Paul Krugman takes Congressman Matt Santos’ side in the health-care debate:
Let’s start with the fact that America’s health care system spends more, for worse results, than that of any other advanced country.
In 2002 the United States spent $5,267 per person on health care. Canada spent $2,931; Germany spent $2,817; Britain spent only $2,160. Yet the United States has lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality than any of these countries.
But don’t people in other countries sometimes find it hard to get medical treatment? Yes, sometimes – but so do Americans. No, Virginia, many Americans can’t count on ready access to high-quality medical care.
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The U.S. system is much more bureaucratic, with much higher administrative costs, than those of other countries, because private insurers and other players work hard at trying not to pay for medical care. And our fragmented system is unable to bargain with drug companies and other suppliers for lower prices.
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One of these days we’ll realize that our semiprivatized system isn’t just unfair, it’s far less efficient than a straightforward system of guaranteed health insurance.
I thought “West Wing’s” debate was cleverly done. It was far more realistic than a real political debate.
Is there a lesson to be learned here?
Its unfortunate that america spends more on a worse health care system. Health insurance is a major aspect to many and our health care system should be improved.