Amazing, isn't it?

Too often, we Americans think we have the best of everything. Even health care. And that ain't true. We could learn a lot from other countries. Nations with universal health care. Such as Germany. And Japan. Germany, for instance, has everyone covered. Without a public option. Instead, there are 220 private insurers. And one is free to go to any of 'em. But everyone is required to have insurance. And it works. At rates far more affordable than in the U.S. I've cited an example here before. When my Jeanne broke her wrist in Germany, it required insertion of 3 pins to hold the fracture together. The entire hospital and doctor's bill was less than $500. When Jeanne had the pins removed in the U.S., it cost thousands of dollars. Paid for by Medicare and private insurance, of course. Little wonder insurance premiums are so high. Meanwhile, in Japan, everyone is covered under a private system. But the costs are much lower, and more effective in terms of health benefits than in the U.S. And one reason for that -- doctors work for relatively low salaries. Often, because of the prestige that comes with being a doctor. Amazing, isn't it? To work for prestige and honor rather than for the money. --Jim Broede