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Sangetsu (Offline)
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Posts: 1,346
Join Date: May 2008
Location: 東京都
09-04-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin4hire View Post
I'm not on Bureda's side... But that's a lot of spin you're doing

-The gross pay per capita list ignores the benefits that a socialised health care system as you can't really put a dollar value on them. Not to mention that the idea that because Americans get "paid the most" and are therefore the greatest nation in the world is a stupid one.

-America may contribute the most net aid but as a percentage of it's GDP it actually ranks near the bottom only contributing 0.1% compare that to a country like Sweden near the top of that list which gives 0.35%.

Also I've heard that America's health care system is a shambles. It's definitely the most expensive system but I've also heard that it's the most inefficient as well. A visit to the doctor and treatment for a working class American on minimum wage can often total more than he or she earns in a week!
The parity purchasing numbers used by the Wold Bank chart take into account government benefits received. It is the most accurate barometer for financial quality of life, which is why they use it.

As for a working class Americans who need health care, they are entitled to receive it whether they can afford it or not.

Here's an example why health care in America costs so much. First, you have to figure in malpractice insurance. Insurance companies have lobbied for mandatory insurance for all licensed doctors, and insurance is required by law. But a $100,000 policy can cost $150,000. It's ludicrous, and it defies logic, but it is the law. Next, all patients are treated, regardless of lack of insurance, or ability to pay. And then there is the illegal immigration problem. Illegal immigrants do not have insurance, don't pay income, or property tax, and yet they make full use of America's health care system. The cost is estimated at anywhere between 10 and 20 billion dollars each year. This loss must be made up for by increasing the price of care to those who can pay.

If your own country had an illegal immigrant population of 5% who paid nothing into the health care system, but received all of its benefits, how long would your health care system remain solvent?