I admit to having being duped into thinking Moore was "nothing but an entertainer" - and was theretofore, a simple lightweight on this complex topic of health care. I realize now that Micheal Moore actually understood the issues at hand, perhaps even understood how important Canadians felt about their health care system which, by the way is very strong. I am so glad to be a Canadian.
... you know what.. let me tell you something that is really weird.
When I was a illegal immigrant here in USA I was completely cover by Kaiser Permanente, because they had a program for kids that were born Outside the USA, my co-paymeny was only $5.
I did it to go to a psychiatrist and psycologist, and I will still pay only $5. If Kaiser Permanente gave me, a illegal immigrant, such a nice care, then why all americans be cover as well as I was?
Because Khyron the companies themselves can choose who they want to cover. Healthy children are a good risk so they will sell you ins. if somebody will buy it for you; older people or those with "pre-existing conditions" find themselves un-insurable in the US for-profit system.
In the 27 years I have had insurance I used it once, I can remember 22 years ago not paying anything for insurance now I pay over $200.00 a week something has to change, I have not missed a days work in 22 years and I dont want a hand out I just want affordable health care.
Regime change Lieberman, his GOP Obama Pet Goat and all GOP-Dem-Likud Crime Family owned by insurance terrorists using our taxes to bomb Exxon, BP and ARCO's taxpaid oil targets in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Let Hebrew Princess Lieberman go quickly back to Tel Aviv. Are those billionaire CEO's tall insurance office-buildings in Hartford, safe from a solid airline attack?
Hey! I am a self -employed 29 year old female, we need reform, I work hard! I'm not asking for a fing hand out but I would like to get covered, at an affordable cost, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT!
We as conservatives stand against the socialized government controlled vaccine program that currently exists in the United States.
We want to privatize this institution. Americans should have the freedom to take responsibility for themselves, stop looking for hand outs, and shop the free market for a best H1N1 vaccine.
wendell potter; You want the Obama public health care program because it will force people to buy health insurance. This will save the bankrupt privet insurance industry. You are a liar & prostitute and still work for Wall Street financial interests & the privet insurance industry. What a immoral piece of crap you are. How can you live with you continues crimes against people? Google: OTC Interview with Anton Chaitkin the British Monarchy & Euthanasia
There is a special place in HELL for insurance company execs and members of congress on their payrolls. Joining them will be the citizens that have good healthcare that don't give a damn about their fellow citizens who don't.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for ONE people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and EQUAL station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God ENTITLE them, a Decent Respect to the opinions of HUMANKIND requires that they should declare the CAUSES which impel them to the separation.- from FOR PROFIT DENIALCARE BARONS~
It's amazing isn't it? People fighting for the rights of large corporations over their fellow citizens. As if basic health care is somehow a priviledge. Talk about drinking the Kool Aid.
Pull all for profit insurance companies' business licenses. Revoke their state charters! Health insurance companies are making trillion of dollars off "trusting" & brainwashed people that think that if they send 1000 bucks/mo to some big important company that they will be"protected" Insur. companies are thugs ,murderers and criminals at best. I hope "they" enjoy an eternity in hell.
Alan Keyes would do the right thing and only let those who deserve health care, or those who can afford it, have it. We have coddled the lazy poor population long enough, and that is why they live better lives than most millionaires now. We should all bitch, scream, and moan, and blow off air horns at these town hall meetings, because that is the only way to get things done - The Alan Keys way!
This is quite refreshing to visit a page void of paranoid cavemen swinging the words "liberal" and "socialism" around like clubs. I suppose the fact that you can't shout down Bill Moyers when he appears in the form of a recorded video on Youtube has a lot to do with it. If only these "protesters" knew that they are rallying to support the very people that will be screwing them in the near future, they would see what dolts they are.
I am an accomplished trial attorney. I AM UNABLE TO GET MY OWN HEALTH INSURANCE. Period. End of Story. I am not disabled. I had to spend a fortune on medical bills. I had to close my lucrative law practice. I want to reopen my practice in Coeur d Alene, Idaho or Spokane, Washington. I AM WILLING TO MARRY A GREAT LADY IN ORDER TO GET HEALTH INSURANCE. Richard
Its situational application of the law, we pay for bogus insurance - Corporate crooks get rich, Progressive utilizes dumb caricature to sell worthless insurance policies. There is nothing funny about death and mangled bodies. Progressive is nothing more than a Ponzi Scheme in which the Corporate Executives get rich and leave injured policy holders bogus insurance policies which are not worth the paper they are written on. See Progressive Insurance Has Treated Me as Roadkill
Medicare Failed? Medicare was established 44 years ago. Medicare has provided medical coverage to millions upon millions of people who otherwise could not have gotten it. For they are old and sick, and thus there is no profit to be made from them. The US has among the lowest average life span among developed nations. Without Medicare, it would be lower. Medicare's fiscal problems are not due to its structure, but are rather do to who it insures, old/sick people, who have numerous medical bills
If a private for profit system were set up to cover those who are currently enrolled in Medicare, and this would make no sense - unless the company could cherry pick the healthiest seniors, they would almost immediately go out of business. You do not make money by paying for individuals medical bills, you make money by not paying for them The answer to solving medicare's fiscal problem is simply: bring everyone into medicare. Thus its costs would be distributed among the healthy. Failure Please!
looks like that propaganda worked on you! :) and it is only corrupt because it allows the industry to dictate it's prices to them w/o checks and balances on them.
We need a social option. The insurgence companies had 50 years to clean up their act, and nothing has happened. This fake opposition by conservative groups is so transparent.
My income fluctuates and from month to month I qualify for medicaid and then fr a while I don't. When I have medicaid I go see a particular doctor, when I don't have medicaid I still see the same doctor although now I have to pay $70 a visit. Are you saying that when she sees me with my medicaid card she treats me worse than when I pay her?
Sadly, American Health Care is the Best for the few that can afford it. Many European Soccer players are flown to the US for knee surgery. ( At least the Italians I knew). I survived a horrible accident while in the US military, A brit doctor told me, that often, The US Military Surgeons are considered the Best in the world.They are Paid by Public Funds! But Change is Bad, that is why most people like yourself, don't go far in life.
You're confusing health care with the problem that we have in America - it's health INSURANCE!!!!!! We pay insurance companies rates that increase 12-30% annually for them to pretend to cover us. But at their discretion they can decide to deny care for ANY reason at ANY time and leave us screwed, while they get rich.
Hip replacement not knee surgery. No charge for any of my surgeries in the U.S. I had rotator cup surgery in '01, no charge, if I had private insurance in Australia the operations would have been done in 3 months, so I would think that would have been the time table in the U.S. also.
That is bull sh*t, I moved to Australia in '03. Had to wait 2 1/2 years for both hip replasements. In the U.S. it would have been total 3 months!!! He missled all! Sorry Micheal, I like your work but not in this case, all of Australia public health is 'mucked up!'
but what if you didnt have insurance and couldnt afford a hip replacement at all? you might have had to wait for non vital surgery but getting it at all is surely better than not getting it?
and from all i can gather american medical insurance is a joke anyway.
and if you do have the money no one is stopping you going private paying for the op or getting insurance.
Not to mention , we don't intend to let our government provide us healthcare and then not provide it in a timely basis. We can control our government (eh eh coughs) but we can not control the insurance companies. We have got to detangle them from our congress, detangle financial contributions from the system. HR1826 campaign finance reform
I was living in America for a few years. And it is one of the reasons i am back to Europe... American health care is really, really bad... even with proper insurance.
It's only gotten worse in America. These days, even when you have insurance, it's no guarantee that it will pay for ANYTHING. And just forget about coverage all-together if you don't have a job! Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross- they are all liars and theives. If they find out that there has EVER been anything wrong with you, even a plain old ear infection or an irregular pap smear, you are either dropped, refused, or required to pay an absurd premium that no one can afford. America should be ashamed.
You're speaking a truth that the right in America is in absolute denial about. As an American I am ashamed. Our free enterprise system has failed us completely. Health care must pass!
sunnyallthetime It seems that good people get caught in bad corporations and industries, and do not know what else to do but to ride it out until they are retired. They have so much riding on their careers besides their millions, such as their families and their own health insurance coverage. I wish there was another way besides waiting for retirement to blow the whistle, it would curb so much evil a lot sooner within the American capitalistic system .
He's a hero. Not all these megabuck corpo-types are pricks. There are good people at all levels of everything. He's standing up for what is right - a true virtuous man. He's providing inspiration for other rich guys step forward and serve their country instead of only serving some abstract balance sheet for stockholders.
Oh really? We pay through ridicolous taxes in europe. Sweden income tax is 33% but when the income gets over 3.000 USD per month you pay 55% income tax. On top of it there is 25% sale tax.
The ex. swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson waited 2 years for hipbone surgery.
