Healthcare In The UK Compared To The US - What Are The Key

When some in the United States talk about health care in the United Kingdom, they scream socialism and throw out emotionally charged diatribes about death panels.

If one were to believe the rhetoric, it would follow that every citizen in the UK wanted to switch to the American plan. Of course, that's not the case. These differences are some of the reasons why.

Provided Care vs. Available Care

The main premise of the UK system is that everyone is entitled to health care. The best argument for the US employer-based insurance plan is that the best care in the world is available. Without debating the merits of that claim the first comparison can be argued. Is health care a right? Should everyone be able to not only access but also afford care? The cost per capita is much higher in the U.S. but almost 50 million people aren't covered.

System Rationing vs. Market Rationing

Those against single-payer care say it inevitably leads to rationing. It's inflammatory but partially true. Procedures aren't granted just because a person asks in the UK NHS system but are evaluated. However, the U.S. system rations and in ways that are more cruel. Patients can be denied simply for lack of funds. The harsh reality is that much of American health care has become pay-to-play. Holes in the rationing argument against the NHS appear when the agency goes to extremes like paying for a patient to go to Florida for a treatment not available.

Everyone Has a Stake

In the UK all persons are considered to have an equal stake in the system. That's an important distinction. The American health care paradigm dictates inequality. Whoever has the best plan or the most money gets the best care and that's fundamentally wrong.