My neighbor is from Spain

[SHRED]

They have a public health system not just public insurance. Everyone is covered.
They also have an optional private system.

We only have a scattered, broken, shit system.

[Kimchijeon]

1. It's crazy that it's even a matter of debate

But the profit industry is just that powerful, we are fucked. 💔

[CurtEastPoint]

2. Isn't it? People the world over look at us and laugh.

[SHRED]

3. Every time we go to Canada

We talk to folks.
To a person they are shocked when I tell them what we pay for insurance. They can't believe it.

[DesertRat]

13. I live in an area with many Canadian winter visitors

They have to buy short term health insurance to cover them in case of emergency while they're here. They feel so fortunate to have universal healthcare "back home".

[opiate69]

16. The company I work for is based in Edmonton...

When they hired my boss and I to open the facility,we brought in a benefits management company to hook us up with our insurance plan and retirement plan. The big guys were aghast at the horror stories we were able to tell them about our health insurance system, and in the end, decided to pay for our insurance - even though the plan was supposed to have a monthly deduction from our checks.

[Chiquitita]

4. I had my twins in Spain

I was teaching English part time and was a legal resident so I had their health care system even though I was a US citizen. I had a six day hospital stay, covered. The care was excellent, but the hospital looked a little shabby in terms of decor. My babies were born healthy by caesarean, still I got to stay the week. Then I had 18 weeks maternity leave at 75 percent pay. And this was even though I had a half time wage job at a private small business. I am so thankful for that support. If I had wanted to have them at a private hospital I could have-- I just would have had to pay for it. Interestingly, with all that, Spain's birth rate is one of the lowest in the world.

[SHRED]

6. Great story

[DesertRat]

14. That's amazing. nt

[ToxMarz]

5. I had a client who came to US from Cuba whose father was from Spain

He had never lived in Spain and his father was dead, but he moved to Spain for Healthcare he was entitled to because his father was Spanish. He was disabled and lived on SS and Medicaid (Hiv+/AIDS). He wanted to work and lived like a pauper, but if he made virtually ANY income he would lose Medicaid (a death sentence). In Spain without having to worry about healthcare he could support himself. He was a prominent artist/designer/craftsman before he had health issues.

Edited to correct I said Medicare before, I meant Medicaid.

[SHRED]

7. What a difference

[elmac]

8. everything here is a huge shit sandwich

and we all have to take a bite

[DesertRat]

9. My parents were vacationing in France when my Dad tripped and tore his lip

It was a large gash from his lip to below his nostril. He was taken to the nearest hospital ER who called in a plastic surgeon. She sewed him up, and did a great job.
My parents were overwhelmed by the efficient and kind manner in which he was treated by the surgeon and staff. They tried to pay and were turned down. They were US citizens, just there for a short visit. The doctor told my Mom, no, I am paid a good salary to care for anyone who comes into our hospital.

Today, 3 years later he has no scar. It was an incredible experience for which they are very thankful.

[SHRED]

10. Wonderful

[CurtEastPoint]

19. The French are wonderful. Glad your Dad had a great outcome.

[Mars and Minerva]

11. That's because 62 Million Americans have shit for brains. nt

[Cosmocat]

12. Double that

It isn't just the Rs, it's the indys and apolitical types who don't vote.

[SHRED]

15. Driven by their hatred

[Wounded Bear]

17. We have an industry, not a system...

"System" implies some kind of control and purpose other than privateering.

[raven mad]

18. LOTS of luck.

Meanwhile, my dentist is demanding up-front-we-will-reimburse and the regular clinic????????? TRY to get an appointment.

Let's go to Spain.