I cannot imagine why this might be. Isn't the USA the richest country on the planet?? You'd think spending all that money would get you something, right??

(health care spending per capita on the left, life expectancy on the right)

  • Gorn [they/them,he/him]
    hexagon
    ·
    4 years ago

    It's probably because, despite being listed as having 'universal health care', you actually still have to pay for your health care, even tho the hospitals are socialized:

    In Norway, all hospitals are funded by the public as part of the national budget. However, while medical treatment is free of charge for any person younger than the age of sixteen, residents who have reached adulthood must pay a deductible each year before becoming eligible for an exemption card. The card entitles one to free healthcare for the remainder of that year.

    Pretty much, if people have to pay anything at all they're less likely to seek treatment earlier/preventatively, which we all know results in higher costs and poorer outcomes in the long-run. Especially if you use up your 'first one's free' on something minor, and screw yourself later on in the year, like is possible with this draconian system.

    • Mardoniush [she/her]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Germany essentially has private but universal healthcare, which is why it underperforms as well.

      • Gorn [they/them,he/him]
        hexagon
        ·
        4 years ago

        Imagine if leaders A) gave a shit about people, B) listened to science, we'd be golden.

      • Gorn [they/them,he/him]
        hexagon
        ·
        4 years ago

        Ya. Or more, up to 100%, if you’re poor enough. And Japan has the best health outcomes in the world, which surprises me! I need to learn more .

        • kristina [she/her]
          ·
          4 years ago

          japan also has a somewhat unique diet heavy on fish and vegetables

        • cracksmoke2020 [none/use name]
          ·
          4 years ago

          If you're poor enough in the US you get Medicaid which can be fairly comprehensive. The problem of healthcare in the US is much more complicated than rich people having healthcare and poor people not having it.

          It's primarily working class people and people who work as contractors that have issues within our healthcare system.