People,
I’m Korean… South. Now I live here in california.
I agree that current system in this country is good for healthy people or those who work in a big company with a group plan. I am ‘fortunately’ one of them and I am enjoying the benefit. But I think it’s really a nightmare for people with pre-existing conditions and without decent jobs.
I don’t know all the numbers, costs. But I think medical care should be approached from redistribution point of view rather than a business.
I will just tell you about Korean system. I am not saying it’s better than US. Just to let you consider something else…
All people should be registered for a public medical insurance. Premium is different by their income. Coverage is all the same. There are private insurances but people usually buy them only for some additional coverage, like accidents or deseases that need exceptionally high cost. Actually people usually use only the public insurance.
Lines in the hospital?… Usually faster than here. There are many many many doctors and hospitals. Price? About $2 per visit. It’s about $3 per visit when I consider the prices difference between here and there. The Average level of doctors and hospitals? Very good. They are one of the people with the highest income. So, usually the smartest students become doctors and their training is for around 10 years.
Problems: In high cost treatments, there are too many things without coverage. The deficit is getting bigger every year. People go to doctor too much!! Doctors see the patients too fast!
Overall, Korean system is great with common deseases. Fast and cheap. But it’s not good for cancer because it costs too much.
I know that I am not qualified for the US medical system dispute. But … hmmm… I just wanted to say something.
