I have for some time been concerned as to how our current administration is leaning with regard to our health care system, especially with regard to our medicare for those 65 and older. I haven't ventured into this area because all the information I had was what our courts would call "hearsay". My family has had acquaintances and extended family associated with this thing called
National Health but that is all.
Well, today in our local newspaper an article in our editorial section was directed to just that and this individual is an American that lives in the United Kingdom. She responds to a previous article regarding England's National Health Service! Below is her article in her own words.
As an American living in the United Kingdom I read with interest the recent letter regarding Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Although I agree with the writer with regard to the quality of doctors and nurses in the U. K. I was surprised to learn how many people in the U. K. also carry pricey private health insurance . I wonder if the writer is even aware that private hospitals and private insurance are even available, let alone common and on the rise.
My dear friend, a geriatric specialist, also informed me that, in the U. K. system once one reaches the "elderly" age of 65, one is no longer considered "eligible" for such things as heart, kidney, or lung transplants. Such patients are referred to as "end of life care". Incidentally my U. K. physician friend carries private health insurance for himself and his wife.
What is actually happening in the U. K. is "classist". Only the wealthy can can afford private health insurance, and it is on the rise-making the NHS the only option for the masses. It would be naive to think this same private insurance would not evolve here if national health were to become the universal U. S. system.
Although not perfect, our medical system is the envy of the world. Let us work at tweaking it instead of replacing it. Sharon Strong Peple. RTD
Case in point:
A woman in Great Britian who was the mother of a family members friend saw a doctor in the U. K. (she was 77 years old), because of some issues she was having. As it turned out the physician determined what he suspected was the source of the problem and advised her she needed to see a Cardiologist to determine exactly what was going on. In order to see a cardiologist (ANY Cardiologist) she was required to be placed on a waiting list.
Over two years passed with no appointment and she then made plans to visit her son in America before something happened. She purchased her tickets and was within days of flying out when she was finally called and said they could see her. Needless to say the trip was cancelled so she could keep the appointment. As I recall her heart condition was treatable with medication but had it not been the case she very well may not have survived the "wait".
