Re: Response from a woman from England SICKO: Michael Moore

[capstar7075]

Lol, so everyone over 65 gets free medicine? As long as a society is prosperous and has a low population over 65 that is all well and good but it won't be sustainable if either of the two aren't met.

[davijeph]

The current cost of an NHS prescription is between £7 and £8 all most all items are subsidised. If an item you need is available without prescription and costs less Dr's or chemists will normally point this out leaving you free to pay the smaller amount. It must not be forgotten that most prescriptions are issued to people who do not need to pay, Under 16, pensioners etc.

[temporaldisplacement]

Ahh the NHS, insular, corrupt and an abysmal cost/benefit ratio. I can be fixed ....the idea is golden. BUT DO NOT make it out to be perfect ......that is an insult to the masses that they themself are barely aware of. It is (not surprisingly) better OVERALL care, but if your paying £5.60 or whatever it is by now for a weekly prescription that cost less than 30p to produce and transport for your entire life ....or lost family members in the wake of the 'dirty hospitals' debaucle, well....

[toyotas2006]

Government provided cops, fire, sanitation, mail, education & transportation

But when I get sick, that's where I draw the line!

Please DON'T HELP ME!

[norvman]

Unfortunately I have been on the other side of the pond on this... and Health Care for the American Elderly is Gastly... I hope every coservitive Ditto head in America has to go through I what I went through with my two Aunts, My InLaws, and now my own parents... God curse be upon you those who oppose a Moral American Healthcare system!!!

[davijeph]

@norvman If you have time could you expand your statement please. It would be interesting to try and compare like with like. Thank you.

[norvman]

@davijeph What can I tell you ?

On 4 different individuals now I and my wife have had to take care of our Elderly Family members in our own home using whatever cut rate care we could afford. Which ment that we, not being Health Care experts, that is to say we have not had, and still do not have, any medical training what so ever. Had to take care of them at the expense of our jobs and business. We pulled my mother-in-law out of a skilled nursing home because of abuse. (little gov. regulation)

[davijeph]

@norvman Thank you for your reply; I have no doubt that US health care at its best can be the best in the world. However from what other US citizens I met tell me there are very great deficiencies when it comes to back up medical care for those that cannot afford the high cost involved in looking after the sick and frail. I do think that our NHS in this field is on another planet when it comes to. I do not say our system is fool proof or without fault but in general it’s very good.

[davijeph]

@davijeph I would like to give an example A few houses from were I live an old gentleman 85 years is terminally ill with cancer his wife is a couple of years older she is fit and active for her age but of course feels the strain of her husbands illness her family does not live close by but see them when they can. They are typical working class, poor but not broke. In order to help them they get a cleaner to help them with housework, a helper comes three times a week.

[davijeph]

@norvman to bath the gentleman a nurse visits 3 times a week more if required the Dr makes regular house calls transport to and from hospitals are supplied he also goes to a care centre twice a week for company and a meal. There is a subsidized cost to some of this but affordable to them. All medicines, medical care, and equipment supplied are free. If not retired they would pay a larger amount for the none medical help they get and about $8 for each item of prescription medication (2 months )



[norvman]

@davijeph And your saying this is in England Correct? because I'm talking about the the U.S. Because what your discribing sounds a heck of alot better than what we went through and will have to go through again a couple of times yet before it's all over with... Anything has got to be better than what the U.S. is offering right now....

Anyone in America who doen't believe that has got money to burn or hasn't had it happen to them yet.

[norvman]

@norvman make no mistake of what I am pointing out... I am an American and I am telling you that any thing the American Conservative Pudits have to say about the 'great' American health care system... is absolutely WRONG!

[davijeph]

@norvman Hello again Sir, yes I'm from England and again I 'm not saying I think the UK's system of health care is anywhere near perfect, I'm sure that at the HI-tech top end of care the US is superior. I recommend US citizens see “the U.S. Healthcare system in international Context:” it\s informative and unbiased. It's just something I came across when trying to learn about the way the US health care system after watching the attack on our NHS system by Glenn Beck and our own Daniel Hannan.

