There is one thing that money cannot buy and that is good health. It doesn’t matter how much money someone might have if they are ill or disabled money will not make them better. Although having money can buy the best doctor or surgeon and pay for better nursing facilities good health cannot be bought. At some time in our lives most people will have to see a doctor or be admitted to hospital. In England we do not have to pay to see the doctor or go to hospital as the National Health System provides medical treatment free. This is funded by people paying National Insurance Stamps while they are working and entitles everyone to seek medical care without paying. Of course, some people also pay to receive medical care privately but although they might get treated quicker without having to wait so long for treatment, the doctor or surgeon who they see will also see patients on the National Health. We are the envy of the world for having a unique health scheme where everybody is entitled to free health care.
In other countries such as America people have to be covered by insurance which is usually through their employer. The employee and their family will also be covered by the same insurance company which the employer negotiates with. Without insurance people might not seek medical care because of the expense and each year there are thousands of unnecessary deaths which with medical attention could have been avoided. Many of the Americans who are not insured are the working class because their employers do not provide insurance for them. They do not earn enough money to pay for private insurance but earn too much to qualify for insurance programs for the poor. Hospitals do provide care in emergencies and Charity care is available for those who cannot pay. Government funded programs cover people who are 65 years and older and people on low incomes, including pregnant women and the disabled. Veterans of war and their families are cared for in medical centres and clinics.
People who are covered by an employer’s insurance will often have to contribute towards the cost. Some people take out private insurance but for many Americans they will not be accepted because of old age or the existence of a medical condition. Without insurance Americans are less likely to seek treatment for conditions such as blood pressure and diabetes or for injuries sustained due to accidents. Many will not get care needed for cancer or other serious illnesses until it is too late. For people who do have insurance health care is available when needed but facilities outside the insurance program will cost extra. Charity care is usually funded by religious orders and non-profit foundations to help people who cannot pay.
The Healthcare system in America is completely different to the National Health scheme in England and most Americans are covered by an employer’s insurance scheme or private insurance.