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by lazide 1183 days ago
Don’t bet on it.

There is enough (potential) money and incentive here that almost any system will be perverted eventually.

NHS is not known for speedy treatment, for instance.

It’s about ongoing oversight and a willingness and ability to cut through bullshit to fix things. That’s in short supply here and everywhere else.

The stories (first hand from relatives who use it) of blatant profiteering and abuse of the system in Medicare is mind boggling.

2 comments

If you need anything more serious than your family doctor, expect a long wait in the US too. My colonoscopy is booking 6 months out for what should be a very routine procedure.
> NHS is not known for speedy treatment, for instance.

From what I understand (I am not a UK citizen, but me mum's mum spoke Scouse. My mother, on the other hand, spoke The Queen's English), everyone loves to hate on the NHS, but no politician in their right mind will touch it. It's a "third rail."

Well, it’s the same here for the existing healthcare system in the US. Even basic reforms (obamacare) get met with insane opposition.
The difference is who the opposition is from.

In the UK, it's from the voters.

In the US, it's from the Healthcare Industry.

It's not if one remembers the promise of "If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor" with Hilary's healthcare plan in the 90's.
Companies can’t vote.
Why would they need to? Their lobbyists write the legislation and they finance the politicians who vote on it.
The NHS also does the same things.
Companies are considered a person and legally have rights such as freedom of speech, can own property and enter contracts.

They are allowed to spend as much as they want for votes due to their freedom of speech. Sure they can't directly vote but ever since like 2010 have a lot of human rights and I'm sure would love more. I would not be surprised if one day they could directly vote considering due to their rights. I hope though we can push back before then and change things.

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/citi...

The NHS also runs public propaganda campaigns.