[norvman]

@davijeph I believe we are in 100% agreement

[rottwielerking]

Lady, lady, lady, slow down. If your British Healthcare system is so great, why didn't you just stay in Great Britain? You didn't have to come to America if you didn't think our system is a good one. Second your doctors don't work for large incomes, because there aren't very many doctors practicing medicine in your country. Your very own government officials said so.

[flosssock]

@rottwielerking People don't move country just because of a health care system, she must have the money to pay for private healthcare. - no worries

[Jack0Young]

@rottwielerking I urge you to actually read something about the NHS.

[rottwielerking]

@Jack0Young I've tracked and read several sources.Maybe YOU should try reading something.

[navyboydjray]

Why can't we have what every one else has? Oh thats right, because big corporations wouldn't make as much money.

We pay for insurance, and as soon as you need it, they cancel your policy and keep your money.

I think if your insurance gets canceled you should get a refund of all your premiums you paid into the insurance.

[madfreeman501]

yeah Meg spot on mate

in the movie one family had to sell their house to pay for medical bils (How Crazy) name me one British that had to do the same.

Again am gonna say this (Americans deserve free health care just for being born an american) you might aswell chagre them for the air the breath

[rossybeary]

It is a shame but many pensioners in the UK have to sell their homes to pay for care. But if Labour win the next election we will have free care for the elderly. One reason why i'm voting Labour, and i hope more join me.

[WhaleFriend]

Vote Tory if you want to save the country from itself. The Labour government is pathetic.

[rossybeary]

I would vote Tory if i wanted the country to go backwards. This Labour government is far from perfect but an average Labour government is perferable to a good Conservative government.

[meg3325]

To all the British citizens -

Rule Britannia! Be proud of your British heritage and being part of the EU. The U.S. has absolutely no business criticizing the NHS - a system they know nothing about. In Britain, it's people first. In America, it's profit first. Huge difference.

[pharoahsoulero]

we should take whats best from eachother and build on that, the nhs is probably the thing about my country of which im most proud,getting involved in conflicts on the whims of the ruling class is what i hate most

[clean3]

. The social services do a phenomenal job in this country, they have to deal with unimaginable scenarios regularly and really do work on the peripheries of society; my son was born with complications, and the brilliance in which the doctors and nurses dealt with it was deeply moving; Brown or no...Think carefully about how you vote next year.

[02tmarriott]

thank you very much for this.

Its totally true, Fair enough some people have had bad experiences with the NHS, I among millions of others, could not imagine our country without it.

Long live the NHS, and never return to this country Dan Hannan

[clean3]

Theres only one thing that Americans understand....money. Ask any American to spell altruism and youll get as follows, C.O.M.M.U.N.I.S.M.

Some might say that the image of an Arnold Shwarzenegger type hacking and slashing his way through lifes rich tapestry is what makes em great, I would be inclined to disagree. The idea of America was to escape the old world meaning us however I would humbly suggest we gave birth to a monster.....delivered by an NHS midwife of course.

[WhaleFriend]

True altruism doesn't exist and forcing people to be altruistic denies human nature and certainly denies the nature of altruism. The closest thing to altruism is through charity. When it is voluntary. Forced altruism is C.O.M.M.U.N.I.S.M.

[navyboydjray]

Yeah right, the UK is totally communist.

It is so communist to want a healthy population.

When you have a healthy workforce you have better productivity. That is just smart business.

Why is it the military has its own health system? To keep us fighting strong.

Please get a clue.

PS, communism is out of business. Don't fool your self, china is far from communist now days.

[bluenail90]

God bless the NHS!

[matowgc]

Great video, the NHS rules. Don't be scared Americans with all this "socialism" rubbish. It has nothing to do with socialism, it is just an excellent system which provides universal healtcare for all.

