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I've seen the healthcare systems up close in Costa Rica, Mexico, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Hong Kong


I respect your perspective here ... my experience with healthcare systems is restricted to U.S., UK, Canada, and Germany ... and frankly, for the reasons I was there (always sinus and ear infections) I couldn't say I saw much difference. And as I was covered by insurance in all cases, I also didn't experience any difference in access.

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NONE could compete with the quality of care I've seen given here in the US;


In terms of the countries you list, I'm not in a position to argue this point - conceded.

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The relevance is that long-term health has little to do with the healthcare given by a private program OR a socialized one.


Agreed, in so far as it applies to those who have access to it; those who don't have access to a private system, would undoubtedly think a socialized one available to them would provide better care than no care at all.

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Why? Healthy citizens start with a quality LIFESTYLE, DIET and EXCERCISE


Agreed that these factors have a huge impact on the overall health of a nation; but not all metrics, especially those regarding infants and children - infant mortality for example.

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Healthcare, socialized or otherwise, will NEVER address the compounding issues of poor diet, little to no excercise and an stressful existance.


There are those who would argue that publicy funded healthcare systems, being national in scope and being relieved of the requirement to generate profit for shareholders, have much greater latitude to focus on lifestyle and prevention and to direct resources in those areas.

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I certainly do; the best I've had since I've been alive. During the few times I didn't in my life, I didn't blame the government for this issue as I've never seen it as their responsibility to coddle and support me;



Given your situation, what advice would you give to a working family that, through no fault of their own, loses their insurance coverage and is forced into bankruptcy in order to try and save a loved-ones life?