My health care is great! Why not sign up?

[harr7959]

I think American needs a smart, motherly voice like your's to speak to us about healthcare! I am so sick of hearing the wealthy politicians on TV trying to convence me that "socialized healthcare" is a bad idea. You are correct, they have every reason not to want the rest of us to have what they have.

[BlasphKa]

Linda, you're a faggot.

[gabbe81]

Hi . She's absolutely honest. I live in Sweden, and any hospitalvisit here doesn't cost us more than $30 in patientfees, Regardless if it's a x-ray or chemotherapy. The medicin is also heavily subsidized, and is really cheap. We are all covered under Universal healthcare, (or Socialized medicin.) It's the same in every other European country, more or less. Watch Michael Moore's "SICKO", to see more...

[aviomaster]

--- PEOPLE in USA  have beeen missinformed by Goverment owned private media .... HOW other nations die bacause they have UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE .... CAUSE in USA interest of those who are making big BUCKS is greater .... THEY owne the media eventually .... FUCK USA ....

[kirkdunkirk]

One more thing: even if people fear the system will run in the red, so what? It's a worthy thing to spend money on. The fire department runs in the red but it serves an important purpose.

In Japan highways are expensive to use (tolls) and hospitals are cheap. In America it's the opposite. We will spend taxes for free roads but not for health care. Shows where the priorities are.

[bylatili]

Excellent point! One argument I hear is that fire departments are socialized, police forces are socialized, so why are people afraid of socialized health care? I think your argument, tied in the cost of roads, is a really strong one.

I'm working on a second video that addresses your point about the Japanese not preferring the US system. I should have it up in a day or two, so please check back.

Thank you for these comments.

[gabbe81]

In Scandinavia, helthcare is free, except for a $30 patientfee. medicin is heavily subsidized. We and the Japanese have the highest life expectensy, and the lowest childmortality. So the quality of care is really good. The highways are also totaly free. aswell as universityeducation.

[SamuraiTogo]

@gabbe81

But In Scandinavia, taxes are very heavy.

Don't forget that.

In Japan, Medicine cost is low and taxes are also low.

We should think about things overall.

If not so, it would be unfair.

[kirkdunkirk]

I dont know a single Japanese person who would prefer the US system.

There was a time when I fell through the cracks in Japan and had to pay full price, and even then it was way cheaper than in the US.

Americans are worried about choice. In Japan there are many hospitals to choose from, and some are better for certain specialties than others. There IS choice.

also, there are supplemental private insurance plans to take up any slack in the nat'l system.

many people in the US have no choice!

[fishgut677]

That is ok if your middle class,but what of the working middle class or the lower class. You may be a rarity within the system. if not that much more properly prepared to pay the balance sum of money.

[bylatili]

That's a really great question. As I said in the video, everyone here has access to health care, depending on employer or if unemployed/self employed, there are other programs that cover you. BUT, economic woes in the 90s and early 2000s have strained the system, and when the government introduced market forces into care, more and more people started falling through the cracks. Look, I'm no health care expert, but am trying to find out more. I'll post other videos to address issues like yours.

[delackner]

I have only lived in Japan for 4 years, but ever experience with the national health system has blown me away. So many great interactions. I had some chronic ear pain, so I just looked up the nearest private specialist in my area, walked into his small practice without calling ahead, and was seen within 15 minutes. Total cost was less than $30. Another time I had a urinalysis and time discussing results with the doctor, no drugs needed, so just: $2 TWO DOLLARS.

[mitsugojp3]

Thanks to Linda for making this video. My family and I also have had great experiences with Japanese health care. It is great to just be able to just zip over to the doctor when you need to. Most doctors are open on Saturday too. Even if one has to make an appointment- say for a dental cleaning or a mammogram- the wait is minimal- a week or so. Considering the life expectancy of the Japanese- women especially- one can see that this system works.

[stovelkor]

I'm also a teacher on the JET Prgoramme, but I was previously an exchange student here, and I've always had national health care. It's nice to know I've got nothing to worry about. I had to get a root canal, and it was a bit scary, not only the prospect of the operation, but having to consult with the dentist in my second language. But when it was over, I handed them my national health care card, and I only had to pay 30%. So it's not even totally free, but it goes a long way.

[bschlabs]

I teach English on the JET Program in Japan. Growing up, my father was in the American Air Force, so I had free access to health care. When I turned 23, I lost all military dependent privileges, and was forced to buy private health insurance. It was a total waste of money, and I suddenly had to fear getting sick because of the financial burden, not just the disease. That is one of the main reasons why I came to Japan: their government seems to care more about my health than mine does.

[tokyopairodice]

Even for those not on the Japanese National Healthcare plan, the costs of healthcare in Japan are a fraction of what one pays in the US. One has to wonder why.

Costs for universal healthcare will, no doubt, rise here in Japan as the population rapidly ages. However, the system is still fair, equitable, and efficient.

I do hope things get straightened out in the US!

[taonokainushi]

My experiences here in Japan are the same. Dental care is also included, which is an issue that also needs to be addressed in the U.S., where dental care is separate for some reason.

There are no reservations needed - just walk into any clinic near you. They are almost all private - not run by the government. So you have complete choice.

When I had bronchitis recently, I just asked a neighbor which doctor she recommended and walked right over.

Doug Lerner

Tokyo

[lshannon]

Great commentary on National heathcare. Thanks

[mikestky1]

I also use the Japanese Universal Health Care system and love it. It's easy to use, I can go to any hospital/clinic I want (most are private), and it actually costs me less than what my friends pay in the US. Yet my coverage is more comprehensive, more transparent, and for the most part stress free. I also put my employees on it. It takes about 30 minutes to enroll them and then I never worry about it again. All I need to do is make sure there's enough $ to pay each month. It's dead easy