[rawdawg15]

I'm not scared, it is the Republicans that are scaring the uninformed. Mention Michael Moore film to any of them and they will walk out without watching the whole thing.

[Rensune]

@matowgc Nice to see this still up. Nice a dream as NHS was, it's over.

[mpainter22]

If you can't afford to go Private then how would you be better off in the US? Because people in the US who can't afford to go private get no care at all. People in the UK who can't afford to go private still get the NHS.

[krazykeys88]

What a fantastic response

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

That generally happens to Americans pretty early in life, doesn't it? And he must have had a bang on the head as well as toothache, because the NHS is obliged to find a dentist for someone in need or emergency - and toothache is classified as an emergency. If he had allowed 13 teeth to rot and then pulled them out with pliers, rather than make a phonecall to arrange for FREE treatment, you have to wonder at his state of mind.

[sonofcy]

cdm1972

The operative sentence here is "[he] could not afford to go private". Which means that the same would have happened in the US. The reason he could not get an NHS dentist is that the Blair and Previous admins trashed NHS dentistry. So this actually proves the need for a properly funded Universal healthcare system.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

cdm1972 - Have you actually watched this video, and realised the age of the lady who is receiving the care? I have known 5 generations of my family use the NHS - and they have lacked for nothing. Whereas the USA doesn't even provide medical cover for it's military veterans, except in specific centres, and then only for the injuries they received on active service. What a slap in the face for men who have risked their lives, health and sanity for their country.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

America was actually founded upon a desire not to pay 1/3 of the cost of her own defense; on a desire to break signed treaties and steal the western lands from the Native Americans (committing genocide in the process, and with an unhealthy dose of religious fanaticism, courtesy of the puritans.) Universal healthcare IS one of the fruits of our labour. It is the fruit of 10,000 years of civilisation, social, political, humanitarian and economic advance. You'll get there, one day, maybe!

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

"Commie"? Where have you been for the last 50 years, Mr McCarthy, you old stereotype, you?

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Actually, re-reading this comment it becomes even funnier. Don't you realise that Americans like you, who still maintain the 'witch-hunt' paranoid mentality which brands everyone who isn't greedy and selfseeking a 'communist' (without knowing what 'communism' actually is) are a laughing-stock for the whole world? Grow up! You will get universal healthcare in the end because a majority want it. But, as in Europe, you will be free to pay a fortune privately, if you're stupid enough to want to.

[NIRL91]

yea ur rite. i've been racketing comments back and forward to the same guy, who is obviously very well off and ignorant. the situation in america is like george h. allen said "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." Americans believe any socially responsible ideas are to be discarded as communist and contrary to freedom and "free choice"

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

You miss the point, which is that there IS no debate about the right to healthcare, in any other industrialised country except America, where certain people would prefer to pay $1000 per month to a thieving insurance company, than pay $200 per year for a NHS, and risk any of it being given to another person who is in need. If that's not obscene, then nothing is.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Every person has a right to food and water, and if cirumstances create a shortage, there is nothing ridiculous about it being provided by the government.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

In your hometown of Backwardsville, you don't happen to go to church, do you? And if you do, did the preacher skip the bit about the Good Samaritan?

[thatdumbkid]

Giving to the other people is just the humanly thing to do...

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

And there you hit the nail on the head. In a civilised society, there is no price put on a human life, and the right to good health is not graded according to ability to pay. That is why America is the only wealthy industrialised nation not to provide universal healthcare to it's citizens.

