Commentary: The AP “Berniecare” Poll printed locally (2/26) and elsewhere is limited and slanted. Its assumptions show how health messaging protects industry. The AP article spreads talk about the problem single payer “could be.” But, how about now? Long waits for services? How many now plan a wait of 1-2 hours to see a doctor in non-emergency situations. Existing horror stories when you even have good coverage? Someone in pain from a car crash can be refused doctor’s treatment because there may be a lawsuit involved? Medical costs now? Yes, I complain.
We are constantly told we have the best health system in the world. Certainly it’s the most expensive. but below all industrialized nations in quality. We spend more and get less. The Affordable Care Act is a first baby step. The national media tends tends to downplay health system issues. Real examples; more publicity needed:
1. Of 11 first world countries studied - our health system is the most costly but last overall in quality (Commonwealth Fund).
2. The US’s health system ranks 37th worldwide, below Western Europe and e.g, Chile and Costa Rica (World Health Organization).
3, US infant mortality is 40th, higher than all western and many eastern European nations plus Israel. Despite our Number one level of health care spending, a US baby is less likely to see its first birthday than one born in e.g., France, Slovakia, Belarus or Cuba (World Bank).
4. The US is the most obese nation, period - 1/3 of us (USNews and World Report).
We cannot remain on this trajectory. Remember two past republican presidential advocates for national health care - Teddy Roosevelt and Nixon. Our people should be the winners, not the food, pharmaceutical and insurance industries. Fixes needed. And effective education is a given need.