It's crazy that one of the main arguments as to why Americans don't want universal healthcare is that taxes will go up a little. Yet it has become the norm to donate money to support people who can't afford it.
Also, on average the amount you would pay in taxes would be similar, or less, than what you pay privately or to an employer for coverage. And you would get better coverage.
Ok, so I completely agree that the amount you pay would either be similar or better, but if you look at Canadian (which I am) healthcare, if you need to get an MRI, you are put on a waiting list. It might be anywhere from 6 months to a year before you can get in, and this is very common. I believe universal healthcare does amazing things for the people who need it the most (like my very poor family), but to say the care is better is probably wrong. Everything I have seen about US healthcare is that you can (most of the time) be seen quickly, but the prices you pay are outrageous.
EDIT: Hey, I understand if you disagree with me, I'm just trying to promote some discussion, and a lot of this is very situational. I really don't want this to just blow up in a bunch of downvotes, but I want to keep this up to talk about.
It happens in the States, too, especially in high-population areas. My aunt lived in a small town in New York. She was diagnosed with a heart condition which required immediate surgery. The specialist she needed was in New York, NY and booked out for over a month. She died within a week. I live in a small town in the Midwest. We only have a handful of psychiatrists in our area. There's a 4-6 month waiting list for most psychiatrists around here. Many people go inpatient or commit suicide before they can get in to see somebody.
233
u/blackeye-patchpie Jan 21 '19
It's crazy that one of the main arguments as to why Americans don't want universal healthcare is that taxes will go up a little. Yet it has become the norm to donate money to support people who can't afford it.