I guess you are talking abt income taxes being higher in Europe. In U.S. the taxes are a lot less visible. E.g. my friends from D.C. pay $600/month for private health insurance. That's on top of their income tax. One of my coworkers in NYC had several surgeries, he ended up paying $60,000 in addition to his health plan. You pass a bridge, you take a road and you pay $4 or $6 or $8. Everywhere there are little usage fees for whatever you touch and use. And they add up.
We don't need to tax the rich (although we should) to pay for health care for all. We just have to stop putting $15 billion every month into killing, wars, occupations and arms production. Health care not warfare!!!!
Yeah, and the sky is green in Sweden, too. Of course I don't offer any facts to back my statement, either. But if enough people read it, some will believe . . . almost anything.
And now doctors will not take Medicare because Congress refused to give them a cost of living increase in the contract. They can't even break even seeing those on Medicare. Thanks Congress, thanks for pocketing those nice bucks from private insurance, AARP for selling out seniors for drug plans that stop coverage of meds once you hit a certain level. All hail the USA!
As a Canadian, I can't say enough about our country's great medical system. Americans are really getting the shaft. Michael Moore's Sicko tells it like it really is.
I am an american and I would love to have Canada's medical system. We are in for a tough fight against lobbyists and corporate apologists (we call them politicians) for the insurance industries.
It doesn't help that mainstream media here is simply terrible and many Americans believe what they are told.
Please tell me you're a dude and single and will marry me and make me a Canadian (clears throat) "Oh, Canada, my home and native land." I am totally serious, health care in this country is a joke, it's only for the rich and is tied to an employer, I am self employed and a cancer survivor, I am so screwed.
Be ready for another multi-million dollar national media blitz by the insurance industry. I remember when 'Sicko' came out, there were Blue Cross ads running at least on the hour, 24/7, for months.
I wonder how many were denied care so they could pay for that?
Still single-payer isn't even 'on the table.' If you have insurance you can opt out. If you make less than 44k/87k per year it costs nothing.
Its a lot better than what we have now. It's still insurance though. Not health care.
It's a matter of priorities, plain and simple. We have plenty of money to pay for universal coverage. A strong public option should be part of any reform.
We spend 17% of our GDP on healthcare and we have 1/3 of Americans uninsured or underinsured. Other countries have managed to do lots more (unversal coverage) with lots less.
Prometheus14 Other countries , it seems, are living out the Constitutional dream, while America fell prey to insidious deregulation and corrupt capitalism.
Now if you have something like Diabetes you cant even get a job, let alone healthcare! They run a computer search to see if you bought medication and deny you employment if you have health problems.
I paid $7500 @ 17 yrs for BCBS of Tn I only used it ONE time in 17 years ! I had Vulva cancer I was given VIOXX and liquid Narcotics for it and I had to beg for a operation and was dropped 2 weeks later !I paid $7500 a yr @ 17 yrs
I had BCBS of Tennessee for 17 yrs only used it ONE time in the 17th yr the OBGYN gave me VIOXX for Female Cancer and then Liquid narcotics I had to fight tooth and nail to get the Cancer removed then I was DROPPED 2 weeks later ! I think the cancer has returned and I am a dead woman I have nothing and I do not QUALIFY @ the DEPT of Human Services I am not with child or a illegal is what they told me in 2 states
That system of TnCare was failed from the begining and I lived in TN for over 25 years and saw first hand how it was abused by a middle class that could easily afford insurance, but was given the option for TnCare through Dollywood because if the truth ever comes out, they simply did not want to pay for their employess to have an insurance policy that they would have to pay for.
Several of Dolly's family were gifted the state run TnCare system and I have documented proof of the whole thing.
Yeah--iwas in a hospital for 2 days in france--the doctor was also with me in the room 4-6 hours each of those days. My bill was mailed to me in the U.S.: $250. U can watch/listen to this entire interview as audio or video on itunes
We could pay 60% of what we pay now and have the best healthcare system on the planet. The CBO should score single payer with the results blasted in unison on all the major networks.
Mainstream media needs to clean up it's act and start reporting the truth about our healthcare nightmare. All we are getting now is industry biased reporting sandwiched between Big Pharma ads and Big Health misinformation campaigns. Come on, let's see Wendell Potter on prime time!
Canadians pay for healthcare, they pay 11%GDP but they all get access, and yes, overall, it is better (more access, more quality in average) than in the USA. We pay 19% and our health care system is one of the worse. Yes, some come from Canada for advanced procedures, BUT more go from the US to Canada to get care. People from the US actually go in bundles to Mexico to hospitals there does this make care in Mexico better? The CIGNA executive says it; MM wasn't wrong about Canada.
Everyday I pray that every health insurance CEO gets an incurable and painful type of cancer so they can experience the suffering of the people who get denied coverage for the sake of profit.
Michael Moore is an American Hero. He does the research on the subject to make sure his facts are inarguable, and presents them in a way that's accessible to anyone.
In America, they will give a hip transplant to a person who's dying of terminal cancer if they have enough money
In Canada, they prioritize treatment in a rational way. Then you get self centered idiots who complain because they think they deserve to be treated ahead of people who are in greater need.
The important thing to keep in mind, I think, is the reality of millions of uninsured Americans. Healthcare costs are astronomical, an ambulance ride can cost $1500. Great interview.
As if ANY Congressman or Senator had the guts to forgo his precious relection money from the insurance industry! Then was able to convince still others in supporting a bill that would divert billions from failed banks- into creating the start of a federal care system, that could gain by Voluntary sign overs from employees to have there HMO contributions paid into it.... But we are talking about COURAGE to face change and fear of the unknown- We sadly have too many conservatives for that
Unfortunately many in Congress are OWNED by the Health Insurance industies: Here are some who are owned & the amount in contributions in recent yrs & will therefore not vote for a bill with the "public option": Joe Libermann - $6 mil Orrin Hatch - $5.5 mil Brown - D - OH - $5 mil Burr - R - NC - $4 mil Dodd - D - Ct - $3 mil Bunning - R - Ky - $2.5 mil McConnel - R- Ky - $2.5 mil Graham - R - SC - $2.2 mil Vitter - R - La - $2 mil ** Not Representatives for the American Public.
I am a Canadian, and yes, there are waits that range from days to months, (depending on the nature and severity of the procedure/condition, and we do pay a small subsidized fee for some medications...)
However, we choose our own doctors (in first class facilities) and never have to fear the costs associated with the treatment and care of any illness.
It is sad that you have a system in which individuals profit from disease, sickness and the misfortune of others.
be nice to see some actual comments from people in Canada who HAVE used the system rather that people who have heard this or heard that. At least in the film you did hear from actual Canadians. Whether or not that was a fair sampling is anyone's guess. But if the film didn't at least raise questions in your mind, then your mind is closed.
We know that Insurance companies are paying people to debate themselves. So give it a rest...trying to look like you are for single payer then turn around and question yourself to scare people.
I wish people would LEARN to care about others more than they care about the dollar bill! Im no jesus freak. I think that a LOT of people have their morals wrong. If you're not rich, you're not happy or worthy, etc. I wish i lived in the times when money wasn't what it is today and happiness was achieved by a GREAT family and friends. Look at ALL these kids gettin hooked on drugs cuz our parents neglected us. Its time to change what isnt working and try something else.BTW, im only 31
First of all, you are still paying with a government system. Just through taxes instead of personal billing. There is no such thing as free health care no matter how much you want it to be free.
Second of all, you have to pay for other things essential to life, such as food and housing. Why should medical care be any different?
The woman replies "nobody pays here." If nobody pays, why are the Democrats going crazy trying to find ways to PAY for this. Personally, I struggle paying my health insurance, but I never felt I had the right to it. If I have a right to it, who is it that has the obligation to pay for it. If that's government, where are they getting the money? I always felt if government is the "single payer," they'll have the right to tell us what is too risky for us since it costs everyone.(see NZ system)
Only the wealthiest of wealthy can get whatever care they want by paying out of their own pocket. Any other system means more people pay in and those who need the care get the service. That is the case with government or private insurance. Bother gov and priv can be corrupt. The only thing that's certain is that market/demand doesn't work in this case because you can't know if the insurance is good until you need it and then the insurance company would rather lose you as a customer anyway.
They're not saying that. A national, non-profit system is the SOLUTION for paying for health care...there is no problem there. The free market has been the PROBLEM. There is no problem in paying for a non-profit, national system...we could do it for half of what we're paying now. But we never will, because of ignorant fools like you. Even as you struggle you will never see that.
"I always felt if government is the "single payer," they'll have the right to tell us what is too risky for us since it costs everyone."
Are you familiar with health insurance? Because in my experience, that is EXACTLY how health insurance works. Denying claims is how they make PROFIT. Look up the word rescission.
