rss
mobile
Feeds
Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland or Germany do not have government-run, Medicare-like health insurance. They all rely on private, nonprofit and for-profit insurers controlled by tight government regulations to work toward socially desired ends.
The costs in Germany or the Netherlands are less than half of those here. In Europe, that social ethic is based on the principle of social solidarity. Health care is financed by individuals based on the ability to pay, but is available to all. These countries all mandate that individuals be insured.
Americans spend 14 percent of their gross domestic product on health care. Germans spend less than 10 percent, and German insurance covers 90 percent of the population, financed by payroll taxes. Appointments for doctor visits, surgery and tests are no worst or better than the U.S. We receive the same level of medical expertise and have free choice of providers. This includes all ages, from senior citizens to babies. Example: My grandniece in Germany was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. After receiving chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, she is now a healthy 6-year-old, and her parents have yet to see a hospital or doctor bill.
The medical industries earn approximately 6 times less than here in the U.S. Malpractice lawsuits are nearly unknown, and malpractice insurance is approximately $6,000 a year.
Contrary to the many articles published, "socialized" medicine does work.
Heidi Boocock
Hilton Head Island
