Share

Why do some Americans have such a problem with free Healthcare?

Providing free healthcare to your citizens is not socialism. Good healthcare should not be limited to those with a good income or job.

I think it is embarrassing that the wealthiest country in the world has such a poor healthcare system. What is the point in having all that wealth when you can't (or won't) invest in things that matter the most - i.e. healthcare, education etc.

Although the UK healthcare system is not perfect, I much prefer it to the American model.

When is America going to buck up its ideas? Will Obama make a difference?
"Free" means free at the point of delivery.

Asked By: The London Eve - 12/8/2009
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
In a nutshell, no one wants to pay higher taxes to fund a national health service or even subsidized insurance.

You have to understand we have 300 million people in this country. We have a private enterprise system of health care. We have a health insurance industry exemption from anti-trust laws that allow large health care corporations to collude to monopolize entire states. We have die-hard capitalism which dictates government should not interfere with personal affairs of citizens.

It is only now in these hard times that the movement toward subsidized government care has any impetus because the situation is so dire for several million people. Congress is not debating whether to have a national health service. That will never happen. They are proposing ways of lowering health cost for some groups of people who used to depend on group employer plans and cannot buy individual insurance (which no one can afford). They are also tackling unethical practices by insurance companies which result in rejection, cancellation, payment caps, and no treatment.

The way things work in the US is very complex and needs complicated solutions. Obama has made a difference because without him as President, the Congress would not have taken on this gargantuan issue.

Being a majority party has not helped to pass health care reform because a third of the Democrats side with the Republicans on health care changes. They have also made abortion a contentious issue upon which their passage of health care bill may depend. The House and the Senate have different bills and none of these take effect for 4 or 5 years. It is a long process to pass health care reform because there is so much resistance from health care and pharmaceutical lobby groups who make so-called campaign contributions to individual Congressmen. These are legalized bribes.
Answered By: Flower - 12/8/2009
Additional Answers ()
There is no such thing as free health care. Someone has to pay for it, if you don't then it's the middle class that does. Guess what? I'm in that middle class and I'm being taxed to death right now. I'm having trouble supporting my family because of all my taxes. That's what I have a problem with!!
Answered By: blt830 - 12/8/2009
They have a Problem with Government taking the tax paying Dollars and using it for Meaningless Garbage, Health Care and a Public Option ain't Meaningless at all, No System is Perfect
France has the Best Health Care System in the world, No French, British or Dutch Person Rich or Poor has a Problem with the Government Run Health Care system, what the alternative having Private Companies Deny you Coverage because you don't have $5,600.00.

