Stop spreading lies about us America!

[gossieuk]

Where's the video detailing the millions of Americans who die because they don't have the money to be treated by their perfect system?

[nizlopijoy]

What the FUCK? What about the people in america not allowed any health care because they've 'got the wrong insurance'

Fucking hell. Idiots.

[danelli5]

The National Health Service is a blessing, don't let this idiot tell you otherwise.

[Pumpkinsboy]

The NHS ain't perfect, but thank God for it, as a low-earner with mostly excellent experiences within the system, I consider it one of Britain's greatest achievements. All the foreign propaganda merchants can fuck off.

[davidchangchun]

The UK spends less per head on healthcare but has a higher life expectancy than the US. The World Health Organisation ranks Britain's healthcare as 18th in the world, while the US is in 37th place.

End of arguement.

[ThePatriots1]

"you'd have to wait in line just like all of the other socialized health care programs in the world"

Sweden which also happens to be a socialist country has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

And guess what. ITS RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT!! Not run by some CEO who just wants to make as much money from every patient by giving them MRI scans for a sore toenail

[twinturbine]

It bemuses me to hear the demonisation of public health care in the US

In Australia ALL citizens and permanent residents, regardless of income, are entitled to Medicare, paid for by tax, it entitles the holder to FREE & EXCELLENT healthcare & medication at any public hospital

You can visit a doctor of your choosing and you will either get a free consultation or receive a cash rebate for the majority of the bill from a Medicare office depending on the doctor

Lets see any American HMO beat that

[ironicmoron]

how dare they criticise our NHS? 60m patients to treat every year, free for all, of course you can pick up 3 cases that fell through the cracks. how about the millions of success cases? running such a complex healthcare system is not easy but we do it and we do it well, we don't let poor people die like in america.

[dianewny]

Lessen the number of heath insurance companies ? With the Wall Street,Banking, and Insurance Company mergers. There will only be one or two left.

All Hail Big Business

[RZetlin]

Yeah Americans, stick to your "free market" health care with high cost and denied coverage.

You don't want to catch the "socialized" health care plan with free access and complete coverage.

[hauskalainen]

This is all false. Brickell was denied a FREE pap test. She could have paid for one privately. The expensive drug for renal cancer would NOT have saved her life. It MIGHT have increased it marginally but only at very high cost. People do not WAIT for MEDICATION in the UK. Cancer drugs that are effective are available instantly and they are free. If they are not very effective you always have the choice to pay for them yourself.

[lizziedavidson1987]

@hauskalainen I don't know about the not waiting for medication part, I have at least a 3 minute wait in the Chemist! :)

[hauskalainen]

What is wrong with the government run hihgways? The government run fire service? The government run libraries? Nothing! They work just fine. If you'd like to go back to private fire trucks and private roads ('cos yep, that's how they originally developed) try persuading people of that. The government can and DOES do things effectively. But no one will MAKE you BUY your insurance from the government. Its about FREE CHOICE!

[stonecoldjason]

private plan is not working either, as I said you do not see people by the bus loads coming down from canada for health care in fact they would not even qualify for health insurance here

that you have to wait forever to get medical services in canada is just right wing bull shittt these people on this commerical are doctors and people who are paid for by the insurance companies

USA senators and CONgressmen get free health care how dare them tell me where I have to go and get mine

[hauskalainen]

Are you thick? Who says it would be available at no cost?

The public plan wouldn't be free. It would have to compete for funding in exactly the same way as private insurance does. By setting a competitive premiums but stil covering its costs from the premiums collected. That's how insurance works the world over.

If insurers are not over pricing, they will have nothing to worry about from the public plan. Running an insurance company is not rocket science.

Even Rick Scott did it!

[hauskalainen]

Free? Who says so? Not Obama.The public plan would compete. On a evel playing field. That's what "compete" means.

If it is fair and not compulsory, what are you afraid of? Keep your private insurance! In the UK you have to consent to having your data on the central database but most people choose it because it makes sense. Have an accident anywhere and the people dealing with you can instantly learn what meds you are on and why. Even if you are unconscious.

