We are the only industrialized nation that lacks a universal healthcare plan. In the US, today, there are 43 million without health insurance. Not only that, but even with insurance people can sometimes be denied coverage. For example, one of the teachers at my highschool had lymphoma. None of the traditional treatments worked, so in order to stop it she began doing treatments that were not typically used. Her health insurance does not cover this method, but after visiting a hospital in penn every 2 weeks, she showed a few signs of improvement, however each visit cost her and her husband over 2000 dollars because they were denied coverage.

If there was a universal healthcare system she would not have to pay four grand a month to be treated for cancer. Her story is shared by millions of others as well.

Here is a good article about it.
The Melon
and another
Institute of Medicine

Question:
Should the US provide free healthcare to its citizens?

Choices:
Absolutely
mmm, No
I don't know what universal healthcare is
I don't care
Maybe

 

Yeah, I think free healthcare should be a major aim of governments, including America. Admittedly, it costs, but firstly, there are so many areas where spending can be cut down on (military, 'nuff said), and perhaps the concept of proportional payment can be investigated - that is, if you have no income, obviously you can't be expected to pay. If you have a reasonable income and, say, no children, you can pay a percentage.

but yes - if we recognize healthcare as a basic human right, shouldn't we then endeavour to fulfil those rights?

Don't, worry Wolfie. I feel the same way. Frontline has a great mini-documentary that compares other countries' heath care systems and shows how ours is seriously lacking.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/...e/sickaroundamerica/

wow. I love how no one cares about this.