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50 Times People Took Screenshots Of The Dumbest Arguments Americans Have Made Against Free Healthcare
In pretty much any other nation on God’s green Earth, healthcare is a straightforward issue. However, in the United States, it’s a topic that divides, fractures, and polarizes the population into warring factions: those for access to free healthcare and those adamantly opposed to it.
Well, here at Bored Panda, we believe that access to free healthcare makes a lot of sense. Meanwhile, the current system is incredibly bureaucratic and wasteful according to the latest stats and ought to be improved. How bad is the situation? Well, around 760 billion dollars go to absolute waste each year. However, some Americans are stubbornly against free healthcare and overhauling the system.
Why? While there are some serious arguments here and there, we decided that it’s time that we took a gander at the most ridiculous reasons that people have said ‘no’ to something that ought to be a basic part of life. Scroll on down and upvote your fave pics. Be sure to let us know what you think the pros and cons of free healthcare are, dear Pandas—we always value a well-argued opinion.
Dr. Andrew Carroll from Arizona, has some experience dealing with healthcare insurance companies and fighting for what's best for his patients. Bored Panda previously wrote about how he broke down in tears when a company refused to provide one of his patients a CT chest scan and contacted him again to go even further in-depth about the system in the US.
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#1
Apparently Canada’s Healthcare Is Bad
RELATED:
#2
It's A Charity Handout
#3
Won't People Just Hurt Themselves On Purpose?
According to Dr. Carroll, there are clear financial incentives for the companies that provide healthcare insurance to keep the system, with its high administrative costs, as it is. "It will be very difficult to reduce the administrative costs without overhauling the payment system altogether," he explained that even small step-by-step changes would be hard to push through.
Dr. Carroll was very candid about healthcare insurance providers and how it's not in their interest to do what's best for American patients. "Unfortunately, these payers tend not to have altruistic intentions towards their members. They cater to the advantage of the employers paying for the benefits, who want to try and spend the least amount of money they can."
He continued: "Employers that pay for benefits will need to demand more of the companies providing the benefits or patients will need to file class-action lawsuits to demand that benefits due to them are not unduly restricted, as they are today."
#4
An Ambulance Is Not A Taxi
#5
When You’d Rather Go Bankrupt Than Go To Another Country For Better Healthcare. Because America
#6
What's Next, Free Medicine?
The US spends huge amounts of money on healthcare, but a whopping quarter of the costs are administrative. This means that customers pay a lot, but far from every penny actually ends up helping them directly. There’s a lot of waste in the system and a lot of fat that needs to be cut.
What’s more, hospitals in the US are consolidated. This means less competition, meaning there’s little to no motivation to actually ensure lower prices for patients. If somebody can charge more and the customer has no other choice, why lower the price? (Well, apart from empathy, I mean?)
#7
It's Cr**py In Canada
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)
The US actually has worse healthcare than the UK, Canada and Australia. UK is ranked 18, Canada is ranked 30, Australia is ranked 32 and the US is ranked 37. This is according to WHO.
#8
But We Can Pick Whatever Doctor Or Healthcare Insurer We Want! We Win
#9
Free Refills On Burns
Despite often boasting about being the bastion of freedom and being the best, the US is woefully struggling along with its healthcare system. The World Health Organization ranks it as the 37th best in the entire world. It doesn’t matter how many amazing doctors and how much cutting-edge tech you have if you can’t help people due to the system in place.
The US spends more of its national income on healthcare than other developed OECD countries and spends more per person than other rich nations. However, this level of spending doesn’t translate to better care.
#10
"There Healthcare Is So Good That They Rely On The Us For Actual Medicines Lol"
#11
Why Use It If You Can't Afford It?
Anaïs Ballestra 3 years ago
Actually thanks to him we spot the big difference here between America and other country with free healthcare: In America you have to think if you can afford it BEFORE. That's crazy....
#12
Didn't Ask To Be Blind
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)
Even in Australia with universal healthcare you still have to pay for glasses or contacts. My glasses cost $39 and my daughter got 2 pairs for $189. The eye test at optometrists is free though.
Where you live in the US and what type of insurance coverage you have (private vs. public) affect your wait times, too. So you can expect to wait in line to see a doctor even if you think you’re paying top-dollar prices for top-dollar coverage. However, 66 percent of all Americans are afraid that they won’t be able to afford medical care in 2021.
In a couple of earlier interviews, Bored Panda spoke about US healthcare with Tumblr user Avilocirapter (who was paying for a top-tier insurance plan), as well as Dr. Carroll from Arizona (who burst into tears when an insurance company “denied a CT Chest on a young woman with post-Covid syndrome”).
#13
"No, In France, It Costs A Lifetime And A Country Of Taxes." On A Discussion About Ingame Healthcare Costs In Stardew Valley
#14
Lmao What Type Of Healthcare Does Iran Have? They Still Use Voodoo So They Should Shut The Hell Up
#15
"Has Monumentally Contributed More To Mankind Than All Those Noted Combined"
Avilociraptor explained that, in their opinion, the private insurance model destroyed the doctor-patient relationship and reduced the autonomy that both patients and providers had. “Nurses are overworked and underpaid, and yet we demonize them when they strike to provide safer conditions for themselves and their patients.”
