Comparison US Healthcare bill & NHS

I'm not sure that's true, as I've noticed (at least among the people I know) that people with the NHS don't go to the doctor any more than anyone I knew in the US. 

I agree with this.

However, I think we might see a surge in the number of Americans going to the doctor right after changes take place, as people who desperately need medical services but couldn't afford them finally get the opportunity to receive proper medical attention.

I think it will eventually level out.

I hope that when statistics are reported, this gets taken into account and the figures are considered in the context of the situation. (Then again, this is politics, so of course statistics won't be communicated properly.)

The Healthcare bill has nothing to do with medical care in itself. It's my understanding that it essentially mandates that every American is required to purchase medical insurance, either on their own or subsidised by the federal government -- nothing more -- though the bill will also force insurance comapnies to cover people with pre-existing conditions and hopefully, enable greater oversight of the industry.

Getting the legislation passed was a great achievement but I think people will be disappointed in that it doesn't offer healthcare to people. Instead it will help cover part of paying for medical services.

I think it's important to note that having insurance is one thing. Finding a doctor or hospital who/that will accept it is another.

Hi Dennis - Just thought this BBC article might help.   
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8579658.stm

ETA: There was a better article with the changes briefly down the side, but when I tried to just provide the link, it gave the video of Obama signing the bill. 

I think the bill stinks.  I generally believe that the smaller the government the better.  However, in a country as rich as America, everyone should have access to good basic healthcare that is free at the point of delivery, just like the NHS. Of course we would have to pay through taxes, but if we diverted money from an unnecessarily large military, we could be most of the way there without increasing taxes too much.  This bill simply forces people to give money that they still don't have to insurance companies that will still try to find everyway possible to screw their customers.  But now, those customers are compelled by law to keep giving the insurance companies money.  That's screwed up if you ask me. The only upside might be that now the taboo against any reform has been smashed.  Perhaps in the future things will change into something that is actually useful. 

Oh I wish that was true..My youngest sister 25 has a 5 year old and supports herself working ect...not on section 8 or food stamps and Oregon health insurance dropped her because she made to much money.  she has MS and now cant get health insurance for anything! I am hoping with this bill passed she will be able to get those shots once a month she needs as she hasnt had them in two years.  They are $500 bucks a pop

sorry for hijacking again but I wish I understood the health insurance pros and cons and will have to read up on it.

I also feel if it is handed to everyone they will go for a hang nail because they can ;-(

As someone else said... 90 days from the signing of the bill so yesterday (Tuesday) the pre-existing provision goes into effect and they can purchase coverage through a high risk insurance program


Here is a great link that provides a summary
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/your-money/health-insurance/22consumer.html?src=me&ref=general

Also this link goes more into depth with the pre-existing condition stuff

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0324/Health-care-reform-bill-101-rules-for-preexisting-conditions