[stonecoldjason]

I'm 48 have parkenson diases I feel for anyone who is sick, but big busienss has denied me any medical services worked with the state of florida for 25 years had to resing from my job becused of this now after the cobra plan runs out which I have to pay the whole thing myslef now, Blue cross and Blue shield said they will no longer cover me in 3 months so going to have to go on medicare

[hauskalainen]

This idea of insurance is that the lucky well meet the cost of the unfortunately sick. But as you have learned, get sick and you can suddenly lose your insurance. I wish you luck and pray for you that Congress will pass a reform bill that will help people like you.

[stonecoldjason]

you do not see people from britian flying over here for medical services or canada peolpe drving down here for health services you do see bus loads of people going to canada for health care services

I go once a year get my meds for the whole year on what it costs for 2 months and I live in florida and use my air miles to go to canada for free

[EmeraldView]

Rick Scott is a filthy liar. Do NOT listen to this charlatan. Find out MORE about this jackasses putrid lies at FactCheck (dot) org.

[uttico00]

Australia also has government run health care

1. Life expectancy is longer there

2. Taxes are only slightly higher there (i.e. 24% for 65k/yr)

3. People are more likely to be denied by their health insurers in the US for life threatening conditions than Australians are to wait for care on a life threatening condition.

Smoke and mirrors. Who are these 'conservatives' really fighting for?

[stonecoldjason]

got parkenson diease now my Blue cross BLue shield dropped me now I have to go on social security disability just for the health care

[Julie8040]

What you need is cumpulsory social healthcare.

Find a nice cheap cure for red necks and right wings, then force those afflicted to take the cure. Or perhaps a pill for greed and avarice should be first on the list of must haves.

Ye Gods all we want is a system that values everyones life.

In the UK , the NHS treats everyone , no treatment is an exception, not the rule.

Give me the NHS everytime. Why would you not want that?

[hauskalainen]

Smoke and mirrors!

Obama does NOT want govt run health care OR reduced choice.

He does want

1 ADDITIONAL choice of a public health plan

.

2 NO DISCRIMINATION on the basis of age or health status.

3 EFFICIENCY thru computerized health records and electronic claims

4 MORE INFORMED decision making about how much treatments cost and whether they work or not.

Bringing up the false bogey of sociialized medicine is just a distraction.

[hauskalainen]

Katie Brickell is campaigning for THE EXTENSION of NHS services... for FREE government tests but starting at a lower age. This is the very OPPOSITE of what CPR campaigns for! CPR does not want people to get these tests free from the government.

[hauskalainen]

Oh and its not just pap tests that are free in Britain but also breast cancer screening, immunizations and all kinds of other things. The NHS writes to you if you are due for a test so you can't even overlook these things. The NHS rightly does not waste money on expensive drugs and treatments that have little benefit. But if they are of benefit they are FREE. You can always insure yourself privately if you want but people rarely do 'cos its not worth it.

[hauskalainen]

Private labs will NOT refuse to do a test as darclick (comment below) claims to have read. Neither America's health insurers or the American govt provides women with 9 FREE pap tests during their lifetime as the brilliant NHS does. Denying a person a FREE test (due to low incidence in under 25s) is NOT denying access. If you want a test with a VERY probable negative result, go pay for it yourself as they do in America! Just don't expect the taxpayer to pay for it!

[mrtug]

The private sector is incompetence mixed with greed. At least the public sector is well meaning incompetence.

If any government tried to take away the NHS here in Britain there would be a revolution, no doubt about it. I'd say that British people feel that free healthcare is our right. If you want to pay for private you can, but like education, the best health should not be the preserve of the rich. I think the US is still suffering from the red fear.

[tallskin]

What any US citizens (at least those who are not rich) have to ask themselves is this:  How much do you worry about health care costs?

Because no British person does, ever.

Sure the NHS is not perfect, but what bureaucratic system is? But the NHS is free at the point of delivery for all.

You have to ask who is paying for this anti NHS propaganda and what do they stand to lose if the USA brings in an NHS type medical system?

[SpeightyBagel]

More misinformation propaganda - don't believe it US

[Pattimo26]

Christ, some Yanks are crazy. The NHS is one of the UK's greatest acheivements. No mean feat given we owned a quarter of the globe at one point. Adn how many people in America die or are refused basic treatment because the system is set up to profit not to help?

