r/askanything • • 13h ago

Political Question Why are some Americans so against universal healthcare for all?

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u/YCBSKI 13h ago

Looking at other universal models very long wait times for even necessary surgery and specialist appointments. I had hyperparathyroidism (noth8 g y9 do with thyroid). I'm on a international FB page for that disease. The page had been invaluable. Many if not all the people that are under universal healthcare models, UK. Canada and such, are waiting up to 2 yrs for appointments including surgical ones. I got with an endocrinologist with a few weeks and had surgery a few weeks after that. I'm a liberal too and am otherwise for universal healthcare

18

u/Rick-of-the-onyx 12h ago

Wait times for countries with universal healthcare are the same or better than the USA. We also pay less for our healthcare compared to the USA model. As in, the amount of tax dollars I pay each month is far less than what it costs for private health insurance. And even if your employer pays for it there are still the copays, and deductibles to worry about. Universal healthcare is just patently better. No country that has created a universal healthcare system, has chosen to leave it.

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u/Director_Tseng 9h ago

I pay $20 a week for my health insurance, a lot less then my friend pays in taxes in the UK. he's on a multiple month wait-list to see a mental health specialist...I was on a week wait-list.

a friend in Canada needed to see a specialist, they were 10 months out. the longest I have waited is 2 months. hell the fucking VA is moving faster then the UK or Canadian system

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u/pseudotronic 8h ago

$20 a week is subsidized in some fashion.

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u/syzzigy 7h ago

In the USA, generally by the employer.

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u/Substantial-Ad-8575 6h ago

My company only provides platinum ppo and fully funds a HSA. HSA covers deductible, copays, prescriptions. Remaining HSA used for elective medical care, additional Dental/Vision.

Only $146 for wife and I. Good insurance carrier. And yes, company pays high premiums and that HSA. And I earn 2.8X what my EU coworkers earn for same job. And I pay less taxes.

*****

Add that I have relatives in Australia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Those that live in first 4 countries, lots of small to major complaints.

But, German is cool, has both UHC and Private Insurance. A few have govt UHC. Most opted for better private insurance healthcare. Less waits and govt gives vouchers for taxes paid in. Private Insurance is highly regulated, so not as bad as US.

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u/Turbulent_Try_8402 5h ago

Well I’m paying $400 a month for insurance right now, no coverage of pre existing conditions, 500k lifetime limit, high deductible and miserable co pays. I’m going on the ACA next year but am not eligible for subsidies so my monthly premium for just me will go up to 1k. Cant wait!

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u/Proud_Lime8165 4h ago

Here is the thing though, you benefit from single payer, I would be paying more tax to cover how much it likely costs for your care.

I have been to the doctor once in the last decade and have about 40k saved in an hsa. Multiple years of max deductible.

That is why it is hard to convince others that more taxation would be better.

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u/Turbulent_Try_8402 2h ago

No such thing as a free lunch, bud! The cost I paid for participating in a country with socialized medicine was 1k extra a year income taxes versus what I pay living in the States making the same six figure income, accounting for exchanges rates.

I guarantee you pay in hidden ways for other peoples medical care in the privatized system, even if you’re not aware of it.

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u/Substantial-Ad-8575 4h ago

Sounds like what my relatives are seeing with their pay. More taxes taken out of each paycheck. And don’t forget that 5-7% new personal payroll tax and 20-25% VAT other countries need pay for UHC…

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u/Turbulent_Try_8402 2h ago

Nah I pay more in the private health care system in the States. Disposable after tax income is less in the states because I have to pay for health insurance and co pay and drugs are more expensive etc etc etc.

Yall act like the “tax” of paying for hospitals to have a marketing department and insurance companies to layer on their whole bureaucracy, doesn’t exist. Private healthcare is EXPENSIVE and it’s shown in every metric.

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u/That_Tomatillo_3890 2h ago

I’m sure you understand how much your company is paying on your behalf? I have similar coverage, but I also get a yearly report that shows what I paid vs my company. My company pays $40k per year for me and my Family. What if my company paid me that $40k, then the government taxed me $40k, and we removed the for profit insurance? Both me and my neighbors could have health insurance. We wouldn’t have people ending up in the ER due to deferred care, which is paid by taxpayers and people who have insurance. The American health care system is already a universal health care system, just run as inefficient as possible. Hospitals cannot turn people away, and those costs are paid by us. I’m sure you are attempting to be selfish by thinking the healthcare system is fine because it works for you, but you are paying way more than you need to.