Thursday, December 24, 2009

U.S. Health Care Reform & Canada

The fact that the health care bill marshaled 60 votes and finally passed the U.S. Senate is nothing short of remarkable.  The U.S. health care system is dysfunctional and these reforms fall well short of what that nation needs, in part because of its corrupt and dysfunctional political system. Nevertheless, perhaps if the reforms had been in place a few years ago, this Canadian would not have had to return to Canada, having emigrated and become an American citizen.  Be sure to read his full story but here is a quote:
I’m not demonizing the US system. My wife and I met some wonderful and caring practitioners. Nor am I idealizing Canada’s health care plans. ...  both systems have advantages and disappointments. In the end, it was the American approach – with its utter lack of any consideration other than a commercial one, and its ruthless corporate attitude that can only be describe as harassment – finally did it for me and my wife. In 2008, we had had enough and decided to leave.