If you don't think healthcare companies make money by killing people, google Nataline Sarkisyan, then please explain.
We don't have the courage yet in this country to do what is right: establish universal, public health insurance, primarily paid for by a tax on the rich, and higher taxes in general (in exchange for no insurance premiums or charges). Break-up monopolies, outlaw deceiving advertising, end lobbying donations to congressmen. If we want a civilized, shared society that respects all of humanity we will do this.
You Got That Right No Courage in America compared to the people in Europe ! When the bankers showed their true colors in England people brought Hang Mans Noses to Hang the Bankers ! I think we should hang all the Health Care Industries CEO'S I will buy the ROPES ! HR676 or Death to All of YOU Health Care Terrorists !
You're 100% right. Well, actually, not quite 100%...the tax burden would actually be minimal. If we adopted a system like actual civilized countries have, it would cost much less than our current system. But you are right, we are too cowardly, selfish and ignorant to ever accomplish such a thing.
I have Canadian neighbors and friends who have relatives who know Canadians who confirms everything the film says; yet my cousins and another neighbor who is 86 with no computer insists she has relatives who are nurses who say they have to wait for weeks and months and that they all come here if they want good treatment. She also thinks Single payer is the road to Socialism which she interchnges with Communism. Why such conflicting versions of what the truth is?
Sorry , but this is "bull" . My father had a bad stroke in Italy and didn't pay one dime in hospital or the rehab place and totally recovered . My wife's uncle in the USA not only paid everything (or the insurance did) but never fully recovered and broke his thighbone in the rehab place because of a nurse who made him fall . The USA is the only supposedly "civilized western country" where people have to pay for emergency and hospital care ! It's DISGUSTING . Let's hope it changes soon .
87redsilver My friend from Oregon had abdominal pains while vacationing in Canada. The Canadian ER discovered Ovarian Cancer in its early stages and CURED her! She also did not pay one dime, just her husband paid extra hotel bills for extended stay. They went home when it was safe for her to fly, Canada did not give her the bum's rush! She is alive today because of free Canadian healthcare.
Easy solution to US health care crisis. Tax all executive pay and corporate earnings on all health care insurance companies and pharmaceuticals at 95%. The proceeds will allow medicare to cover EVERYONE. And the ceo's that make 24 million a year not providing health care will have to find another industry to rip off to maintain their lavish lifestyles.
I'm Canadian and my health care is paid for thru taxes, but taxes are fair here. I love our health system! The American corporations are LYING to you folks!!!!
I have heard this from Canadian neighbors too but how come my cousins and another neighbor insist they personally know Canadians who claim they hate it and have long waits and have to come here to get care ...even with someone who needed hip replacement. Why the discrepency ? They won't believe a word I say or Sicko either.
Because their ideology won't allow them to see the obvious: that lines in Canada are longer because EVERYONE is in line. In America we make the line shorter by denying coverage and letting people die saddled with debt. I'd be willing to wait a bit longer for a non-critical surgery if it meant that others would not be DENIED care simply to save a company money. Maybe some come to the U.S. for premium care if they can afford it, but what about the 18,000 a yr that die here due to lack of care?
Yes "they are lying to you." The STATE says so. Don't believe anything they say "down there." Taxes good....too much freedom bad..... Were you one of the actors sitting down in the theater in the first Apple Mac commercial?
Right on! This country is SO far behind the rest of the world in healthcare for its citizens! Wake up, people!!! We are NOT going to turn into some scary socialist country just because we CARE about each other and our health - GET REAL!!!!!!!! GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The BIG problem with this report is that the SINGLE PAYER PLAN - HR 676 isn't mentioned (a far superior plan) to this weak Public BULLSHIT Plan being watered down to meaningless garbage which is going to turn into another Wall Street bailout SCAM. Bill Moyer talked about the single payer plan on his May 22nd show but this stuff they are pulling watering down the public option to meaningless pablum was already pulled against the more important Single Payer Plan.
That is good observation HR676 wasn't mentioned in the report. However, Michael Moore is glad that at least this is at least coming out BUT of course, it is on a Friday night PBS that is generally being watched by people who probably already aware. of this. Just keep telling people to watch SICKO.
Health care expense is the No 1 cause of bankruptcy in the US. That coupled with unrestrained printing of money will bankrupt a nation. See the light or God help us all.
Because when america catches a Cold (Swine Flu: TeeHee) the whole world sneezes
You can't even imagine the conflicting information that goes around even from Canadians who live here you hear different stories. (I've heard ALL positive but have friends who report otherwise. Glad Moyers exposed this but like zoxoxovox says, what is being put out is probably watered down.
There are a lot of great comments from the people.Now if only we could organize the way the corporations do. We the people could overthrow these vile politicians. All of them, there is no difference between dem's. or rep's. they are both owned by the corporations. Things will never change unless millions of americans wake up and realise the people's voice means nothing. I hate to say this ,but Mao said"( change only comes through the barrel of a gun."). I know that this sounds harsh, but true.
garyupyours My Dad suggested that we unite to throw the bums out by making Single Payer a single issue. If the politician is opposed to Single Payer, and his/her opposing candidate is FOR Single Payer, then throw the incumbent out. WE will have a lot of LEGWORK to do, studying each politician's records, and each candidate's platforms.
my my, the industry didn't waste anytime setting on the dogs did it?
Hospitals in Los Angeles were dumping seriously ill post op indigent patients in parks a few years ago, so they get emergency treatment but no post op care. Some of them were Viet Vets. I know this happens, and a lot worse. We need a NEW system, set free from profit making.
What hypocracy clouds the USA when a huge percentage believe in god and that we were all born equal but refuse to care for the most vunerable in their country. Tis best to be a believer in doing the right thing and let me tell you it is the red neck republican god people that refuse to do just that. Don't you think that is really weird.
How can we continue to support Democrats either....esecially the so-called "blue dod Dems"? Why doesn't congress want us to have the same health care that they have....the one that we pay for for them....because the insurance companies are about profit and NOT about health care for the people.
As a Canadian, I can confirm that Michael Moore's movie is accurate and that most procedures are simply prioritized in order to accommodate the most life threatening needs first. Even experimental procedures like Shock Therapy for shoulder problems and feet, not yet covered can charge out privately at a 10th of the cost of the same procedure in the USA. Americas should rent 'Sicko' and make an informed decision. It is done in kind of a Sienfeldian humorous style for such a serious subject.
paulmarcano In USA, prioritizing has always been called "TRIAGE", & insurance industry is lying that it is "rationing" . I went to ER on June 26th for acute discomfort below my umbilical hernia, & after waiting hours (because I was triaged as non-urgent) the doctor manipulated my hernia until it went all the way down, and he discovered a hole in my intestinal wall. The ER check-in , triage , & doctor were all wonderful, & then afterwards came in the business lady asking for 250$ deductible!
The extent to which the insurance agencies in the U.S. went in discredit Michael Moore and his movie Sicko should prove what should be completley obvious: the corporations will ruin peoples lives for profits. Furthormore corporations like the ones in the health insurance industry in the U.S., will try and make people pay for the right to be ripped off. That the insurance industry would be able to degrade and try and destroy someones reputation and lively hood is out of control.
Of course they are fighting for their jobs! What would they do if you took away their job of making a CONTRACT on paper of different things in round about ways to qualify for other procedures that require a second opinion (not covered for though) to initiate a finding that you may have exploratory examination of the certain organ (but not the surrounding) on a certain date that if you miss that appointment you are subject to a fee and must then re-establish the need to confirm the....
The degrees to which the insurance industry strove to undermine Michael Moore's movie and knowledge the effects the people of the U.S. should prove once and for all the nature of buisness in the U.S. and what kind of diligence needs to be paid to the actions of corporations. These people aren't out for the interest of anyone and if they can make us pay them for the favor of being ripped off.
Does anyone know who is keeping the new health bill from passing? I have signed petitions, gone to meetings, agreed to do canvassing but what I don't understand is who are these American citizens (not corporate pigs) who do not want reform? I am a single Mom with NO healthcare. My child is fine, his Dad covers him but I cannot find work nor am I covered. I wish Michael's movie would have exposed the Pharmaceutical companies a bit more. I worked for one, money was great, but my psyche ached.
Big insurance OWNS our congress. They spend millions on campaign donations and bribes. The sheep that follow Fox noise believe everything they are told and think single payer is socialist. Yet if you ask them, most don't know anything about the Canadian or British healthcare systems, nevermind the rest of the world.
americans espicially republicans are very dumb people . so as long as republican politicians scare there people and fill their pockets .. there will be no health care for the masses
I think it is clear to everyone who has a logical thinking brain.The large insurance companies have been in control of our health care in this country for far too long.
They will try everything they can to destroy anybody or any organization that gets in their way.
Micheal Moore`s film sick exposes the truth and shines a light on what is really going on.