[NIRL91]

its been done, but it doesnt work. you are making a ridiculous comparison, one person can provide himself with food aas he has done for millions of years, but not modern healthcare, it costs far too much and requires too much hi-tech instruments

[NIRL91]

in the end what you are arguing for is a system that ultimately favours the rich and forsakes the poor, as is the American way, i feel i can trust our government with our healthcare because they are accountable and will pay at the next election for failure, a greedy healthcare company driven by the need for profit and an emphasis on denying care on the otherhand is much more suspect

[NIRL91]

the poor wont even have a chance if they are ill and demoralised by the lack of opportunities that they are given, and the huge inflated amount of money that it costs to insure oneself against life

[SecretTheatre]

Thank you for this video. Let's see more of this type of thing and less of the odious Daniel Hannan and his fanboys (most of whom seem to be rich, and American).

[anaklabu]

I am a MAlaysian student in the UK, was admitted to the NHS hospital last year, what I can say is the service is superb, no discrimination, the doctors n nurses was very polite, and all that for free, i will be definitely pro British after this, though they colonized our country before.

[eviltig]

Thanks for the video too, its nice to see and hear stories from real people in your country about this issue as many of us understand that News agencies report the way the network and insurance companies (paid commercials) want them to report.

I think allot of Americans have been bred to just simply say anything against anything blindly when they think its somehow communist in nature, which this isnt ofcourse but its easy for them not to look into it and just be an American as they see it. SAD

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Very sad, because you've been trained to believe that if you treat a sick child whose parents aren't privelaged, the next thing is, you'll be wearing identical blue tunics and marching around waving red flags. Funny - we've had the NHS in Britain for 61 years, and that hasn't happened yet!

[eviltig]

I would be interested in knowing what tax is payed for the free healthcare?

First off I think what I have seen and heard has led me to believe that your country and many like it have a great system but our USA news (crap) stuff down our throats that its not as good as they say because they have to pay huge taxes ect.

Then I look at our Police Fire, and Rescue, schools ect ect that we get taxed on and start to wonder if it would be that big of a tax if we already do it for so many other agencies

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

In Britain, once we are over a certain income threshold we pay 30% taxes. However, if we earn under £24000 we are given 'Tax Credits' if we work - which is a weekly sum up to £44 per week for each person in the househouse. This is paid direct to our bank account. Irrespective of income, Every child is given 'Child Benefit' which is in the region of £25 per week per child, to help with basic costs. Oh, how we suffer under the iron fist of a mixed economy!

[adeel37x]

god bless europe

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Amen to that. This makes me so proud. It was once said that eventually, the people stand up and shake off oppressive government as a horse shakes off flies. It's about time the American people had a bloody good shake, in my opinion. Funny how I've never met a yank I didn't like - but your government are, without exception, evil, lying, grasping, corrupt bastards.

[blackdice23]

I was preparing for this to be an anto-NHS rant, but I'm heartened to hear what you have to say. It's not perfect, but there's a culture in British healthcare of genuine care. It's not a career option here, it's a calling, and that has to be more precious a thing than the daily controversies about funding.

[markwrxx]

I would be very interested to know if there are any U.S. citizens who watch this how much does private health insurance cost you per month ?

[chao129]

decent insurance costs about $1000 a month in the US

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

that is appalling! This is human life we are talking about here. How can you put a price on that? You need a revolution, my friend. Actually, it's a shame you had the first one; just think - you'd have the NHS now, instead of a bunch of vultures in white coats!

[inkey2]

until the time I was able to get on my wifes family plan at her new job I was paying $800 a month ($9600 per year) for single payer "Blue Cross" Health insurance. It did not cover the price of medications. Also in the united states most health insurance companies have "deductables". For exapmle insurance companies wont start paying till you have exausted $1000 of your own money, and then the deductable process starts all over again after every fiscal year. This has kept me broke my entire life.

