General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My experience with Universal health Care [View all]Godot51
(239 posts)In Japan we have a National Health system that not many in the West talk about or are familiar with. It would take too long to describe it and explain how it works (and, sadly, occasionally doesn't work) but suffice to say it has made me a true believer in public healthcare.
At root of the system is all who join it must pay in. There is some variance of payment according to income and/or age. And one isn't required need join it, if you wish you can pay all medical expenses out of your own pocket or rely on private insurance.
In general most people join in because it's a good deal.
Most doctors, nurses and medical workers of all levels are well trained, kind and helpful. (One of my various teaching jobs is teaching English to nursing students. It is a required course for all.)
Most hospitals are clean, well maintained and up to date.
You are free to choose which hospital you go to and most patients are accepted without an appointment or a referral.
Since many hospitals are privately owned and tend to specialize in one or a few medical areas (but still working within the "system" there is some problem for emergency patients, usually in going to the correct hospital for the patient's problem.
For a couple like my wife and me, self employed or part time teachers of "middle age" we pay about 30% of the bill while the National Health pays 70%. This ratio is different as we age.
We pay in several times a year and, since my wife and I have no dependents living at home, it's quite reasonable, less than $3000 total per year for the both of us.
In 2010 I required a knee replacement. I won't bore you with the details but the operation was a success, the hospital staff was incredibly kind and helpful (and even the hospital food was excellent, an amazing thing).
For the hospital stay (10 days), the care, the operation and the room (and the good food) I paid (out of my pocket, my 30% responsibility) about $600. For the rehab which I continued as an out-patient I paid about $5 for a 45 minute session (5 days a week for a few months). For every check up with a doctor (once a week) I paid another $5.
The total bill to me was around $1000. The National Health (to which I have been paying in for over 30 years) paid the other 70%.
Some of you have had knee replacements in the U.S. and you know how much it costs. I have looked it up but the prices vary so much that I can't come up with a definitive price but I'd say "a lot" or "too much" about sums it up.