No, Fox is run by a millionaire who can afford to force his views on to the public airwaves. Most of public broadcasting is actually more or less conservative because they receive grants from large corporations. Moyers represent a viewpoint you never get to hear in the "liberal" media (a misnomer) and is, therefore helping to provide a broader discussion, something you don't seem to want.
I'm from the UK and with my working class background, my entire life I have gotten all my health care from NHS. I can't imagine living in a country without a NHS and when I first saw Sicko I couldn't believe that the world's biggest superpower doesn't even give this service to its own people. I know that the NHS isn't completely perfect or anything, but the fact is that it is there so that every member of society can receive care without having to worry about the affording to pay for it.
I'm amazed that our tax money pays for a partisan hack like Moyers. At least Fox is a commercial network and they're not using my tax dollars to spread their 'opinion'. If they were really 'public broadcasting' they'd have a program of opposing views.
Get real, What you folks on the right call partisan,the rest of us common sense thinkers call the Facts.
To me it doesn`t matter who reports what.
Facts are the Facts.And when you hear Wendell Potter talk about how the insurance companies put together a play book to discredit Micheal Moore`s film Sicko....Its clear to me that they are hiding the Truth which we all know.Insurance company run healthcare Stinks.
If there were profits on the other side, most of these corporate thugs and hedge fund managers would drive their expensive SUV's through/over a thick crowd of people to get to it. The other 10% of them would have their driver do it for them...
I lived in Italy, France, UK and now in the US. I saw the effects of universal Health care ($15 for an operation in Paris) and education ($250/year). My American Partner in Florence didn't pay a coin at the hospital. Europe pays more taxes than the US but here in the US you don't add the cost of health care premiums and college loans so you need to work 2 jobs to survive with no holidays
The Insurance and Medical Industries will do anything to keep us in their clutches. They want to continue their gravy train on the backs of the American people.They are in it for profit and the health of the American people is of no importance. In fact they want you to be sick and suffer chronic conditions as it means more money for them. Single Payer is their doom.
OK....once and for Americans - you have been lied to and brainwashed by big business and their Republican scumbags - I live in Canada and have family that live in England AND France - we don't have lineups and it's free - our doctors are excellent and our equipment is state of the art - YOU HAVE BEEN SWINDLED! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEDICARE FOR ALL >>>>> it's works for the elderly, is efficient, it pays and it is much better than corporate for Profit ONLY Industry "insurance" which seldom pays, only DENIES Care !!!!!!!
CORPORATIONS have only ONE reason for Existence:PROFITS. Corporations are Dictatorships !!!! You can vote out an elected official, you can't do anything to a CEO ! Stop falling for the Scare tactics from Corporate America, if we don't get this done now, it won't happen and thousands more will DIE each and every year for decisions made on behalf of Corpoate Profits !!! On each Doctor visit I hear my Dr. pleading with an insurance Rep on the phone, my dr always loses and so do her patients !
This isnt surprising that they did this. We will never have universal health care in the U.S. Insurance and Pharmaceutical companies have such a huge influence in the government and media, that we will never see a fair or honest debate, we will never see fair information.
This isn't at all surprising that they did this. But I dont believe we will ever have universal healthcare in the U.S. Insurance and Pharmaceutical companies have to much money and influence in our government, and media, that there will never be a fair and honest debate. The public doesnt see fair information. The only way it will happen if the public has a huge outcry. But That will not happen anytime soon, especially given the influence of the media.
What you describe is a "blocked" society. It is powerless to improve itself or adapt to changing conditions. It is doomed because of this. China will become the sole super power and the USA will be some back water developing country.
nice information...! thanks for upload this video...!
TonikHealthInsurance 6 months ago
As an American in Canada...the price is right. But good luck finding an MD or getting a test done...
hotplate85 1 year ago
every friggin teabagger should be forced to watch this shite
benens 1 year ago
I admit to having being duped into thinking Moore was "nothing but an entertainer" - and was theretofore, a simple lightweight on this complex topic of health care. I realize now that Micheal Moore actually understood the issues at hand, perhaps even understood how important Canadians felt about their health care system which, by the way is very strong. I am so glad to be a Canadian.
TheHonda550 1 year ago 3
... you know what.. let me tell you something that is really weird.
When I was a illegal immigrant here in USA I was completely cover by Kaiser Permanente, because they had a program for kids that were born Outside the USA, my co-paymeny was only $5.
I did it to go to a psychiatrist and psycologist, and I will still pay only $5. If Kaiser Permanente gave me, a illegal immigrant, such a nice care, then why all americans be cover as well as I was?
KhyronDesintegrado 2 years ago
@KhyronDesintegrado
Because you had no money to steal. McDonalds sponsor childhood cancer clinics though their food causes childhood diabetes and cancer.
darliegoddess 1 year ago
Because Khyron the companies themselves can choose who they want to cover. Healthy children are a good risk so they will sell you ins. if somebody will buy it for you; older people or those with "pre-existing conditions" find themselves un-insurable in the US for-profit system.
k8lennon 1 year ago
I remember that just 10 years ago, I only had a $5 co pay...those days are gone...
inspirediam 2 years ago
In the 27 years I have had insurance I used it once, I can remember 22 years ago not paying anything for insurance now I pay over $200.00 a week something has to change, I have not missed a days work in 22 years and I dont want a hand out I just want affordable health care.
musclecarpower 2 years ago 2
Regime change Lieberman, his GOP Obama Pet Goat and all GOP-Dem-Likud Crime Family owned by insurance terrorists using our taxes to bomb Exxon, BP and ARCO's taxpaid oil targets in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Let Hebrew Princess Lieberman go quickly back to Tel Aviv. Are those billionaire CEO's tall insurance office-buildings in Hartford, safe from a solid airline attack?
westwindmilagro 2 years ago
Hey! I am a self -employed 29 year old female, we need reform, I work hard! I'm not asking for a fing hand out but I would like to get covered, at an affordable cost, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT!
Jrkdyw 2 years ago 2
We as conservatives stand against the socialized government controlled vaccine program that currently exists in the United States.
We want to privatize this institution. Americans should have the freedom to take responsibility for themselves, stop looking for hand outs, and shop the free market for a best H1N1 vaccine.
NO to publicly funded vaccines.
ConservativeHealth 2 years ago
WHAMMI!! good job MM
Overcast182 2 years ago
wendell potter; You want the Obama public health care program because it will force people to buy health insurance. This will save the bankrupt privet insurance industry. You are a liar & prostitute and still work for Wall Street financial interests & the privet insurance industry. What a immoral piece of crap you are. How can you live with you continues crimes against people? Google: OTC Interview with Anton Chaitkin the British Monarchy & Euthanasia
gkgreger 2 years ago
I going to Canada ASAP
KhyronDesintegrado 2 years ago
It's amazing how these companies schemes against the truth. Americans are so misinformed by the media.
It is so absurd that sounds like a conspiracy theory. But, unfortunately it is the truth.
brunodemoura 2 years ago 8
There is a special place in HELL for insurance company execs and members of congress on their payrolls. Joining them will be the citizens that have good healthcare that don't give a damn about their fellow citizens who don't.
redbonegal 2 years ago 7
I feel sick...crap.
suicideking344 2 years ago
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for ONE people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and EQUAL station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God ENTITLE them, a Decent Respect to the opinions of HUMANKIND requires that they should declare the CAUSES which impel them to the separation.- from FOR PROFIT DENIALCARE BARONS~
SINGLE PAYER OR DIE BROKE!
research HR 676
rwcbanzai 2 years ago 2
NICE !
Momsincharge 2 years ago
It's amazing isn't it? People fighting for the rights of large corporations over their fellow citizens. As if basic health care is somehow a priviledge. Talk about drinking the Kool Aid.
mss627 2 years ago 13
More people need to watch Wendell potter videos no Harry potter videos!
TIXGUY2010 2 years ago 7
Sorry. Meant to thumbs up.
This is why the dereliction of duty of the fourth estate is so egregious.
Remember that these town hallers are a very small minority. We outnumber them by millions.
schifferbrainz 2 years ago
Pull all for profit insurance companies' business licenses. Revoke their state charters! Health insurance companies are making trillion of dollars off "trusting" & brainwashed people that think that if they send 1000 bucks/mo to some big important company that they will be"protected" Insur. companies are thugs ,murderers and criminals at best. I hope "they" enjoy an eternity in hell.
lucinda2005 2 years ago 2
I am 37 years old and i have never purchased insurance all my life and i will never buy until government take over this industry
nguncikti 2 years ago 4
Alan Keyes would do the right thing and only let those who deserve health care, or those who can afford it, have it. We have coddled the lazy poor population long enough, and that is why they live better lives than most millionaires now. We should all bitch, scream, and moan, and blow off air horns at these town hall meetings, because that is the only way to get things done - The Alan Keys way!