[inkey2]

part 2....HOWEVER....on the up side of this problem. If you are an American with "good health insurance" you can get an operation or see a doctor pretty darn fast.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

I've cared for three children, (one of who was seriously injured) and sick elderly parents, and have NEVER had to wait for treatment on the British NHS. Months of aftercare are also included in the deal - don't forget that. How can you bear to be treated like shit as your government treat you? You're the ONLY industrialied country which doesn't provide a NHS. Even developing countries provide some level of universal care now.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Solution: take up arms and overthrow your government and replace it with a civilised one - or move to Europe, where we've already done the ground work.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

As there are on average 40,000 deaths per year in the US as a result of gunshot wounds as opposed to 68 in Britain (which, multiplied by 5 to bring it up to matching population levels, would be 340) doesn't look as if the 'right to bear arms' is a really successful measure, does it?

[thenoobcannon]

@BumbleBeeInABluebell its because guns have been practicly banned in the uk for so long that the new generation of criminals dont know how to use them or how to access them. none the less our crime rate is still very high, our prisons bursting at the seems and a totaly incompitant government.

i think that the second amendment is a good thing and i would like to see somthing along the same lines here in the UK.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon So instead of locking someone up for stealing your car - you can just bust a cap in their arse, right?

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 as long as i catch him in the act then yes

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon The American ideal of justice at work there...

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 the idear is that people wont try to steal my car if they know that they might get shot at.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon And in the meantime you can use up all that excess ammo on annoying schoolchildren. All that bloody learning is enough to boil my blood.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 if you mean what i think you mean then i think we have come to a missunderstanding. the kid of thing i want is the combining of shotgun and firearms licences and allowing for a far wider array of firearms to be perchesable with said licence. as well as having legislation to prevent this from being taken away from the people by a future evil government.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon That's pretty much the same as the US system, so is pretty much as stupid. It makes perfect sense to not arm 60,000,000 people in this small, over-crowded island with a lot of tension in it already between every which nationality. If I'm right in hoping that most other British people are sensible enough to not go out on a gun-purchasing frenzy then that would be lovely. I am not right, however - and it is in fact a fucking retarded idea.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 first of all its not the same in the US, you dont need a licence. Basicly i just want an exuse to buy a mosin nagant and shoot targets with it on a regular basis and scare of criminals with it. but i understand your point about ethinc tension so maby i should just move to canada

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon You should, because we're not getting what you want in the UK anytime soon, mate.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 before i leave can i just ask wether or not you know any thing about guns?

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon No you can't - now fuck off.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 have i done somthing to offend you?

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon Not at all, I find it curious that you care though. Thank you.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 well not all gun nuts are compleat assholes. (but quite a few are)

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon So if you've just admitted quite a few are (which I would agree with, not ALL are), how can it be a good idea to arm the entire population? Or at least the ones who want to be armed?

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 first of all that statement was intended to be slightly comical. second of all ( and i know this dosn't answer the question directly) the UK has an advantage over the US in that we have an NHS as a result we can detect maniacs and prevent them from obtaining weapons through legal means. However this dosn't address the problem of people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol killing in the heat of the moment.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon It doesn't address the moment at all - the NHS would be flooded by people with gunshot wounds as well...

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 what is needed is for firearms licences to be issued after a process like the concealed carry permit in the US. also, the way i see it, the gunshot victims would be criminals who deserved it.

on a separate note i would like too see a world where guns are reduced to only being needed and wanted for sporting pourpouses, im shure you agree.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon I'm sure I do - in certain regions in certain countries; unless ofcourse you intend on hunting badgers or the Welsh in this country - there is nothing to hunt. If that is what you want then how can it make any sense to INCREASE the number of guns in this country? And ofcourse the only gunshot victims WON'T be just criminals who deserve it. The guns will be used on the whole BY the criminals.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 i will point out that most of the guns used in crimes both here and in the US are ilegaly held. the idea behind legalising them would be to give normal law abiding people a way to fight back against criminals. also when i said sporting purpouses i didnt mean just hunting i also ment shooting at inanimate objects from long distances to prove who is the better shot or who has the most accurate rifle.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon I have no problem with using guns for sport - but the licencing we have in this country at present is to stop people getting ahold of guns illegally as well. If guns are in circulation enmasse in this country then it will be far easier for people to obtain them illegally as well as legally. They're friends will have guns, or they know someone who will have one so they will take theirs. If you introduce guns to the nation, then people will use them illegally. No matter what.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 well i suppose that i have to conceed. you win.

but the question i asked about your knowledge of firearms still stands. you may want to do some reserch to gain an undrstanding and figure out wich gut suits you most. the make and model of gun you chose is a personality statement.

