[hestipod]

>I've lived in countries with universal healthcare and >the quality is sub-par compared to the US/private care.

My experience has been the exact opposite. America's healthcare business ruined my life. As a result I have no insurance and have lost the "privilege" to BUY said American healthcare. I struggle with low income options and programs, all insufficient. The only good care I ever got was in Europe. My experiences with social hospitals and doctors was much better than in the USA where it counts. Places weren't often as fancy looking, but the care was superb. Even the private systems in those countries was far more affordable. a few hundred for an MRI etc rather than a few thousand.

Healthcare and education in America can bankrupt you. That isn't something people in countries with social options have to fear...despite any drawbacks since no place is perfect. I don't know if Americans who are so opposed to doing things like the rest of the first world just need to believe it's always better here so they ignore the benefits...or if they just haven't had to face this issue personally and are incapable of caring until they do. But I do know I had a future and now I do not...and there is no net to catch me or care. Whenever I see comments like yours I just get so upset realizing how it's an unwinnable battle in this country because of these ingrained beliefs.

[cheeky78]

Education can only bankrupt you if you choose to go to an expensive university. This is a complete choice and the overall price is known before you take out a loan. Community colleges are a fraction of the price.

"My experiences with social hospitals and doctors was much better than in the USA where it counts. Places weren't often as fancy looking, but the care was superb. Even the private systems in those countries was far more affordable. a few hundred for an MRI etc rather than a few thousand."

I pay for my own insurance in the US. I only pay a couple of hundred/month and most things are covered. My deductibles are very affordable.

There are plenty of option for low-income individuals and pre-existing conditions are no longer something that will prevent you from getting healthcare.

Even if you get a $100,000 bill, you can call the hospital up and negotiate it down to something you can actually pay.

"Whenever I see comments like yours I just get so upset realizing how it's an unwinnable battle in this country because of these ingrained beliefs."

I feel the same way about your comments. You have this ingrained believe that socialized healthcare is the best solution, when private care clearly has advantages.

The majority of people in the US are happy with their healthcare. There should be some additions, so people that can't afford care can get it, but without uprooting the entire system.

[monetus]

To add to your anecdote: I have a bill laying around where the asking price for the mri was $21000.

[hestipod]

Yeah I was quoted 3500usd cash price recently and that was with the "generous" cash pay/uninsured discount of 10% and a lower income community hospital. Needless to say I did not get the scan. That's how it goes here. I only paid about 150usd in a Central European nation for a more advanced 3d version, and that was in the PRIVATE for-profit system there. American healthcare is a tragedy that I don't see changing sadly since so many people fight any positive change.