why is there no public health system in the usa.?
362647
Public health system: Americans demand the best and most up to date health care - that costs. We also have a LOT of hypochondriacs that drive up the cost of health care, because they order every concievable test. Americans also are less likely to see a primary care physician regularly.\n\nMore importantly, because most people aren't paying out of pocket for health care, the costs actually go up, because no one shops around. That drives up everyone elses cost, and really screws the poor uninsured bastards.\n\nWorse, since many people don't see a doctor regularly, they instead go to the ER when something goes wrong - which drives up costs since prevention is far cheaper than solving the problem once it's gone to hell.\n\nHowever, the claim that there is no public health system is partially false. Life-threatening treatment will be provided. The indigent's treatment is paid for by the state, as are many children (into the lower-middle class). \n\nAlso, America's economy benefits greatly from the lack of a fully funded health system - the hard part is creating a public health system without hobbling the economy (like a large part of Europe).\n\n2.) Katrina's poor response is a good example of how federalism can backfire. In short, New Orleans is a crappy place to deal with an emergency, the local and state governments historically can't take a crap without going to committee (and overcharging the taxpayers), and the Feds assumed the Locals were going to bear the brunt of the planning. Whoops.
743340
Socialized medicine, like all forms of socialism, has been a world-wide failure. As people throughout the world from the Soviet Union to South America are learning, socialism cannot work. Socialism is fundamentally incompatible with human nature. \n\nHorrible Idea, we do not need another entitlement program in our country.  Would you like to be in a line for a kidney or a liver and never get one?  How about having innovation limited by promoting the status quo and mediocrity?  Don't fall for utopian ideals which are not achievable.\n\n"Throughout the world the story is the same: socialized medicine results in skyrocketing demand for nominally "free" health care, doctors are overburdened, medical services steadily deteriorate, and there are endless waiting lists for health care. In the Soviet Union before the collapse of Communism, anesthetics, painkillers, and most drugs were rationed; 57 percent of hospitals had no hot running water; and it was standard practice to clean needles with steel wool and reuse them.  In New Zealand, which has a population of just 3 million, there is a waiting list of 50,000 for surgery."\n\nMedicare and Medicaid are imposing horrendous costs upon American taxpayers. There is no free lunch. When health care is "free" (i.e., indirectly financed by taxation), there is little incentive for either patients or doctors to minimize costs. Government-guarantee medical services raise prices and costs, result in massive waste, and create a bureaucracy in a futile attempt to control costs. \n\nGovernment should get out of the medical insurance business. We will get far better value for our health care dollars if we spend them directly ourselves. \n\nI surely do not want this to happen here in the USA, and you shouldn't either!!  Please read the links.  Educate yourself and others about the truth!!
106309
The US spends twice per capita what other industrialized countries do and yet only we do not cover all our people.  When we decide we want to get real value for our money we can get care for all Americans and resolve other aspects of the present crisis.\n\nHealth care should be like public education (K-12) a right enjoyed by all Americans.
1138964
I did some google research hadenough......you're right......out of the ten articles I found and read there was no mention of starvation or malnutrition.  Who said that garbage anyway?  Where have I been, I missed that one too.  They're closing because we can't keep up with the costs of all their ailments.  Where does that leave us Americans for health care?  So our health care costs will rise again just so we can keep a few hospitals open for us Citizens.
1032484
Yes, Americans do have to pay for their own health care IF they are lucky enough to have the money to afford it.  Otherwise, they have no insurance.  Where do our taxes go?  Every place EXCEPT back to the American people.  That's why we have millions of uninsured persons in the states.  Sad, isn't it?
229718
Less than the cost of law enforcement and result of crime from the lack of it.  Studies have shown in countries that have health care for their public, they have less crime due to lower unwanted pregnancies, more treatment for drugs.  Healthcare costs go down as they are regulated by the government.  People are more apt to take care of themselves better and creates less tension with people in general.  \n\nIt is not the is all answer but it does make a difference in a number of areas.  It should not even be an issue in my opinion.  Everyone should have proper healthcare.  Why would not you not give someone better health?  \n\nAs long as pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare industry in general are making multi-billions, you will never see it here.\n\nThe costs would be greatly offset by the benefits.
143235
There are millions of Americans with health problems. Not just smokers and the obese. Our rates are going to go up regardless. The problem isn't about who gets the healthcare. The problem is with how the government handles the whole situation. And with Bush in office, you can bet that it's not getting any better. Insted of pointing the finger at the people using the healthcare (including yourself), vote in the next election...
690566
Many people in the U.S. access health care over the internet.  Most likely not as much in other countries because of the lack of internet resources.
663370
Many Americans simply hate the concept of financially supporting other people.  Regardless of what a Universal Health Care plan would truly do for them, they insist on seeing universal health care as another crutch for [what they percieve as] lazy people, similar to welfare.\n\nThey tend to disregard the fact that universal health care would drive the cost of health care down and at the same time increase its quality in certain aspects, such as cancer treatment.  Living in America can be very frustrating because of the willful ignorance so many people here have, but I still have to respect the foundations of this country, especially things like my right to free speech.
663022
I would try to make peace and stay out of other countries business unless they make war with us first.  I would fix health care, I would create a more even system so the rich would not rule everything, we have disabled people here in America that can't even afford there medicine. Here in Missouri, Governor Matt Blunt took medicaid away from many disabled, and had at least 175,000,000 that he didn't know what to do with and still wouldn't reinstate the medicaid to the elderly and disabled. I would at least have a concious.
453716
The Canadian Health System is based upon the same system that exists in Britan or Sweden. Only the US does not have this type of system
210440
I'll say it seems like a good idea, but one just need look at countries where this is done to see the draw backs.  Some countries have waiting lists to perform heart surgeries, muchless elective surgeries.  Next look at how most these countries can't provide enough doctors, muchless nurses, and the waiting times to get in just for a common cold visit.  I think the government should help out those that can't afford it, but there's no reason the government should pay for everybody.  Heck if the government paid for the poors health cost, health insurance would be more affordable, and those without it might be able to pay the bill.  Unpaid health costs from the poor/uninsured are the reason hospitals have to charge $5 for a tylenol to those that can pay. (If you have insurance this doesn't mean they pay that, most have a set amount per day regardless of what is charged)
410215
It is not the governments job to take care of people! This country was built on the rugged individual and not the nanny state. I would never want the government to think it knows what is best for me. There is nothing stopping people from seeing a doctor and making payments. \nMy father had no insurance for years with us 7 kids and that's how they made it work. We have it so much better in this country than anywhere else in the world. When you grow up you will realize this.
546731
There is no such thing in the United States.
378212
Good Luck, join the crowd of Americans with no insurance. Thank you Mr. Bush! There are state funded insurance you might qualify for, but they are usually closed to new patients. Or you can go to your city public health department, they can help you out.
248583
Public health is the publics total well being or holistic well being.
999478
it is pretty hard to cure something. the human body is complex. the FDA approves drugs though. the drug companies havent earned any right to provide solutions to the health care problem. you are free to.