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon I didn't say I was against guns at all, I myself am part of a shooting club - I just think it makes much more sense to not arm the entire population. Very nice to have a civil discussion on this site with someone who knows what they're talking about though.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 sorry. i assumed that because you didnt answer the question first time that you were some paranoid pussy that didnt know the first thing about guns. BTW what gun do you shoot?

[insainiac33]

@thenoobcannon Ah. Lovely. And it depends because I haven't been shooting for a great deal of time. My favourite used so far (and I haven't used many) is a Winchester 70 I fired in Canada about 6 months ago.

[thenoobcannon]

@insainiac33 i fired a SIG 2022 and an AR15 when i wen to florida but the problem i have is that im only 15.

[FreedomResistance]

@BumbleBeeInABluebell

When somebody point a gun at you in England or Europe you give them your money or let them rape you. In the US you shot the criminal in defense end of story. This happened to my mother. I think weapons should be legal to those innocent people who could have stopped rape or murder. Criminals in the US imports their weapons illegally, they could never buy weapons legally in the states. Same thing in Europe with criminals, but here law abiding citizens cant defend themselves.

[davijeph]

@FreedomResistance In the U.S. for 2006, there were 30,896 deaths from firearms during the same period the UK had 59 firearms-related deaths . If adjusted for population the UK would have had about gun 295 deaths compared to the US 30,896. So you tell me which is the safer country to live in?

[FreedomResistance]

@davijeph

Neither, wouldn't want to live in muslim country England.

[davijeph]

@FreedomResistance Well given the choice (which I do) I choose not to live in a Nation of cowards like Sweden (لحمد لله) 

[FreedomResistance]

@davijeph

Ok, are you trying to insult me? What are you a muslim or something? Sweden is also becoming a 7th century backward society because of the muslim barbarians. I'd rather move since 94% of swedes thinks Islam is a religion of peace because they have heard that same lie over and over again from islamic propaganda.

[davijeph]

@FreedomResistance I hope I'm was more successful than simply "trying" to insult you. For your information Sweden was always a "7th century backward society" you just think you are sophisticated in reality you are a bunch of herring chopping provincials. The only thing Sweden is famous for is letting others nations fight their wars ,Furniture made out of saw dust, crap cars and Abba. (لحمد لله)

[FreedomResistance]

@davijeph

You didn't succeed in insulting me I am sorry to say, but you did make me laugh! I learned so much new about my country, I didn't know they used recycled wood in their furniture or did not send soldiers to Afghanistan, Kosovo, Finland and so on. Maybe it was a dream? Crap cars and Abba? How low do you have to go? I only criticized England for becoming Islamic. I wouldn't wanna live in a country where people fuck little babies, heal themselves with camel urine or worship a pedophile! :D

[davijeph]

@FreedomResistance "How low do you have to go?" When it comes to insulting Sweden I can go much lower than that. "I am not a racist. I am not a nazi. I am not a communist" perhaps, but it does not stop you from being a first class idiot. (لحمد لله)

[FreedomResistance]

@davijeph

Keep the award, you make a good first class idiot ;)

[davijeph]

@FreedomResistance Given the choice I'd rather be a fist class British idiot than a first class spineless Swedish one, at least we have the balls to fight for our survival. (لحمد لله)

[khasseki]

@FreedomResistance You've got to be kidding, I'm going to court in a month because I was charged fro assaulting a guy who on NY's eve tried to KO my little cousin who was half his size, I defended him and smacked the guy around a bit, he pressed charges when the cops showed and it's going to court ...... good luck on shooting someone in self defence, you'll get fking life even if your attacker has an AK-47.