MrKeyes2012 2 years ago
This is quite refreshing to visit a page void of paranoid cavemen swinging the words "liberal" and "socialism" around like clubs. I suppose the fact that you can't shout down Bill Moyers when he appears in the form of a recorded video on Youtube has a lot to do with it. If only these "protesters" knew that they are rallying to support the very people that will be screwing them in the near future, they would see what dolts they are.
kipptumor 2 years ago 4
I am an accomplished trial attorney. I AM UNABLE TO GET MY OWN HEALTH INSURANCE. Period. End of Story. I am not disabled. I had to spend a fortune on medical bills. I had to close my lucrative law practice. I want to reopen my practice in Coeur d Alene, Idaho or Spokane, Washington. I AM WILLING TO MARRY A GREAT LADY IN ORDER TO GET HEALTH INSURANCE. Richard
ricksands52 2 years ago 3
Its situational application of the law, we pay for bogus insurance - Corporate crooks get rich, Progressive utilizes dumb caricature to sell worthless insurance policies. There is nothing funny about death and mangled bodies. Progressive is nothing more than a Ponzi Scheme in which the Corporate Executives get rich and leave injured policy holders bogus insurance policies which are not worth the paper they are written on. See Progressive Insurance Has Treated Me as Roadkill
MeandProgressive 2 years ago 2
This is an eye opener for all those who know nothing about health care.
Here is the proof we needed to know President Obama's healthcare will work just as Medicare has done for us.
sweetandexcellent 2 years ago 4
Comment removed
Cohort227 2 years ago
Medicare Failed? Medicare was established 44 years ago. Medicare has provided medical coverage to millions upon millions of people who otherwise could not have gotten it. For they are old and sick, and thus there is no profit to be made from them. The US has among the lowest average life span among developed nations. Without Medicare, it would be lower. Medicare's fiscal problems are not due to its structure, but are rather do to who it insures, old/sick people, who have numerous medical bills
harmlesstree 2 years ago 7
If a private for profit system were set up to cover those who are currently enrolled in Medicare, and this would make no sense - unless the company could cherry pick the healthiest seniors, they would almost immediately go out of business. You do not make money by paying for individuals medical bills, you make money by not paying for them The answer to solving medicare's fiscal problem is simply: bring everyone into medicare. Thus its costs would be distributed among the healthy. Failure Please!
harmlesstree 2 years ago
looks like that propaganda worked on you! :) and it is only corrupt because it allows the industry to dictate it's prices to them w/o checks and balances on them.
DDBOOGER 2 years ago
Wait another month and see what you health care package from work looks like. You 're going to want something to change in your favor.
Momsincharge 2 years ago
We need a social option. The insurgence companies had 50 years to clean up their act, and nothing has happened. This fake opposition by conservative groups is so transparent.
Eaacker 2 years ago 4
Every American should be forced to watch this. Come on Obama! Help us! Don't give up on Healthcare for us Americans.
gozimus 2 years ago 7
My income fluctuates and from month to month I qualify for medicaid and then fr a while I don't. When I have medicaid I go see a particular doctor, when I don't have medicaid I still see the same doctor although now I have to pay $70 a visit. Are you saying that when she sees me with my medicaid card she treats me worse than when I pay her?
aicram62 2 years ago
Nobody should be denied a life saving surgery or treatment because their pockets aren't deep enough
BenjaminKatzVideos 2 years ago 2
Sadly, American Health Care is the Best for the few that can afford it. Many European Soccer players are flown to the US for knee surgery. ( At least the Italians I knew). I survived a horrible accident while in the US military, A brit doctor told me, that often, The US Military Surgeons are considered the Best in the world.They are Paid by Public Funds! But Change is Bad, that is why most people like yourself, don't go far in life.
reenlistblues 2 years ago
oops, the text, "people like yourself, don't go far in life. " was meant toward opponents of public health care.
reenlistblues 2 years ago
You're confusing health care with the problem that we have in America - it's health INSURANCE!!!!!! We pay insurance companies rates that increase 12-30% annually for them to pretend to cover us. But at their discretion they can decide to deny care for ANY reason at ANY time and leave us screwed, while they get rich.
macdowell423 2 years ago 5
ajshoe5, yeah how much did you pay for that quick knee replacement surgery in USA? How do you know it wouldf have taken three months?
britainmal 2 years ago 2
Hip replacement not knee surgery. No charge for any of my surgeries in the U.S. I had rotator cup surgery in '01, no charge, if I had private insurance in Australia the operations would have been done in 3 months, so I would think that would have been the time table in the U.S. also.
ajshoe5 2 years ago
That is bull sh*t, I moved to Australia in '03. Had to wait 2 1/2 years for both hip replasements. In the U.S. it would have been total 3 months!!! He missled all! Sorry Micheal, I like your work but not in this case, all of Australia public health is 'mucked up!'
ajshoe5 2 years ago
but what if you didnt have insurance and couldnt afford a hip replacement at all? you might have had to wait for non vital surgery but getting it at all is surely better than not getting it?
and from all i can gather american medical insurance is a joke anyway.
and if you do have the money no one is stopping you going private paying for the op or getting insurance.
mytimetravellingdog 2 years ago 4
Not to mention , we don't intend to let our government provide us healthcare and then not provide it in a timely basis. We can control our government (eh eh coughs) but we can not control the insurance companies. We have got to detangle them from our congress, detangle financial contributions from the system. HR1826 campaign finance reform
aicram62 2 years ago
I was living in America for a few years. And it is one of the reasons i am back to Europe... American health care is really, really bad... even with proper insurance.
ryancentolos 2 years ago 8
It's only gotten worse in America. These days, even when you have insurance, it's no guarantee that it will pay for ANYTHING. And just forget about coverage all-together if you don't have a job! Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross- they are all liars and theives. If they find out that there has EVER been anything wrong with you, even a plain old ear infection or an irregular pap smear, you are either dropped, refused, or required to pay an absurd premium that no one can afford. America should be ashamed.
AmericanWatchdog 2 years ago 6
You're speaking a truth that the right in America is in absolute denial about. As an American I am ashamed. Our free enterprise system has failed us completely. Health care must pass!
maulhoik 2 years ago
I say we go buck naked till HR676 passes
Yankhadenough 2 years ago
It's great what Potter is doing now, but I'm sure he's a multimillionaire with a secure retirement from working in the health insurance industry.
sunnyallthetime 2 years ago 4
sunnyallthetime It seems that good people get caught in bad corporations and industries, and do not know what else to do but to ride it out until they are retired. They have so much riding on their careers besides their millions, such as their families and their own health insurance coverage. I wish there was another way besides waiting for retirement to blow the whistle, it would curb so much evil a lot sooner within the American capitalistic system .
Yankhadenough 2 years ago 4
He's a hero. Not all these megabuck corpo-types are pricks. There are good people at all levels of everything. He's standing up for what is right - a true virtuous man. He's providing inspiration for other rich guys step forward and serve their country instead of only serving some abstract balance sheet for stockholders.
CribNotes 2 years ago 2
wwoow
Pattty3 2 years ago
"Noone pays"
Oh really? We pay through ridicolous taxes in europe. Sweden income tax is 33% but when the income gets over 3.000 USD per month you pay 55% income tax. On top of it there is 25% sale tax.
The ex. swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson waited 2 years for hipbone surgery.
forsaletoday 2 years ago
The top tax rate in the U.S. in the 1950s was 91%.
eXcommunicate1979 2 years ago
Yet we had a stronger middle class back then. The sky didn't fall, imagine that!
maulhoik 2 years ago
forsaletoday,
I guess you are talking abt income taxes being higher in Europe. In U.S. the taxes are a lot less visible. E.g. my friends from D.C. pay $600/month for private health insurance. That's on top of their income tax. One of my coworkers in NYC had several surgeries, he ended up paying $60,000 in addition to his health plan. You pass a bridge, you take a road and you pay $4 or $6 or $8. Everywhere there are little usage fees for whatever you touch and use. And they add up.
smartcatxxx 2 years ago
people maybe not beleive this but taxation rate , as a % of the gdp is lower in sweden than usa, but its true.
amet1980 2 years ago 4
We don't need to tax the rich (although we should) to pay for health care for all. We just have to stop putting $15 billion every month into killing, wars, occupations and arms production. Health care not warfare!!!!
macdowell423 2 years ago 3
Yeah, and the sky is green in Sweden, too. Of course I don't offer any facts to back my statement, either. But if enough people read it, some will believe . . . almost anything.
boda72 2 years ago
And now doctors will not take Medicare because Congress refused to give them a cost of living increase in the contract. They can't even break even seeing those on Medicare. Thanks Congress, thanks for pocketing those nice bucks from private insurance, AARP for selling out seniors for drug plans that stop coverage of meds once you hit a certain level. All hail the USA!
mscrone 2 years ago
As a Canadian, I can't say enough about our country's great medical system. Americans are really getting the shaft. Michael Moore's Sicko tells it like it really is.
bnast7 2 years ago 6
I am an american and I would love to have Canada's medical system. We are in for a tough fight against lobbyists and corporate apologists (we call them politicians) for the insurance industries.