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

And how many in Britain die because the government decides they can't spare the money because it's needed elsewhere? Same standard applies. And for the record, life-saving treatments are NOT denied, and if they are, a doctor can be sued for medical malpractice, and it's a dang solid case.

[redscrollproductions]

Life-saving treatments are not denied, but long-term treatments are. If you're uninsured and you have cancer, good luck.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

And if you're in Britain, DO have Gov't health care and have Cancer... well, save your good luck for them.

[redscrollproductions]

In Britain, the people put on the wait list for cancer are few and far between. At least they have a good chance to receive treatment, those who are uninsured here in the US have no chance whatsoever. It's like arguing that sometimes a parachute doesn't work so it's just as good as no parachute at all, some care is better than no care at all.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Only so long as the Government has room in their budget for it. If they DON'T, and you're sick, you're screwed whether you need it or not. Now I'll admit Britain's isn't quite as bad as Canadas, where anything the Government covers is ILLEGAL to pay for on your own or go private on, but it's still a scary situation. Gov't health care isn't the kind of reform we need, man. Especially since Obama's trying to drive up the price of employer-provided insurance.

[redscrollproductions]

I agree with you that a single payer health care system is not the solution but more government involvement does not necessarily equal a single payer system. Employer-based coverage in the US is great but there are way too many insurance plans and the problem of the uninsured has brought higher premiums because millions access our health care system without paying for it.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

And what's more WE CANNOT afford this. Certainly not in the middle of a recession, and IF this is EVER used, it should be an ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT. History has taught us what giving the Gov't too much control can lead to, and that's a VERY dangerous area to grant it in. We need to at least TRY some of these other options first, and they can and WILL work if proper OVERSIGHT, not REGULATION is employed.

[redscrollproductions]

We've had a largely privatized health care system and costs have continued to sky rocket. There has to be some sort of cost containment or our health care system will collapse. The market doesn't allow for cost-containment because health care demand is infinite so at some point, gov't has to intervene to either induce supply or reduce demand. Every country in the world is struggling with this problem - the public sector must coordinate with the private sector to achieve the optimal outcome.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

But NOT to the degree that people are talking! Now to be blunt, if they wanted to put a CAP on costs, that'd be fine. But they should in NO way be trying to control the system OR force the taxpayers to shoulder these huge medical bills! That alone is going to increase our taxes to the point that we will be paying OVER 50% of our income. But you hear NO ONE suggesting a cap for pharmeceutical or medical COSTS. I'm not saying caps to the point of saying "this HAS to cost X amount of dollars"...

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

But at LEAST cap it enough so that they can make a COMFORTABLE profit without allowing them to rob people blind.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

For example, look at what Pfizer is doing. If people would just realize that they don't need a 300% mark-up on these pills and do the right thing... I mean, they're offering incentives for alternative energy sources, why not the same for cheap yet safe pharmaceutical drugs? Heck, they'd still make a killing on their drugs with a simple 50% mark up.

[redscrollproductions]

I definitely agree with you, unfortunately the pharmaceutical lobby holds a lot of sway in our government. Their argument is that a good chunk of their profits go to research and development so if we were to restrict that, there wouldn't be as much innovation. However, most of their profits actually go to marketing and most of the research done on the treatment of illness is done in publicly funded labs so that argument doesn't seem right.

[TerryYaki2]

New Zealand has a brilliant national health care system and you can still go private if you choose. It's all about the organisation and system of management.

Fundamentally the care of your nations health should not be turned into a profit making franchise for share holders. This will always lead to an irreconcilable conflict between making money and saving lives.

[hackneygriffin]

Fundamental point, concisely said - TerryYaki is spot on. These adverts are beyond ridiculous - my self-employed father has been saved from a rare and particularly dangerous type of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (a particularly nasty cancer) by the NHS. In the US he'd be dead, unable to afford any form of treatment, and denied the cutting edge technique used to save him that has been developed by an NHS who's primary concern is treating people - not making money.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Bull. Wow, whoever told you that is full of crap, pally. When you need cancer treatment, you get it. My grandma was living with my grandpa on his retirement alone, she had Lymphoma, and she was slated for treatment right away.