In America they cancel your coverage because you don't have the Money and they don't cover you this needs to pass in the US sEnate otherwise things will get worse for the Consumer who have No Business to attack Government Run Health Care.
Answered By: tfoley5000 - 12/8/2009
It is naive to believe anything is free, that's why it's called "Free-Dumb"
Source(s):
Praise God
Answered By: World War III - 12/8/2009
Why the problem, Eve? Because many Americans know that nothing is absolutely free. That dates back to the whole Trojan Horse thing. Once bitten, twice shy.
"Wealthiest" we are in may ways, and "poor" depends how you look at it. Both are relative terms.
"Buck up" our ideas? I don't know that term, but if you mean "back up" - and intend to mean put our ideas into action ... well, that takes time in a democratic nation.
Yes, the President will make a difference - for good or bad is yet to be seen.
Peace and love.
Answered By: John M - 12/8/2009
You prefer your system, I prefer mine.
Answered By: Dutch - 12/8/2009
Who says we have the poorest healthcare? Europeans or those factions on the left that want to control another part of our lives. The mystique about what makes America great is that we prefer to be responsible for our own lives and not rely on the government to do anything, because EVERY time the government gets involved in our personal lives they screw it up. How much do you know about the failure of the current programs such as social security, medicare, public housing, food stamps-all abject failures.
Answered By: cc is psyched! - 12/8/2009
Its not about providing free health care..its about how are we going to pay for it. If you look at anything that the government has run you will be hard pressed to find anything that it has done well. I am not for throwing money that we do not have at something that the government cant run any more efficiently than its already being done, It will cost the average tax payer and yet they cant tell us how they are going to pay for it. Thats what the issue really is...and after studying the UK health model, I would rather have it this way.
Answered By: George - 12/8/2009
Well, all the other answerer's said it as well. It's not going to be free, it's going to cost a bundle. And the people who will pay the most are the ones that are already suffering from a burdensome local, state and federal tax system. Additionally, many of us don't agree with specifics of the proposed program, such as funding for abortion on demand, reducing the Medicare budget which currently covers most of our elderly and the proposals to require the elderly to have routine counseling sessions regarding euthanasia.
Besides, I have to wonder, if the proposed Healthcare plan is so wonderful, why is it that the elected officials who are trying to jamb it down our throats, won't have the very same coverage. They have "their own plan", which they continue to maintain even after they leave office. So maybe what they are recommending for us, isn't that great after all. HMMMM.
Answered By: sunybuni - 12/8/2009
It started with Ronald Reagan. The amoral politicos watched and learned from Reagan how to manipulate the press, the government and the people. Geo. Bush was a Neocon, i.e., Reaganite. All he did was manipulate for his Administration's personal advantage. Europeans are immensely sensible. Americans are propagandized and manipulated by factions that are able to convince them that what is good for the amoral corporation is good for them. Clinton pandered to them and it appears that Obama will as well. There is an extremely belligerent faction in this country financed by these corporations and their propaganda that apparently must be appeased. I, as an American, thought it was only a phase. That cooler heads and sound reasoning would prevail at some point. I was in college during the Reagan administration. We could intellectually and morally see what he was doing to our country but he won the hearts of those who were deceived by his rhetoric. The poor became the enemy. So did liberals who wanted progressive change. Less spending for the military, more spending for improving the lives of the American people by means of education, health care, infrastructure. The only governmental spending that Neocons approve of is for the Pentagon, i.e., war mongering.
Our country is a mess right now because no one can right the wrongs of lobbyists controlling Congress, corporations controlling public opinion, the press controlled by celebrity. America has gone crazy. We've peaked as a nation and we have nothing but hell to pay for this madness at some point in time, not far in the future. I have health care provided by the company I work for and yet I see so much waste and fraud and abuse. The critics of government run health care claim there will be waste, fraud and abuse. Well? My dad's on Medicare and the hospital charged him $158,000 for an operation to install a pacemaker. It was submitted to Medicare and they paid $29,000. My brother is on the hospital board and he asked if they lost money on that. Of course not, the administrator told him. If he had been without insurance he would have had to pay the entire amount of the bill or go bankrupt when the hospital was making money at $29,000. This is what we have now.
Answered By: Scruffer - 12/8/2009
Not that simple--not even close--put it this way, i'm a healthy 30 year old male who goes to the doctor once every 2 years--why should my tax dollars pay for someone who goes 5 times a year or more?? or for someones expensive surgery??? would i be taxed the same way as someone who goes 5 times a year??
Answered By: Maine Boy (formerly NYBoy) - 12/8/2009
We should all pay for a health care system because we all benefit from each other, or at least that's the idea. The current system is a farce and only those who have not had to contend with the disgraceful actions of insurance companies stand up for it. You say we live in America and should make the decisions about our lives, but that's just it, we are not making those decisions, the insurance companies are. They answer to nobody and we just keep paying the increases or cancel our policies with nobody to complain to.

If you have a family with children then 'YES' you should be forced into paying for family health care, it's your duty to provide the appropriate care for your family. However, nothing is for free and it is not the British who go round saying they have free health care, they know full well they pay for it through taxes. Unfortunately many Americans don't actually know what they are complaining about with the proposed health care package, they are badly informed by either the media or people with ulterior motives. I have heard so much said about the package and found a lot of it to be lies after reading with my own eyes and not taking somebody elses misinformed opinion on the matter.

Edit:

Ender,

Yes but people are denied healthcare by their insurance company here in the states and they end up dying because they dont get treatment. What the heck is the difference?

Also how can you base one case that you know of as an opinion of British healthcare? You can't! The problem is the situation I mention above about American healthcare insurance has happened numerous times!

The arguments against the health care proposals are just pathetic! There is talk about a lack of treatment due to it. Well people are getting a lack of treatment now because they either dont have insurance or their insurance is denied when they need it. Why because these insurance companies are in control of your health! Do you not see what is before your eyes? It may as well be the government in charge because it most certainly is not us Americans that are in control of our own health care.