[capstar7075]

@BumbleBeeInABluebell 1) Half of those 40,000 deaths were from suicides. 2) The U.S. has a much bigger gang problem than GB does, so that accounts for higher numbers as well. 3) The right to bear arms was included to defend yourself from the tyranny of an oppressive government. So, I don't know, it worked pretty well during the Revolutionary War...

[davijeph]

@capstar7075 It really does not matter how the figures breakdown the fact is "BumbleBeeInABluebell" point is still valid . Question, why is the US such a violet nation? The answer will have many aspects but the ease at which firearms can be obtained and used in the US must be part of the answer. True the right to bear arms by a "a well-regulated militia," is sensible the right to bear arms by every thug, crook unrecognised nut job in the country is a recipe for social disaster

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

You poor loves. You should leave that banana republic you live in, and come to the land of the truly free - EUROPE.

[benjamin1254]

that health care is better then the immoral corrupt health care system in use in the united states today. I hope that this changes within my lifetime or so help me god i will chose to move because of a lack of care for its citizens. I do care deeply for the place i do live in and i pray this immoral judgment of people that need health care is put to a stop and we can live like those outside the states.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Bless your heart. You have to stand up and shout. I am a Brit living in France, and anywhere I go in the EU I am entitled to free healthcare.We don't see a country as civilised until it provides this for it's people. If any country in Europe removed the basic human right to free healthcare, we'd burn the place to the ground.

[inkey2]

Do brits get free dental work as well ?

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

If we are under 19 or over 60, or on a low income - other than that. it's subsidised, or we can choose to go private. Of course, we don't have the extremes that you have there, which means that unlike you, we don;t have rich kids with a set of fake gnashers like piano keyboards, or no teeth at all, for want of money.

[inkey2]

thanks for the answer....thats quite interesting. I just wanted to make one point. I don't know how the Brit media portrays Ameicans but most Americans are far from rich. Most of us are regular working class people....plumbers, retail store clerks, teachers, office workers etc. I'm sure it is more interesting and entertaining to focus on Paris hilton or rich American Politicians (like Bush).

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

We are well-aware that the streets of the USA aren't paved with gold. Actually, we tend to feel sorry for you, because you have a tiny, spoilt, wealthy class who abuse the rest of you. And it's obvious how the US media portray Brits (hence your comment., which is a bit like me assuming you weigh 400lb!) But to be honest, I have met 100s of Americans in the course of my work, and, I don't know what you're paying, but the general quality of dental work is obviously not superior to the NHS!

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

And please... let's avoid the subject of either Paris Hilton, or George Bush. I've just eaten.

[dazzzdelux]

although thats an attempt an insult the realistic answer is no.

NHS dentists have subsidised cost ( much cheaper, but free for under 16s ) for oral health. but cosmetics would be charged at normal price. there arn't many NHS dentists around now compared to private though

[creaton1976]

we used to but margaret thatcher that ultra conservative wanted to privatise health care. She only managed to get her hands on dentistry and it has caused huge problems. There are some NHS dentists but not that many so people have to find an NHS dentist to get free or hugely subsidised dental care. Other wise you have to go private. All problems regarding dentistry over here are due to conservative reforms yet your news shows it as something you don't want. because its socialist.

[inkey2]

to creaton1976: Actually for many Americans the question is "where will the money come from" to fund a National Health Care Program"......the economy is totally collapsing, we have huge expences on the military, a space program , over 1000 illegal aliens "per day" pouring into our boarders sucking up services etc. Plus most Americans just do not trust our government to run it. The fact that it's "socialist" is becoming a secondary concern

[creaton1976]

That is sort of the problem isn't it. Personally, I cannot see how you can possibly have a space programme whilst your own citizens are dying through lack of health care. To me your priorites seem to be completely wrong. But hey ho, im just an observer here. I know opinions run deep on both sides so just wish you all the best in what ever you decide.

