Quote Originally Posted by gismo View Post
I am from the UK, here we have the National Health Service (NHS), which is a socialised model. People pay national insurance in the form of tax and this money is then used to fund the healthcare system. The only time when you need to pay a bill is when you need entirely elective procedures, dental care and in some cases prescription charges (if you can afford them). The system has its flaws.

Alot of people take it for granted, waste valuable time with minor complaints. There is a problem with waiting lists for operations. At the moment I am waiting to see someone, god knows how long that will have to take. But I will wait, and I won't complain, as this beats having to pay in full out of my own pocket, I just cannot afford it. Of all the possible uses of tax money, this is probably the least objectionable in my opinion. I feel comforted knowing that people in my country get taken care of when they need it.

Trojan, the free market does not have all the answers. If I am lying injured, I don't have time to shop around, there is only one thing on my mind and that is getting medical attention. And I am glad I live in a country that recognises that. In the UK, healthcare is a right not a privelage. That will enrage alot of Americans, and it dissapoints me that it would, it is a very cold attitude toward healthcare, and indeed their fellow citizens when they would deny them healthcare if society as a whole needs to pay for it via very small deductions from their income that wouldn't cripple them. The idea of viewing healthcare as nothing more than a comodity as opposed to an essential service disturbs me to an extent. I find it exceptionally cold hearted.
I disagree