More Obamacare fuckups

[Gelston]

So what do you get out of that chart? No matter how much money we spend Americans are doomed to less longevity? Even though we spend more on healthcare for them?

No, I get out of it that due to our wealth we spend more money on unhealthy luxury items that do not match with life longevity. We later spend tons of money on paying for the resulting consequences, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.

[Jarvan]

Facts show that the US spends more on health care per person with less than optimal longevity compared to other countries who spend thousands less per person with longer longevity.

I thought the chart was fairly self explanatory.

Does your amazing chart also show how many medical technologies and pharmaceuticals are invented by all those other countries as well?

[Warriorbird]

I get out of that chart that we pay stupid high prices for medical services because there is no competition in the healthcare industry. Singapore is a good comparison for us, as they have a very similar healthcare system...except that hospitals compete with each other. Surgeries that cost 20 grand over here cost 5 over there, and the technology/longevity/infant mortality/etc etc etc is all about the same.

Let's let you in on a scary concept. Further competition doesn't necessarily lead to reduced cost. In addition, it is the very actors of the medical industry themselves who have driven costs up to seek profit.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2...a_fact_gawande

[Latrinsorm]

I get out of that chart that we pay stupid high prices for medical services because there is no competition in the healthcare industry. Singapore is a good comparison for us, as they have a very similar healthcare system...except that hospitals compete with each other. Surgeries that cost 20 grand over here cost 5 over there, and the technology/longevity/infant mortality/etc etc etc is all about the same.

Do you think we have less competition in the healthcare industry than, for instance, France and the UK?

Until you realize that Americans don't live as long because they choose to live unhealthy life styles and that those same unhealthy life styles increase spending on health care.

Do you have an objective, mathematical way of describing the unhealthiness of a life style? I think this would be an important first step before comparing such between populations.

[Jarvan]

Do you think we have less competition in the healthcare industry than, for instance, France and the UK?

Do you have an objective, mathematical way of describing the unhealthiness of a life style? I think this would be an important first step before comparing such between populations.

Actually, I do think we have less, in a weird way. But more importantly, they have semi-socialized medicine. The Government dictates what something costs. Just look at the rates in France..


Generalist consultation 23 € 70% 6,60 €
Specialist consultation 25 € 70% 7,50 €
Root canal 93,99 € 70% 28,20 €

I don't know about you, but I don't think there WOULD be any dentists in the US if they could only get 128 bucks for a root canal. Or 31 bucks for an office visit. Hell, I think Obamacare co-pays are almost that much.

As for an objective mathematical way, I am sure someone can and will come up with it. But hell, everyone in the world knows we are the most unhealthy people on the planet.

[Tgo01]

Every time someone ties healthcare spending with life expectancy baby Jesus cries.

[Jeril]

Do you have an objective, mathematical way of describing the unhealthiness of a life style? I think this would be an important first step before comparing such between populations.

No, I get out of it that due to our wealth we spend more money on unhealthy luxury items that do not match with life longevity. We later spend tons of money on paying for the resulting consequences, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.

Basically what Gelston said, there is all the excessive eating, drinking, smoking, and drugs. Not to mention we probably have more people who engage in recreational sports.

[Back]

So, the chart above is due to the people who make poor life choices? Our healthcare costs are due to people who get sick, or injured?

If you think so do you believe we should ban smoking, drinking, 400oz. Big Gulps, etc? Or does it just not bother you that we spend far and away every country in the world to pay for mediocre life expectancy?

[Tgo01]

we spend far and away every country in the world to pay for mediocre life expectancy?

Every time someone ties healthcare spending with life expectancy baby Jesus cries.

Stop making him cry!

[Gelston]

I don't thing we should ban any of that. I think we make our bed and we have to lie in it. Another issue, however, is the chargemaster, which inflated health costs.