[redscrollproductions]

You're missing the point, you may get treatment but you still have to pay an exorbitant amount because you're not covered by an insurance plan. The main cause of bankruptcy in the US is health care, there's a reason why people are pushing for universal coverage. For some, it's way too expensive to afford.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

But at least it's not denied due to budget constraints. And seeing how "well" the Gov't has run Social Security and the rampant successes of HMOs... Them running things isn't really gonna help much.

[redscrollproductions]

The same can be said for private insurance. Since they're out to make a profit, many of these companies can deny coverage to insurance holders who have been paying into their insurance plans for decades for so-called "pre-existing" conditions. Budgetary concerns aren't merely restricted to the government.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Oh, by no means. I'm just saying it tends to be more prevalant with our government these days.

[hauskalainen]

You are ignorant of the facts. The government's budget is NEVER the issue. The NHS simply doesn't waste money on treatments that don't work or are relatively ineffective.The NICE hurdle is about $45000 per QALY and does not depend on your personal finances. Its about the same vaue that US health insurers use. If you value a QALY higher than that, simply go elsewhere for treatment!

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

All due respect, sir or madam, but I was referring to OUR government in the states, not yours. They run differently, you know.

[rburkwood]

Before Congress rushes to overall healthcare listen to those one person who already has government run healthcare :

The NHS has literally saved my life on 3 occasions

When my friend got hit by a car, the paramedics first checked for his PULSE not his wallet

I have never paid more than £7.20 for ANY medication

I never have to put off seeing a doctor because I worry about the cost or the cost to my premium.

[Francoisbahia]

I cannot understand, how anyone would like to encourage a nation where health care is not accesible to all. DARCLICK- we let our women die? we let people die? Have you seen the amount of people in the US who die every year because they cannot afford medical insurance? Your government shuns what should be the most basic concern of any state- the health and well being of its people. Here in Britain, the end result is, they DO care. We have MORE choice than you, we can also go private.

[Remster2k]

As a Briton, I would like to say no matter big or small, whenever I needed medical help, the NHS has always been there to support me!

[Lucher3]

The NHS is being deliberately run down by successive governments so those who can afford it will eventually turn to private insurance and the system will no longer be "justifiable" as it stands. This is privatisation by stealth. Private healthcare only favours the rich and lines the pockets of providers.

[badong28]

NHS>CPR

[hauskalainen]

GOVERNMENT run healh care provides regular FREE pap tests to women aged 25-65. See NHS web site and search for "cervical screening test". If this lady wanted a test under the age of 25 she could have just paid for it PRIVATELY. Not having the NHS giving you a FREE test because you are under 25 is not a DENIAL of health care you wallys. Its just not FREE. Out of curiosity, do insurers in the U.S. cover 100% of the cost for regular pap tests?

[darclick]

That's not what your Brit papers report.. any woman trying to get a pap test under age 25 is told that labs will not process it. You let women die of cervical cancer to save on the bottom line. Breast cancer too. You are a bunch of herd animals taking what your statist government gives you. You don't care if your neighbor dies, just that they pay YOUR bills. Feh.

[gp4nut]

and should 18 year old men be tested for prostate cancer too?

WHO does not advise pap smears for women under 25.

Doing so diverts money from other health areas that need it.

[rburkwood]

Yeah as hauskalainen said it's not a denial it's just not free; also the great thing about Government run healthcare, is that there's now a campaign to lower the age for pap tests.

And the NHS on numerous occasions has listened to campaigns to make certain drugs/ tests etc.. available

[Skipissatan]

But NICE which decides which drugs should be available does do a valuable job-otherwise we'd just be subject to drug company propaganda convincing us to use ineffective and expensive drugs. Anyone that legitimately believes anyone we'd be better off under an American system is wrong beyond belief and should watch Sicko. This is just the companies that want to keep their massive ill gotten gains trying to scare the naive american public.

[rburkwood]

Amen brother

[Skipissatan]

Government labs you tool. There are plenty of private ones-I've worked in one. Americas healthcare system is just better than slovenias, much worse than cubas, according to the WHO, a lower press freedom than taiwan and the highest infant mortality in the developed world. The NHS is brilliant, something which I am very proud of, and most of the problems arise from things like the privatisation of cleaning and PFI. Peoples care should be the highest priority, not profit.

