^Most people get insurance through their employers, but some employers don't offer insurance to part time workers or if you work a job like waitressing, you most likely won't have insurance, although you may be eligible for insurance through the state for lower income families, which usually means you go to doctors which aren't as good. If you have a good employers, insurance isn't that expensive. I think my dad paid $150 a month for insurance for our entire family growing up (me, 2 sister & mum). Regardless though, everytime you go to the doctor you usually have a co-pay of like $20 just for the appointment. I thought it was so weird when i first went to a doctor over here, saw the doctor and left without 'settling up' at the window before i left.
Wow. It makes me realise even more we are pretty lucky to have the NHS!
I just do not think the American insurance is that bad to be honest, compared to what I read on here about the UK. Even when I did not have insurance (was young and didn't think I needed it
) I ended up in the ER and had to stay overnight... the bill was ridiculous but I was able to get it reduced to a mere 10% of the original bill through appeals. There are programs that children always get care and most of the time if you cannot afford healthcare there is Medicaid or something.
Also the UK and Canada pay for insurance through their taxes and I believe if you make more you pay more.. how is that fair?
Maybe I am a selfish person but it is not my responsibility to pay for other people's medical care. Unfortunately the system is not perfect, so many people abuse the system and that may cut out some people who need it but thats life.
Its just really irritating to see people bad mouthing the States all the time.