Also take a look at France, their healthcare is rated as the best in the World by WHO. Yes, WHO and the opposition to this health care bill refuse to acknowledge the official world body on health care! I am losing my rag here because we keep getting fed BS everyday regarding this and it is beginning to make me sick! How you can put money before somebodies health is beyond me, which is exactly what we have in place right NOW!

I will tell you this right now, it may not be free, but it is a d**n sight cheaper than what we are all paying for right now. I can guarantee that you wont be paying thousands in taxes every month like some families are now for their health care insurance! It also wont lower your standard in care either because we are not the best now, even though we pay more than anybody else! It will force health care providers to lower their costs, they wont have a choice!

Oh and on choice I like choice very much, America land of the free and all that! The only problem is, is that we dont realize our healthcare system has never been about choice, what choice do you have when your diagnosed with cancer and can't afford treatment?
Answered By: Jackie - 12/8/2009
The US government is dead broke. It has no wealth, only debt. The wealth that you're referring to is not owned by the US government but by individuals. Last I checked builders didn't build hospitals for free. Doctors don't work for free and neither do nurses. Drugs don't invent themselves. Nothing about it is free, so why do you pretend like it is???

The problem is that health care in the US abandoned free market principles decades ago. Once no one was concerned about costs, costs skyrocketed. The solution is to get the government out of health care, not more intimately involved.

Edit: My brother is a physician. About a month ago he treated a British man who was 47 years old. He'd seen the doctors in England three time. Each time they gave him some pain meds. No tests, no scans, no blood tests. By the time my brother saw him, he did a simple blood test and found very late stage renal cancer. He told the guy that he had a month to live. The bottom line is that the British health care system killed this man. People in America don't go that long without being diagnosed. Enjoy the British system while you're healthy.
Answered By: Ender - 12/8/2009
"Why do some Americans have such a problem with free Healthcare?"

Cause its not free.....
Answered By: captainkbt - 12/8/2009
Sponsored results
Found: Up to $14-62/HR - 317 Local Jobs Hiring. - Apply Now
USCareerSource.com
View Local Jobs on Ask.com. Try our New Search Results!
Ask.com/Local Jobs
Scroll Down To Signup & Get 4000$ Cash In Advance Simply Signup Here
EarnMore.com
Over 371 local jobs found. Competitive Pay- Find Jobs & Apply
FindTopLocalJobs.com

Other Career Questions

So.. I need to know two current events happening in the world that has to do with migration.
2 answers - Asked By: Jason - 10/24/2010
I can't just start watching the news because I'm ignorant of current events. Any "news for dummies" or sites like that? Also, any sites/newspapers I should avoid because of propaganda? I'm Irish.
1 answer - Asked By: Arnold Layne - 5/20/2011
I don't have time to watch TV in the morning, don't have a long commute to listen to the radio for too long. What other ways are there to stay current with events that don't require too much time and effort? I'm clueless all the time and I'm starting to work a job dealing with clients. Also what if you don't follow sports, don't want to spend all day watching it. Any good tips on keeping the conversation going with someone (stranger/client) to make it look like you aren't completely clueless?
2 answers - Asked By: cloud - 12/30/2011

Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo!
Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something?
6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012
Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now.
1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012
Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust?
1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012
Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say?
2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011
As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny.
9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012
So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?!
2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012
1 answer - Asked By: vishal - 2/23/2006
L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry.
2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005
I have an interview tomorrow with a healthcare recruiting firm and I want to have a few good questions to ask about the job/industry, but it will be a new field for me and I'm not sure what to ask about. Any suggestions?
1 answer - Asked By: stephinrado - 5/8/2006
I am in the process of planning my own wedding and I am having a fantastic time doing so. I have always enjoyed planning things: group vacations for my friends and I, road trips, etc... I could be described as a slight control freak and I am a perfectionist. I know I would exceed, and enjoy my career, if I were to make this a possibility. How do I do it? How do I get my name out there? How much do event planners charge for their services? I have a lot of questions, and hope that people who are self employed would be able to give me some pointers on getting my business up and running. Thank You in advance for your time and help.
2 answers - Asked By: Careerdriven - 4/24/2006
I am applying for a job of supply and logistics manager so I need to know more about the this job
1 answer - Asked By: waelasfour - 6/19/2006
Being a student my budget is limited so any help regarding specific retail outlets to go to would be very helpful. I am working in downtown toronto for Deloitte (accounting firm) and the summers are very hot here in Canada. Any specific advice on what clothing items this MALE student should wear to work would be helpful. The dress code is "business casual". As if any student knows what that means.
2 answers - Asked By: kamol_yason - 5/3/2006
Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"?
1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006
I'm applying online for a job at Debenhams. It's just a temporary part time job but I have no previous retail experience, just in customer service, and I am finding some of the questions rather difficult. Our commitment to training and development encourages our people to grow their futures with us. If successful in joining our team, how will you become an expert at what you do? and At Debenhams, our people make all the difference to our customers. If you were a Stock Movement Adviser with us, how would our customers know that you are focused on their individual shopping experience? Any help in answering these questions would be greatly appreciated, many thanks!
1 answer - Asked By: Mac - 9/7/2012
1 answer - Asked By: Gotti girl - 7/23/2006
I am going to college in about a year or so and planning on going to school for teaching...I am hoping to be a high school level math teacher and just wondered if you guys knew of any good schools with a good teaching or math program?
3 answers - Asked By: ♥Special K - 8/20/2006
I am looking for someone (or company) to program a simple (I think) java mobile application, but do not know where to look. Any ideas where to start ?
1 answer - Asked By: ppb - 7/11/2006
I'm thinking of completing an Electrical Engineering degree and was wondering what people are making just out of college and those that have been in the field 5+ yrs. The main careers I am looking at are Design Engineer and Technical Sales Engineering. Any input from people with those jobs would be great!
3 answers - Asked By: MacDadRaj - 3/23/2006
I was told by the people in the HR department that our checks have to come from Pensylvannia. Does it normally take that long? I mean more than two months for a paycheck that i worked hard for.?
1 answer - Asked By: nightshades9678 - 8/28/2006
I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated.
2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006
Search SEARCH

Popular Articles

Browse Articles Related To Careers
2013 Marketing Jobs Outlook Article Rating
The US may be facing another year of anemic hiring overall, but that won't be the case in the high-orbit world of multichannel, digital media marketing.
2013 Engineering Jobs Outlook Article Rating
Engineers will find job opportunities in select disciplines in 2013, with candidates who are all-around, client-oriented businesspeople in demand.
Best-Paying Jobs by MajorArticle Rating
What could you earn with a particular four-year degree? Find out by checking out this list of the top-paying jobs for 20 of the most common majors.
Eight High-Paying, Secure JobsArticle Rating
Want to earn a good salary and enjoy a measure of job security as well? Check out these well-paying jobs on tap for fast growth in the coming years.
2013 Finance Jobs OutlookArticle Rating
Three things predict whether your finance job search will fly or flop in 2013: your skills, your industry knowledge and (surprise!) the federal budget.

Monster Communities

Teaching Community
Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro
Create and connect.
Excelle
Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link
Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships
Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org
Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com
Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid
Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs
Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You
If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate
Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions
Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary
Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Employee Sourcing

Alt text
November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees
Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard
What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers
Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers
Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service
Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services
Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network
Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks
Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page
Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings
Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search
Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center
Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post
Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter
Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers
Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR
Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service
Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers
Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us
Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Other Links

Monster Company Profiles
Explore companies and get information to guide your career decisions.
Compare Salaries
See how your pay stacks up to others in your field.
iPhone Application
Download the Monster app for iPhone and iPod touch.
Monster Job Seeker Blog
Monster Job Seeker Blog.
Monster Thinking Blog
Monster's Recruitment Trends Blog.
Jobs & Career Resources
Search Jobs:
For Employers: Post Jobs | Search Resumes | Advertise
About Monster | Work for Monster | Advertise with Us | AdChoices | Partner with Us | Investor Relations | Social Media
Terms of Use | Privacy Center | Accessibility Centre | Help | Security | Contact Us | Sitemap | Mobile
©2013 Monster - All Rights Reserved U.S. Patents No. 5,832,497; 7,599,930 B1; 7,827,125 and 7,836,060 MWW - Looking for Monster Cable? - V: 2013.5.0.27-224
eTrustLogo