The solution? According to Avilociraptor, Americans have to “regularly write” to their government representatives and demand change.
#16
"(Us) Healthcare & Medical Infrastructure Is Truly World Class & We Are Much Better Prepared"
Helen Haley 3 years ago
I'm truly stunned by the level of deliberate ignorance and self delusion displayed by these people.
#17
"Being Poor Is A Choice If Everyone Worked We Wouldn't Even Need 'Free' Healthcare"
#18
2nd Amendment vs. Universal Healthcare
Meanwhile, Dr. Carroll previously told us that, in the United States, the insurance company is the payer for a patient’s care, so they’re “heavily involved in the provision of that care.” He said: “Their job is not to pay for healthcare but avoid paying for healthcare. It is a terrible system.”
#19
“Healthcare Is Not A Basic Human Right”
Alexandra Davis 3 years ago
Remind this person of this next time he needs a doctor- it's not a right so he doesn't need to be provided with assistance
#20
“So You’re Saying Their Healthcare Is No Better Than Ours?”
#21
We Have To Fund The Innovation That The Socialist Healthcare Systems Of The World Leach On
Dr. Carroll also opened up about the hardships that healthcare professionals like him face in the line of duty. “We are trained very early, almost like soldiers, to work hard and long hours, deal with extremely stressful conditions, and work through the emotional turmoil of death, debility, and the effect those things have on the patient and their families.”
#22
"Healthcare Is Not A Right, Unless You Feel Like Slavery Is Ok"
#23
Ask Ur Hero How Finland Is Doing During This Wuhan Virus. Their 'Free' Healthcare Is Failing And Bankrupting Their Country
#24
“Still Better Than Places With Free Healthcare”
However, Dr. Carroll can’t imagine doing anything else. Being a doctor, helping people, is his calling. “I love what I do because I could not see myself doing anything else. I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 5, since I myself had a major medical issue.”
#25
Healthcare Is Not A Right In 'Merica
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
Germanys constitution. Part 1-1: Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority. Part 2-2: Every person shall have the right to free development of his personality insofar as he does not violate the rights of others or offend against the constitutional order or the moral law.
#26
“You Can Get Free Healthcare Right Now Join The Army”
#27
I Should Be Able To Opt Out Of Insurance If I Want... With Universal Healthcare I Lose That Freedom Of Choice
He continued: “I remember the care and compassion my doctors when I was that age showed me, and helped me get through my very tough time. I wanted to do that for others, and so far I think I have done so. Insurance companies make it difficult though, and nearly force cold, inhumane, and compassionless rules on patients when they are most vulnerable.”
#28
"Healthcare Is Not A Basic Right - And I'm Concerned That Anyone's Kids Assume They Have The Right To Demand Someone Else Finance Their Healthcare"
#29
“Avoid Situations In Which You May Need The Hospital”, In A List Of Solutions To Not Pay Healthcare Too Much
#30
Not Sure It Works This Way
Plenty of Americans who are against free healthcare have a mindset that’s full-on ‘the strong survive, the weak perish’ which would be useful in a post-apocalyptic world, not when we’re all supposed to be civilized and aiming for longer, higher-quality living. And it’s a tad ironic that a country that is so full of charitable, warm, friendly people also has to deal with a cold, dehumanizing, penny-pinching healthcare system.
#31
Imagine Having To Wait Months For Healthcare Because You Live Somewhere That Has Government Run Healthcare
Anna Banana 3 years ago
That's true. There's not enough doctors for everyone to be seen immediately so if my situation isn't dire I will wait a couple of months for a visit with a specialist. The more serious the condition is, the closer to the beginning of the line you are placed. I see no problem with that, I don't want somebody else to die because I was impatient. And that's for public healthcare. A yearly insurance at a private network of clinics costs about a quarter of a mean monthly salary. Within that you can go to any specialist (except, I think the dentist) and then it's much shorter waiting time.
#32
American Talking About Free Healthcare
#33
"Better Than The Free Healthcare [...] Ours Is Expensive, Not Crap"
!["Better Than The Free Healthcare [...] Ours Is Expensive, Not Crap"](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/605999c6595ce_rupi6xb2j7o61__700.jpg "\"Better Than The Free Healthcare [...] Ours Is Expensive, Not Crap\"")
#35
Healthcare Is Governmental Slavery
#36
“Wealthy Brits Fly To The Us For Critical Care Because We Have The Best Healthcare In The World”
#37
Gimme That Fat TV!
Veronica Torres 3 years ago
Europeans can get bigger toys if they disregard their own health and education!!! Seriously?
#38
"You’re Welcome American Citizens Literally Pay For The Rest Of The Worlds Healthcare." On A Tweet About Canada
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
"American citizens literally pay for the rest of the worlds (sic) healthcare" - I don't even know what they're thinking here.
