Right now, the U.S. is spending far more than any other country on health care and has very little to show for it compared to other countries. The Duchess is quite right about a hidden third factor — social class.  Across people in virtually all countries, the more money you make the longer you will live.  This is true in the UK, Sweden, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.  In fact, professionals in the UK and US tend to be equally healthy and live the longest.  However, if you are in the bottom 20 percent of the population, you are far worse off in the US than the UK.

What this means is that the US system works just fine for at least half of the population — even though it is far more expensive than it is all other countries on Earth.  If you are poor, you will get far worse health care but the taxpayer will still pay top dollar to get it.

I find it breathtaking that the American people don’t put more pressure on both Republicans and Democrats to come up with a sane solution.  You would think that this is one area where both the compassionate and greedy would have a common concern.

If you are interested in seeing more depressing statistics, check out:
http://www.nationmaster.com/index.php

The thing I keep banging on about, however, is that when everyone gets basic healthcare, unless you pay a whole LOT  more, no one gets the Rolls Royce health care insured Americans expect.  My health care isn’t the health care you get, and I am pretty sure you would find it unacceptable.  Actually I am not sure you would be alive on it.  A 2008 study (reported by the BBC) said that the US had the highest 5 year survival rate for breast cancer at 83.9%.  compared to the UK at 69.7%.   That’s a pretty big difference and a lot of dead women. 

If you are an uninsured American you definitely prefer my system.  If you are insured, your system is clearly preferable, especially if you plan on getting most common types of cancer.

If you have a social conscious probably you are willing to give up some of your goodies to those less well off — unless, of course, your illness is potentially curable, but very expensive.  Then it might be every man for himself.   And what if you only suspect you might have such an illness.  Believe me it is hard work getting diagnosed on this side of the Atlantic.

Here’s the reference.  It does refer to data from the 90s.  The UK has got better absolutely, if you discover a lump in your breast you are now supposed to be seen in two weeks, but I am not sure it is better relatively.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7510121.stm

It’s not that I am opposed to universal health care!  I am definitely in favour of it.  I just think most people are not ready to face the hard choices and the hard facts.  

Sorry!  I have used your comment box again to ride my hobby horse.