It doesn't help that mainstream media here is simply terrible and many Americans believe what they are told.
woostopalypse 2 years ago 3
Please tell me you're a dude and single and will marry me and make me a Canadian (clears throat) "Oh, Canada, my home and native land." I am totally serious, health care in this country is a joke, it's only for the rich and is tied to an employer, I am self employed and a cancer survivor, I am so screwed.
artemis629 2 years ago 2
Be ready for another multi-million dollar national media blitz by the insurance industry. I remember when 'Sicko' came out, there were Blue Cross ads running at least on the hour, 24/7, for months.
I wonder how many were denied care so they could pay for that?
Still single-payer isn't even 'on the table.' If you have insurance you can opt out. If you make less than 44k/87k per year it costs nothing.
Its a lot better than what we have now. It's still insurance though. Not health care.
Seldona 2 years ago
It's a matter of priorities, plain and simple. We have plenty of money to pay for universal coverage. A strong public option should be part of any reform.
We spend 17% of our GDP on healthcare and we have 1/3 of Americans uninsured or underinsured. Other countries have managed to do lots more (unversal coverage) with lots less.
Yes, it's about choice and priorities.
Prometheus14 2 years ago 5
Prometheus14 Other countries , it seems, are living out the Constitutional dream, while America fell prey to insidious deregulation and corrupt capitalism.
Yankhadenough 2 years ago 3
Now if you have something like Diabetes you cant even get a job, let alone healthcare! They run a computer search to see if you bought medication and deny you employment if you have health problems.
socomcorky 2 years ago
I hate health insurance companies!!! because of them i am deathly afraid to get any illness. I
vsusanmoon 2 years ago
Wisdom from an insider.
When are his opponents going to start the had personal attacks to discredit him. They would be dumb to try and attack his logic....
techygrrlkush 2 years ago 2
I paid $7500 @ 17 yrs for BCBS of Tn I only used it ONE time in 17 years ! I had Vulva cancer I was given VIOXX and liquid Narcotics for it and I had to beg for a operation and was dropped 2 weeks later !I paid $7500 a yr @ 17 yrs
nohealthcare62 2 years ago 5
I had BCBS of Tennessee for 17 yrs only used it ONE time in the 17th yr the OBGYN gave me VIOXX for Female Cancer and then Liquid narcotics I had to fight tooth and nail to get the Cancer removed then I was DROPPED 2 weeks later ! I think the cancer has returned and I am a dead woman I have nothing and I do not QUALIFY @ the DEPT of Human Services I am not with child or a illegal is what they told me in 2 states
nohealthcare62 2 years ago 2
That system of TnCare was failed from the begining and I lived in TN for over 25 years and saw first hand how it was abused by a middle class that could easily afford insurance, but was given the option for TnCare through Dollywood because if the truth ever comes out, they simply did not want to pay for their employess to have an insurance policy that they would have to pay for.
Several of Dolly's family were gifted the state run TnCare system and I have documented proof of the whole thing.
mrburningone 2 years ago
Yeah--iwas in a hospital for 2 days in france--the doctor was also with me in the room 4-6 hours each of those days. My bill was mailed to me in the U.S.: $250. U can watch/listen to this entire interview as audio or video on itunes
hairbird 2 years ago 5
We could pay 60% of what we pay now and have the best healthcare system on the planet. The CBO should score single payer with the results blasted in unison on all the major networks.
Mainstream media needs to clean up it's act and start reporting the truth about our healthcare nightmare. All we are getting now is industry biased reporting sandwiched between Big Pharma ads and Big Health misinformation campaigns. Come on, let's see Wendell Potter on prime time!
Bill Moyers, thank you!
kohen2007 2 years ago 8
I am grateful for people like Micheal moore, call him what you will Bill Moyer paid attention!
ChibiNero 2 years ago 14
Canadians pay for healthcare, they pay 11%GDP but they all get access, and yes, overall, it is better (more access, more quality in average) than in the USA. We pay 19% and our health care system is one of the worse. Yes, some come from Canada for advanced procedures, BUT more go from the US to Canada to get care. People from the US actually go in bundles to Mexico to hospitals there does this make care in Mexico better? The CIGNA executive says it; MM wasn't wrong about Canada.
onlyrey 2 years ago 2
Bill Moyers is still an untrustworthy gasbag.
ABClacksIntegrity 2 years ago
Everyday I pray that every health insurance CEO gets an incurable and painful type of cancer so they can experience the suffering of the people who get denied coverage for the sake of profit.
Joe402 2 years ago 3
Michael Moore is an American Hero. He does the research on the subject to make sure his facts are inarguable, and presents them in a way that's accessible to anyone.
In America, they will give a hip transplant to a person who's dying of terminal cancer if they have enough money
In Canada, they prioritize treatment in a rational way. Then you get self centered idiots who complain because they think they deserve to be treated ahead of people who are in greater need.
momzacarp 2 years ago 3
The important thing to keep in mind, I think, is the reality of millions of uninsured Americans. Healthcare costs are astronomical, an ambulance ride can cost $1500. Great interview.
Asymmatrix 2 years ago
As if ANY Congressman or Senator had the guts to forgo his precious relection money from the insurance industry! Then was able to convince still others in supporting a bill that would divert billions from failed banks- into creating the start of a federal care system, that could gain by Voluntary sign overs from employees to have there HMO contributions paid into it.... But we are talking about COURAGE to face change and fear of the unknown- We sadly have too many conservatives for that
DanzUtubes 2 years ago
The Senators from Conn - Libermann & Dodd - have received so much money from the Health Ins Industry that they're owned by them.
DillonX 2 years ago 2
DillonX 2 years ago
I am a Canadian, and yes, there are waits that range from days to months, (depending on the nature and severity of the procedure/condition, and we do pay a small subsidized fee for some medications...)
However, we choose our own doctors (in first class facilities) and never have to fear the costs associated with the treatment and care of any illness.
It is sad that you have a system in which individuals profit from disease, sickness and the misfortune of others.
BobBobbersoningham 2 years ago
be nice to see some actual comments from people in Canada who HAVE used the system rather that people who have heard this or heard that. At least in the film you did hear from actual Canadians. Whether or not that was a fair sampling is anyone's guess. But if the film didn't at least raise questions in your mind, then your mind is closed.
njfrese 2 years ago
hey chellawellabella.
We know that Insurance companies are paying people to debate themselves. So give it a rest...trying to look like you are for single payer then turn around and question yourself to scare people.
Santroy79 2 years ago
This was a great movie!
Libitina72 2 years ago
Red-neck Republicans will try to discredit this guy for telling the TRUTH!
keecherie 2 years ago
we need health care to cure the retarded people that think we dont need health care for all.
jer4703 2 years ago
I wish people would LEARN to care about others more than they care about the dollar bill! Im no jesus freak. I think that a LOT of people have their morals wrong. If you're not rich, you're not happy or worthy, etc. I wish i lived in the times when money wasn't what it is today and happiness was achieved by a GREAT family and friends. Look at ALL these kids gettin hooked on drugs cuz our parents neglected us. Its time to change what isnt working and try something else.BTW, im only 31
plyleymatt 2 years ago
I'm proud of the NHS.
Everyone in the western world looks at America and thinks that they are mad or greedy or both.
Making sick people pay for treatment that is nasty and weird.
Yehbytheway 2 years ago 15
First of all, you are still paying with a government system. Just through taxes instead of personal billing. There is no such thing as free health care no matter how much you want it to be free.
Second of all, you have to pay for other things essential to life, such as food and housing. Why should medical care be any different?
TheStapleGunKid 2 years ago
The woman replies "nobody pays here." If nobody pays, why are the Democrats going crazy trying to find ways to PAY for this. Personally, I struggle paying my health insurance, but I never felt I had the right to it. If I have a right to it, who is it that has the obligation to pay for it. If that's government, where are they getting the money? I always felt if government is the "single payer," they'll have the right to tell us what is too risky for us since it costs everyone.(see NZ system)
rodbuzz 2 years ago
"I always felt if government is the 'single payer,' they'll have the right to tell us what is too risky for us since it costs everyone."
