Just saw it yesterday. Eventhough i don't trust Michael Moore's "documentary", it raised my concern. It was sad that people can't get insurance. Even those who got it is fucked by it (including me, a cut on my ear that required only a few stitches cost me 2000 +, if i don't have insurance, it will be triple). Seriously, don't get sick in US, you can't AFFORD it!
It was a very good documentary. Go Britain £6.65 for pills yippe. Although we do get screwed on tax. 17.5% VAT and 45% income tax.
$2000 for a few stitches? Methinks you need to call around and find a doctor that isn't ripping people off. You could also negotiate with the doctor if you don't have insurance. Insurance has a certain price they actually pay doctors for any given proceedure. Doctors prefer cash as a result. Doctors that are on HMO programs are the worst. They have a guarenteed client base and can bill insurance pretty much anything that the insurance company will let them get away with.
I went to the emergency room. First i got the bill from hospital and i though that's it. However, i got bill from the doctor who put the stitches on me later. Also, i went back to the hospital to get my stitches removed. The lady told me all i need to pay is 15 dollar upfront and there will be no bill. Month later i got a 200 dollar bill. (took doctor less then 3 minute to look at it and remove it).
Now when you see congressmen leaving thier jobs at the whitehouse to work for health insurance companys, then you know something is up... but moore is just duin what he usually does, bringing america to the world stage, like she needs no formal introduction, we all know what america really stands for...*cough*
Moore picked the right topic just in the right time (before elections) but he didnt get everything right, as usual in his documentations. The French and the British system is not so perfect he wants us to believe, but compared to the American one its still 100 times better just because its free. But as a non American it is unbelievable that they ask you first for insurance or money before they help you. I mean thats not welfare, everyone has the right to life. And patients and relatives should not worry about money they should just focus on getting better. But one thing Moore gets right, stand up for your demands. You guys forgot that its the people who have the power.
I'm looking forward to seeing it - I've heard very good reviews, and more importantly very little criticism (even from the Moore haters). I've had a few experiences with Australian health care in the last few months, and although I had to jump through hoops - I eventually saw one of the best specialists in the country for next to nothing (like $80 or something). I don't know where all America's money is going (ahem...), but it's not going anywhere near health care. America is picking up speed on its downhill spiral I hope there's still a few people (like MM) willing to stand up and get in the way.
What? You start to compare the United States with China? Funny, the people in China have no choice but you guys have the vote. Why don't you compare the US with the 44 countries on this Planet which have a better life expectancy at birth https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html Anyways, its not my business to critisise your system, I'm happy with mine. But anyone should have universal health care on this planet.
I wasn't to impressed, I was expecting him to blow the lid off the HMOs. But the trip to Cuba was classic.
- Hi, is this doctor x's office? I got your number from my doctor and I understand doctor x is on vacation. I just called to find out when he will be in and to make an appointment? - Do you have insurance? What kind? - I wanted to find out when the doctor will be in, first. - Go to the emergency room! *slams phone* It's always good to find a place which reminds you why you left your home country. Romania, in my case.
Exactly. Surely a country as wealthy as the United States should be able to work out a decent health care system for the citizens/tax payers. I guess it's a matter of priorities, and how much of a stink (of lack of it) the community is prepared to kick up when the money goes 'elsewhere'. We complain about our health care here in AU - but it's light years ahead of the US.
Ya I liked it a lot. Did you see hook-a-canuck.com in the credits. You can find a Canadian spouse for free health care
Since Mr. Moore is OK with people sharing and downloading his new documentary, here it is: Sicko It's pretty sad and shocking.
In Australia you get screwed over just as bad. GST 10% and up to 48.5% tax. I think we are the if not one of the highest taxed countries
It's all about the progressive tax system and our ever-so-good economy. I believe our medical care system is one of the best in the world - after watching Sicko, you can see what we take for granted!