[darclick]

Why do you think women should receive "free" paps? Are they less important than going out for a cup of coffee and a scone? In the USA we at least can CHOOSE (for the moment) our levels of insurance, so maybe a $20 co-pay for annual pap/checkups. But what the heck, let the government turn doctors and nurses into Federal employees and just save money by allowing people to die. That'll work.

[ckerton1]

I love how there is alot of Americans (not all) who are bloody crazy. Of course healthcare is rationed, but only incredibly expensive or non cost effective treatment; but everyone in our country has access, EVERYONE. By way our doctors decide on treatment, not the governemnt. health boards are devolved and contain doctors. Your system is rationed as only 5% pop can afford best treatment you talk about, and you treatment is decided by uneducated insurance clerks.

[ckerton1]

How many people are there in America which get no healthcare whatsoever. Or choose not to eat to get it. Our healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and government intervention on say mass drug buying keep costs down. And you can still go private here, there is not a ban, which alot you conservative zealots believe. Look who is paying for the ad, read articles on matter, consult economists, but stop being such a sheep.

[AtticusXV]

A lot of Americans don't seem to understand that you can pay for private healthcare in the UK if you want to. It's not all the NHS. I personally have little experience of the NHS, having been generally healthy my whole life, but I do have relatives who are on lots of medication and either pay very little for all of it, or pay nothing at all. Whenever I've needed medication it has been free. The NHS is far from perfect (not as far as the USA system, it seems) but I would fight to keep it.

[hauskalainen]

All I am saying is that this video post is a travesty of the truth. The BIG LIE in the video is that a test was DENIED, but the truth is that it was only a FREE test that was denied. She could pay for a test if she wanted one. Women in the UK get 9 free pap tests in their lifetime. That is not health care denial!

[kanaschwiiz]

Ugh - who pays for this campaign, one wonders.

As though one couldn't go through the American system and find a couple of unfortunate cases to show the system's failing.

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Difference is, when we need treatment, we get it. The only people that have to wait are people that need transplants, as matches are hard to find, and there are only so many donors to choose from. But we DO NOT put a CANCER PATIENT on a freaking WAITING LIST!

[hackneygriffin]

Are you kidding? When you need treatment in the states you get it if you can afford it. And if you can't?

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Well, I can't speak for every hospital, but here, we care for the patients FIRST. That's the way it was supposed to be. It wasn't until health care became a business and doctors cared more about a paycheck that the system started going downhill.

But if you NEED chemo or cancer treatment, you get it. Life threatening diseases are NOT wait-listed while they check to see if you qualify or if you're worth it. You still get treated.

[sadetec]

@TheOriginalKrillinFan : I don't get it -- why do people in America pay health care insurance if they are guaranteed health care anyway? What are they paying for?

You keep defending the US system by saying health care is never denied -- fair enough, so if people without insurance are treated the same as people with insurance, why bother paying for insurance at all?

[TheOriginaKrillinFan]

Because it's not health care that is assured, it's life-saving care. But even then, you STILL have to pay for it eventually, and if you can't it both affects your credit and CAN be taken to court. That's why there's insurance. But when someone's LIFE is on the line, the hospital MUST give the patient necessary care to keep them alive. Unless of course they want a hUGE medical malpratice suit on their hands.

[sadetec]

Okay, but what qualifies as "life saving"?

Sure, if you're wheeled into the hospital having suffered a serious car crash, clearly that's life saving -- but what about expensive cancer drugs which might extend your life by a few extra months, are they "life saving"? Do you actually have to be on the verge of death before they are forced to treat you?

[BinaryMeerkat]

Ads are paid for by a conservative organisation run by a douchebag called Rick Scott who ran a healthcare provider (Columbia/HCA) found guilty of defrauding and overbilling their customers. These people are terrified that healthcare will no longer be easy moneymaking scam it has been in the US for so long. Some of the British people in these ads not only were taken out of context, they didn't even know they would be in the ads!

[bobhardball]

tough luck!!!