And you think the health insurance industry doesn't decide what's "too risky" for us, or them, since it costs their stockholders? Wake up!!!
fmouse2 2 years ago
Only the wealthiest of wealthy can get whatever care they want by paying out of their own pocket. Any other system means more people pay in and those who need the care get the service. That is the case with government or private insurance. Bother gov and priv can be corrupt. The only thing that's certain is that market/demand doesn't work in this case because you can't know if the insurance is good until you need it and then the insurance company would rather lose you as a customer anyway.
nphony 2 years ago
They're not saying that. A national, non-profit system is the SOLUTION for paying for health care...there is no problem there. The free market has been the PROBLEM. There is no problem in paying for a non-profit, national system...we could do it for half of what we're paying now. But we never will, because of ignorant fools like you. Even as you struggle you will never see that.
jabuhrer1 2 years ago
"I always felt if government is the "single payer," they'll have the right to tell us what is too risky for us since it costs everyone."
Are you familiar with health insurance? Because in my experience, that is EXACTLY how health insurance works. Denying claims is how they make PROFIT. Look up the word rescission.
If you don't think healthcare companies make money by killing people, google Nataline Sarkisyan, then please explain.
chughes1614 2 years ago 5
We don't have the courage yet in this country to do what is right: establish universal, public health insurance, primarily paid for by a tax on the rich, and higher taxes in general (in exchange for no insurance premiums or charges). Break-up monopolies, outlaw deceiving advertising, end lobbying donations to congressmen. If we want a civilized, shared society that respects all of humanity we will do this.
rboardma 2 years ago 15
You Got That Right No Courage in America compared to the people in Europe ! When the bankers showed their true colors in England people brought Hang Mans Noses to Hang the Bankers ! I think we should hang all the Health Care Industries CEO'S I will buy the ROPES ! HR676 or Death to All of YOU Health Care Terrorists !
nohealthcare62 2 years ago 8
You're 100% right. Well, actually, not quite 100%...the tax burden would actually be minimal. If we adopted a system like actual civilized countries have, it would cost much less than our current system. But you are right, we are too cowardly, selfish and ignorant to ever accomplish such a thing.
jabuhrer1 2 years ago
I have Canadian neighbors and friends who have relatives who know Canadians who confirms everything the film says; yet my cousins and another neighbor who is 86 with no computer insists she has relatives who are nurses who say they have to wait for weeks and months and that they all come here if they want good treatment. She also thinks Single payer is the road to Socialism which she interchnges with Communism. Why such conflicting versions of what the truth is?
chellawellabella 2 years ago
That was just... epic!
SupaYoda 2 years ago
Sorry , but this is "bull" . My father had a bad stroke in Italy and didn't pay one dime in hospital or the rehab place and totally recovered . My wife's uncle in the USA not only paid everything (or the insurance did) but never fully recovered and broke his thighbone in the rehab place because of a nurse who made him fall . The USA is the only supposedly "civilized western country" where people have to pay for emergency and hospital care ! It's DISGUSTING . Let's hope it changes soon .
87redsilver 2 years ago 5
87redsilver My friend from Oregon had abdominal pains while vacationing in Canada. The Canadian ER discovered Ovarian Cancer in its early stages and CURED her! She also did not pay one dime, just her husband paid extra hotel bills for extended stay. They went home when it was safe for her to fly, Canada did not give her the bum's rush! She is alive today because of free Canadian healthcare.
Yankhadenough 2 years ago 5
Easy solution to US health care crisis. Tax all executive pay and corporate earnings on all health care insurance companies and pharmaceuticals at 95%. The proceeds will allow medicare to cover EVERYONE. And the ceo's that make 24 million a year not providing health care will have to find another industry to rip off to maintain their lavish lifestyles.
gbmarshall 2 years ago 7
I'm Canadian and my health care is paid for thru taxes, but taxes are fair here. I love our health system! The American corporations are LYING to you folks!!!!
itunes65 2 years ago 9
I have heard this from Canadian neighbors too but how come my cousins and another neighbor insist they personally know Canadians who claim they hate it and have long waits and have to come here to get care ...even with someone who needed hip replacement. Why the discrepency ? They won't believe a word I say or Sicko either.
chellawellabella 2 years ago
Because their ideology won't allow them to see the obvious: that lines in Canada are longer because EVERYONE is in line. In America we make the line shorter by denying coverage and letting people die saddled with debt. I'd be willing to wait a bit longer for a non-critical surgery if it meant that others would not be DENIED care simply to save a company money. Maybe some come to the U.S. for premium care if they can afford it, but what about the 18,000 a yr that die here due to lack of care?
jabuhrer1 2 years ago
Yes "they are lying to you." The STATE says so. Don't believe anything they say "down there." Taxes good....too much freedom bad..... Were you one of the actors sitting down in the theater in the first Apple Mac commercial?
rodbuzz 2 years ago
Is some one accusing Canadians of comunism and socialism?
Than I'm stupid they've fool me acting like capitalist.
robertdjwizard 2 years ago
Bravo Bill Moyers and Mr Moore and the insurance fellow who verified the insurace companies misinformation campaign against Mr. Moore.
StruthersOhio 2 years ago 3
Right on! This country is SO far behind the rest of the world in healthcare for its citizens! Wake up, people!!! We are NOT going to turn into some scary socialist country just because we CARE about each other and our health - GET REAL!!!!!!!! GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LumaraElAskara 2 years ago 9
The BIG problem with this report is that the SINGLE PAYER PLAN - HR 676 isn't mentioned (a far superior plan) to this weak Public BULLSHIT Plan being watered down to meaningless garbage which is going to turn into another Wall Street bailout SCAM. Bill Moyer talked about the single payer plan on his May 22nd show but this stuff they are pulling watering down the public option to meaningless pablum was already pulled against the more important Single Payer Plan.
zoxovox 2 years ago 2
That is good observation HR676 wasn't mentioned in the report. However, Michael Moore is glad that at least this is at least coming out BUT of course, it is on a Friday night PBS that is generally being watched by people who probably already aware. of this. Just keep telling people to watch SICKO.
chellawellabella 2 years ago 9
Health care expense is the No 1 cause of bankruptcy in the US. That coupled with unrestrained printing of money will bankrupt a nation. See the light or God help us all.
Because when america catches a Cold (Swine Flu: TeeHee) the whole world sneezes
Cdogmaximilian 2 years ago 5
I'm from Australia - listening to americans debate 'socialised' health care would be funny if it wasn't so tragic for so many.
boggestar 2 years ago 11
You can't even imagine the conflicting information that goes around even from Canadians who live here you hear different stories. (I've heard ALL positive but have friends who report otherwise. Glad Moyers exposed this but like zoxoxovox says, what is being put out is probably watered down.
chellawellabella 2 years ago 3
oh siiiiiiick this guy is so OLD
NASTY nobody wants 2 c that!
yitzchok1000 2 years ago
There are a lot of great comments from the people.Now if only we could organize the way the corporations do. We the people could overthrow these vile politicians. All of them, there is no difference between dem's. or rep's. they are both owned by the corporations. Things will never change unless millions of americans wake up and realise the people's voice means nothing. I hate to say this ,but Mao said"( change only comes through the barrel of a gun."). I know that this sounds harsh, but true.
garyupyours 2 years ago
garyupyours My Dad suggested that we unite to throw the bums out by making Single Payer a single issue. If the politician is opposed to Single Payer, and his/her opposing candidate is FOR Single Payer, then throw the incumbent out. WE will have a lot of LEGWORK to do, studying each politician's records, and each candidate's platforms.
Yankhadenough 2 years ago 4
waaaaaaaaake up
lucyargentina 2 years ago
I'm from Sweden. Our healthcare system is not perfect, but at least everyone can afford to get sick.
SGAK 2 years ago 5
wake up america .. just wake up
tsocanuck 2 years ago 4
my my, the industry didn't waste anytime setting on the dogs did it?
Hospitals in Los Angeles were dumping seriously ill post op indigent patients in parks a few years ago, so they get emergency treatment but no post op care. Some of them were Viet Vets. I know this happens, and a lot worse. We need a NEW system, set free from profit making.
Myalli 2 years ago 5
What hypocracy clouds the USA when a huge percentage believe in god and that we were all born equal but refuse to care for the most vunerable in their country. Tis best to be a believer in doing the right thing and let me tell you it is the red neck republican god people that refuse to do just that. Don't you think that is really weird.
factvfiction 2 years ago
How can we continue to support Democrats either....esecially the so-called "blue dod Dems"? Why doesn't congress want us to have the same health care that they have....the one that we pay for for them....because the insurance companies are about profit and NOT about health care for the people.
prettdee 2 years ago 4
Primary blue dog democrats, elect progressives in their place.
Problem solved.
Joe402 2 years ago 5
taxes is a faulse problem
the real problem is : - Health Issurance need to stop being a business for profit. BUT
- Each $ paid toward health insurance need to be redirected entirely to health care.
