$7026 spent per person for healthcare in the U.S.

[SpiritAlight 1]

Can someone please explain this to me?

I am but a mere (earnest) Canadian.

Tons o' money spent per person...

http://www.time.com/time/2008/health_care/

...where does it go?

Who is using it?

It would seem that each of US citizens and residents would have free health care (in other words no bill after a hospital/clinic visit), if this were truly the case.

So why is "the system" not working?

After recently visiting with a very ill friend in Florida who's first of two 4-day hospitalization cost him almost 28 grand, I am truly dumb-founded. Yes.

Discuss at will.

[dalegg 143]

That is of course the great mystery. A good portion goes to malpractice insurance, but yeah.. its big business.

[Lili 3]

Too much profit and malpractice insurance.

[SpiritAlight 1]

In other words if lawyers were illegal, then we could receive care for free?

WOW!

[IAMX 3,055]

Ironically, Canadians pay what, half of that for their universal? At most, that much.

The only reason this farce is accepted is because too many people have a fear of "taxes". It seems they'd rather it be taken by this means than a more logical one.

[SpiritAlight 1]

Ironically, Canadians pay what, half of that for their universal? At most, that much.

The only reason this farce is accepted is because too many people have a fear of "taxes". It seems they'd rather it be taken by this means than a more logical one.

It all feels sense-less.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Ironically, Canadians pay what, half of that for their universal? At most, that much.

The only reason this farce is accepted is because too many people have a fear of "taxes". It seems they'd rather it be taken by this means than a more logical one.

It all feels sense-less.

It is sister, it is.

[Imua 0]

Not to mention the huge markup on prescription and OTC meds, even generics. I was shocked to see how much cheaper my allergy meds are in Nepal than in the US, even if I get the generic store brand.

[Ilya R. 0]

Why high cost?

Medical Insurance

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Red tape, my friends, red tape. The fragmented, privately run and profit oriented excuse for a health care system absorbs almost 1 out of 3 dollars for nothing but red tape. That's a world record. No government anywhere in the world is running as inefficient a system as the private excuse for a health care system we afford ourselves here in the good ole' USofA.

[mRx 16]

Why high cost?

Medical Insurance

Bingo.

Insurance should only be for unforeseen illness and injury. Not every stuffy nose, cut and scrape. These broad, all encompassing insurance plans are what's driving the price up for medical care. That's why a couple stitches in your leg costs 600 bucks.

[Heracles 417]

That is of course the great mystery. A good portion goes to malpractice insurance, but yeah.. its big business.

One of the largest costs are probably frivolous malpractice suits. If we had the English Law of tort, which I think Canadian legal system uses as well, most frivolous lawsuits would be thrown out. You probably cannot sue for spilling hot coffee in Canada.

Then everyone is milking the system. From the Doctors to the Pharmacies.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Aficionado

[SpiritAlight 1]

Forgive my innocence.

I still do not comprehend.

How can that money be spent per person and yet "person" does not see any of it?

Seriously, the US gov't cannot be throwing such stats around if they are entirely untrue.

Do I understand that the over 7 grand is spent per person by the gov't (i.e. your tax dollars at work) to cover litigation, and doctors' (and other's) salaries?

Me no comprendo.