[NIRL91]

we have to fight for it. if we dont have our health we are not equal, or free to make the choices we would otherwise make. free or at least affordable healthcare is vital for the functioning of a modern democracy, the rich in America seem to want to keep the working class down spreading fear to keep them quiet, and telling them choice is more important than actually having access to decent public services. HEALTHCARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

Ansolutely right!

[JohnPurvis]

The US ranks 37 in the world for quality of health care yet they rank number 1 in health care costs per person. America is the only economically developed nation that doesn't have universal health care. How many Americans don't have health care insurance 60 million? That is 60 million who can't seek health care until it is too late, great program. All of the US Senators have free universal health care. All the Senators who oppose universal health care should opt of their free health care program

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

the richest 5% of the population of America account for over 50% of health-care spending. That is obscene. In other words, it's all there for rich neurotic hypochondriacs, but a sick child of working-class parents can die for lack of care. Hang your heads in shame. (Or get rid of your government and start again.)

[marksheehan7]

We are very lucky in Britain to have free healthcare and not to have pay for operations and treatments.I think America is a great country but one thing I will never envy is the healthcare system which is purely based on charging the sick or dying.I hope one day things will change in the US.I am no left winger and do not support labour , I just believe that healthcare is a right and not a privelage.The sick should never be used as a political football.

[packrat76]

There is no such thing as "free health care."

[sammii808]

No there isnt such a thing as 'free health care', we pay taxes of course (our taxes arent as high as you would assume by the way!) But people that dont work and dont pay taxes here in England still recieve help with healthcare. What happens to those people in America i dread to think. People in America will pay a hell of alot more than us Brits for healthcare, you pay taxes like us but you also have to pay for insurance so you pay twice really in a way.

[xmassey]

don't forget that if the insurance company in American doesn't want to pay up then your looking at a hefty bill! Health care here is ENTIRELY free for anyone aged under 18 (or older if your in full time education) and over 65. 18 - 65 = just a small charge for prescriptions from the chemist! We are so lucky

[MrJohnwarra]

@marksheehan7 But Is it true that People have waiting list's?and that America is in a sense more diverse then most european countrys?

[hauskalainen]

@MrJohnwarra Britain is very diverse, Many people from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean as well as asia. Most people can see their own doctor same day. If your housebound, he will visit you at home. One third of hospital admissions are emergencies dealt with immediately. One third are sheduled to the patients preferred time. One third are less urgent for which no immediate date is known but are treated no more than 18 weeks later. The mean time is much less - about 9 weeks.

[odetomy]

We need HR 676 (Universal Single-Payer Health Care)! Please contact congress and get them to vote YES!!

[ergassess]

Premiums are going up insurance companies are paying for LESS. Washington may get everyone an insurance policy (the ins. industry is rubbing their palms together at the thought of more premiums) but who in the HELL will make the insurance company pay when you get SICK??????? No one. THAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM!!! Universal is not the same as the NHS because Washington is still leaving the insurance company to decide if you get care and if they will pay. Remove the middle man.

[BumbleBeeInABluebell]

You need SOCIALISM, my friend. Socialism isn;t the bogey-man your government have lied about simply because they prefer to spend your tax $ on themselves. It's just common decency, treating people with respect and humanity, instead of like scum, which is how you are treated. "Stand up, you victims of oppression, for the tyrants fear your might. Don't cling so hard to your possessions, for you have nothing if you have no rights." From the Socialist Internationale. Didn't hurt too much, did it?

[storsve123]

Good for you! May your mother rest in peace! Thumbs up for socialistic healthcare! :)

[Tony63efc]

I'm pleased your mother received good care here in the UK

[ManlySlut]

92 years old! Go British Healthcare.