Let's stop feeding the Fat Cats and take care of our own!.
lydkarhma 2 years ago
As a Canadian, I can confirm that Michael Moore's movie is accurate and that most procedures are simply prioritized in order to accommodate the most life threatening needs first. Even experimental procedures like Shock Therapy for shoulder problems and feet, not yet covered can charge out privately at a 10th of the cost of the same procedure in the USA. Americas should rent 'Sicko' and make an informed decision. It is done in kind of a Sienfeldian humorous style for such a serious subject.
paulmarcano 2 years ago 7
paulmarcano In USA, prioritizing has always been called "TRIAGE", & insurance industry is lying that it is "rationing" . I went to ER on June 26th for acute discomfort below my umbilical hernia, & after waiting hours (because I was triaged as non-urgent) the doctor manipulated my hernia until it went all the way down, and he discovered a hole in my intestinal wall. The ER check-in , triage , & doctor were all wonderful, & then afterwards came in the business lady asking for 250$ deductible!
Yankhadenough 2 years ago
The extent to which the insurance agencies in the U.S. went in discredit Michael Moore and his movie Sicko should prove what should be completley obvious: the corporations will ruin peoples lives for profits. Furthormore corporations like the ones in the health insurance industry in the U.S., will try and make people pay for the right to be ripped off. That the insurance industry would be able to degrade and try and destroy someones reputation and lively hood is out of control.
goldtones 2 years ago 4
Of course they are fighting for their jobs! What would they do if you took away their job of making a CONTRACT on paper of different things in round about ways to qualify for other procedures that require a second opinion (not covered for though) to initiate a finding that you may have exploratory examination of the certain organ (but not the surrounding) on a certain date that if you miss that appointment you are subject to a fee and must then re-establish the need to confirm the....
gunner871 2 years ago
The degrees to which the insurance industry strove to undermine Michael Moore's movie and knowledge the effects the people of the U.S. should prove once and for all the nature of buisness in the U.S. and what kind of diligence needs to be paid to the actions of corporations. These people aren't out for the interest of anyone and if they can make us pay them for the favor of being ripped off.
goldtones 2 years ago 5
how can you keep on voting for any republican after seeing this??
zantafiocorp 2 years ago 4
Does anyone know who is keeping the new health bill from passing? I have signed petitions, gone to meetings, agreed to do canvassing but what I don't understand is who are these American citizens (not corporate pigs) who do not want reform? I am a single Mom with NO healthcare. My child is fine, his Dad covers him but I cannot find work nor am I covered. I wish Michael's movie would have exposed the Pharmaceutical companies a bit more. I worked for one, money was great, but my psyche ached.
starkrial 2 years ago
Big insurance OWNS our congress. They spend millions on campaign donations and bribes. The sheep that follow Fox noise believe everything they are told and think single payer is socialist. Yet if you ask them, most don't know anything about the Canadian or British healthcare systems, nevermind the rest of the world.
vvroses52 2 years ago 2
why are these not being posted
tsocanuck 2 years ago
you don't need insurance companies .. get rid of the for profit health care duaaaa
tsocanuck 2 years ago
get rid of the insurance companies .. you don't need a middleman
tsocanuck 2 years ago
get rid of the middleman .. the insurance companies
tsocanuck 2 years ago
profits should not enter the picture when curing people
tsocanuck 2 years ago
why do you need profits in curing people
tsocanuck 2 years ago
americans espicially republicans are very dumb people . so as long as republican politicians scare there people and fill their pockets .. there will be no health care for the masses
tsocanuck 2 years ago 2
I think it is clear to everyone who has a logical thinking brain.The large insurance companies have been in control of our health care in this country for far too long.
They will try everything they can to destroy anybody or any organization that gets in their way.
Micheal Moore`s film sick exposes the truth and shines a light on what is really going on.
Subgenius4u 2 years ago
No, Fox is run by a millionaire who can afford to force his views on to the public airwaves. Most of public broadcasting is actually more or less conservative because they receive grants from large corporations. Moyers represent a viewpoint you never get to hear in the "liberal" media (a misnomer) and is, therefore helping to provide a broader discussion, something you don't seem to want.
CrankdReport 2 years ago
I'm from the UK and with my working class background, my entire life I have gotten all my health care from NHS. I can't imagine living in a country without a NHS and when I first saw Sicko I couldn't believe that the world's biggest superpower doesn't even give this service to its own people. I know that the NHS isn't completely perfect or anything, but the fact is that it is there so that every member of society can receive care without having to worry about the affording to pay for it.
TheLadyMadonna91 2 years ago 2
I'm amazed that our tax money pays for a partisan hack like Moyers. At least Fox is a commercial network and they're not using my tax dollars to spread their 'opinion'. If they were really 'public broadcasting' they'd have a program of opposing views.
jimha02 2 years ago
Moyers partisan? You truly are blinded by yourown partisan politics. Moyers is respected by both sides for being unbiased.
NPR/PBS is too conservative for liberals and too liberal for conservatives.
Just because YOU disagree with him, doesn't mean he is wrong.
WhoTheFRELL 2 years ago 4
Get real, What you folks on the right call partisan,the rest of us common sense thinkers call the Facts.
To me it doesn`t matter who reports what.
Facts are the Facts.And when you hear Wendell Potter talk about how the insurance companies put together a play book to discredit Micheal Moore`s film Sicko....Its clear to me that they are hiding the Truth which we all know.Insurance company run healthcare Stinks.
Subgenius4u 2 years ago 2
Public broadcasting is known to be objective. How can you have an opposing view of the truth? LOL - Europeans know these things to be facts...
JazBlogShow 2 years ago
jimha02 Wendell Potter was an "opposing view", until he got the facts. There is a reason its called Fox and not "facts".
Yankhadenough 2 years ago
If there were profits on the other side, most of these corporate thugs and hedge fund managers would drive their expensive SUV's through/over a thick crowd of people to get to it. The other 10% of them would have their driver do it for them...
LordTempist 2 years ago
I lived in Italy, France, UK and now in the US. I saw the effects of universal Health care ($15 for an operation in Paris) and education ($250/year). My American Partner in Florence didn't pay a coin at the hospital. Europe pays more taxes than the US but here in the US you don't add the cost of health care premiums and college loans so you need to work 2 jobs to survive with no holidays
MrFreedomdemocracy 2 years ago 3
I don't know him, but this whistle blower is a modern day hero.
WHERE ARE ALL THE OTHER HEROES?
janebusby 2 years ago
great video.....thanks 3slimdog..and classicallady for sharing this with me.
HSOUIXZ 2 years ago
"so what do u pay to stay here" PAUSE "no one pays" lol priceless
youliveyoudie 2 years ago
The Insurance and Medical Industries will do anything to keep us in their clutches. They want to continue their gravy train on the backs of the American people.They are in it for profit and the health of the American people is of no importance. In fact they want you to be sick and suffer chronic conditions as it means more money for them. Single Payer is their doom.
ushadrons 2 years ago
OK....once and for Americans - you have been lied to and brainwashed by big business and their Republican scumbags - I live in Canada and have family that live in England AND France - we don't have lineups and it's free - our doctors are excellent and our equipment is state of the art - YOU HAVE BEEN SWINDLED! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
carolblogs 2 years ago 2
It's not just the Republicans...the Health Insurance industry is spending millions each week now to buy the votes of Democrats.
DillonX 2 years ago
MEDICARE FOR ALL >>>>> it's works for the elderly, is efficient, it pays and it is much better than corporate for Profit ONLY Industry "insurance" which seldom pays, only DENIES Care !!!!!!!
zweleyzzz 2 years ago 7
CORPORATIONS have only ONE reason for Existence:PROFITS. Corporations are Dictatorships !!!! You can vote out an elected official, you can't do anything to a CEO ! Stop falling for the Scare tactics from Corporate America, if we don't get this done now, it won't happen and thousands more will DIE each and every year for decisions made on behalf of Corpoate Profits !!! On each Doctor visit I hear my Dr. pleading with an insurance Rep on the phone, my dr always loses and so do her patients !
zweleyzzz 2 years ago 11
This isnt surprising that they did this. We will never have universal health care in the U.S. Insurance and Pharmaceutical companies have such a huge influence in the government and media, that we will never see a fair or honest debate, we will never see fair information.
defthricedayverge 2 years ago 6
We don't need to march with pitch forks, guns or torches...just write your local newspaper. President Obama is reading!
polarann 2 years ago 2
This isn't at all surprising that they did this. But I dont believe we will ever have universal healthcare in the U.S. Insurance and Pharmaceutical companies have to much money and influence in our government, and media, that there will never be a fair and honest debate. The public doesnt see fair information. The only way it will happen if the public has a huge outcry. But That will not happen anytime soon, especially given the influence of the media.
defthricedayverge 2 years ago 3
What you describe is a "blocked" society. It is powerless to improve itself or adapt to changing conditions. It is doomed because of this. China will become the sole super power and the USA will be some back water developing country.
qazwas2001 2 years ago