#39
Found On Quora: "Don't Talk About Healthcare, That's Not Sometimes That Defines The Greatness Of A Country"
Roland Kreslin 3 years ago
Since when Is USA the greatest country in the world. Get your facts straight. And if you are too lazy watch the series 'newsroom'. There is a nice rant about wlhow f****d up USA is
#40
"I'll Pay My Healthcare And Others Can Pay Theirs If They Can't That's Unfortunate"
#41
"Healthcare Isn't A Human Right"
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Once again it's clear that Americans do not know the Universal declaration of human rights. Even under the Geneva convention wounded prisoners of war have a right to health care.
#42
Free Healthcare Doesn’t Work And It’s A Failing System In Almost Every Country
#43
Free Healthcare Is Why Italy And Spain Have Thousands Dying Everyday From Coronavirus
#44
Wait Until You Find Out Waiting In Line For 11 Hours To Vote Is Absolutely Wonderful Compared To The Amount Of Time People Wait To See A Doctor In Countries With Socialized Healthcare
#45
No It Isn’t, “Free” Healthcare Does Not Get Into The Concept Of A Human Right
Natalia Shoemark 3 years ago
Ok. Technically I guess we do via our taxes... but like waaaaaaay less than them!
#46
"Everyone Gets Free Healthcare Because It's A Right. Then Everyone Gets A Free Firearm. Because That's Definitely A Right"
#47
Canada Only Has Free Healthcare Because Of The Us
Roland Kreslin 3 years ago
What did I just read? From what does USA protect Canada. Last time I checked the only neighbours are Greenland and USA.
#48
"My Grandfather Went To France In 1944. Germans In Control And Not Offering Doc Visits. He And Other American Servicemen Liberated The Country" On A Tweet Where An American Man Praises The French Healthcare System
Dilly Millandry 3 years ago
Helped to liberate along with all the other allies, most of whom were in from the start.
#49
Healthcare Shouldn’t Be Free For Everyone
#50
"If You Can't Take Care Of Yourself Than I Shouldn't Be Forced To Pay For Your Healthcare"
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Alexandra Davis 3 years ago
I struggled to finish reading all of these because the stupidity just made my brain hurt at this early hour. How about america introduce universal health care but have an opt out option for those who think it's a stupid idea and then charge them when they come running and ask to change their mind and opt in.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
While this is a nice revenge strategy, I am not sure this would work... the system depends on as many people paying as possible. So, I think it must be mandatory.
Load More Replies... Anna Banana 3 years ago
What I don't get is how these people don't understand that even if they do pay for others' healthcare, it will benefit them, too. If anyone could go to a doctor when first symptoms appear then a lot of expensive treatments could be avoided later. And from what I understand, even the US government does pay for those, if the patient cannot. It's the same way I'm happy to pay for education even though I don't have kids - but I do want the kids who will build our society in a few years to be smart.
TrickQuestion 3 years ago
It's spite, pure and simple. As long as "THEY" suffer or are doing worse, "I" win. I've tried, many times, to explain that yes your taxes will go up to pay for health care. BUT, you won't have money taken out of your check by insurance companies and you won't have to pay another 3000 out of pocket before your REAL insurance (which isn't great either, and is actively against you in most cases) to kick in. It's insane that people would rather go broke and lose everything than pay into a system that would help everyone. A buddy I used to work with said that the first thing he'd do if he learned he was really sick is GET A DIVORCE so his family didn't lose everything. That he even has to THINK like that is madness.
Load More Replies...
N G 3 years ago
Essential oils and stones you put up your hoo-ha (with accompanying scented candle). And genuinely considering drinking or injecting bleach to deal with a pandemic.
Load More Replies...
Alexandra Davis 3 years ago
I struggled to finish reading all of these because the stupidity just made my brain hurt at this early hour. How about america introduce universal health care but have an opt out option for those who think it's a stupid idea and then charge them when they come running and ask to change their mind and opt in.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
While this is a nice revenge strategy, I am not sure this would work... the system depends on as many people paying as possible. So, I think it must be mandatory.
Load More Replies... Anna Banana 3 years ago
What I don't get is how these people don't understand that even if they do pay for others' healthcare, it will benefit them, too. If anyone could go to a doctor when first symptoms appear then a lot of expensive treatments could be avoided later. And from what I understand, even the US government does pay for those, if the patient cannot. It's the same way I'm happy to pay for education even though I don't have kids - but I do want the kids who will build our society in a few years to be smart.
TrickQuestion 3 years ago
It's spite, pure and simple. As long as "THEY" suffer or are doing worse, "I" win. I've tried, many times, to explain that yes your taxes will go up to pay for health care. BUT, you won't have money taken out of your check by insurance companies and you won't have to pay another 3000 out of pocket before your REAL insurance (which isn't great either, and is actively against you in most cases) to kick in. It's insane that people would rather go broke and lose everything than pay into a system that would help everyone. A buddy I used to work with said that the first thing he'd do if he learned he was really sick is GET A DIVORCE so his family didn't lose everything. That he even has to THINK like that is madness.
Load More Replies... N G 3 years ago
Essential oils and stones you put up your hoo-ha (with accompanying scented candle). And genuinely considering drinking or injecting bleach to deal with a pandemic.
Load More Replies...
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