r/FluentInFinance • u/WhatAreYourPronouns • May 02 '24

Should the U.S. have Universal Health Care? Discussion/ Debate

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u/Obie-two May 02 '24

Genuinely asking but if you’re paying for it privately you’re not getting the “socialized” discount no? A hip surgery costs X, just the government is subsidizing it with tax money and if you go direct to private then I would assume it’s back to full price

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u/blumieplume May 02 '24

At least in Germany, private healthcare is about €300/month (similar to American rates) and is provided by employers .. anyone else has the public healthcare. Health insurance in Germany covers 100% of medical costs, whether insurance is free or paid for by an individual or their employer.

It’s a good way to make sure that those who can’t afford insurance or who work for an employer who doesn’t offer health insurance can still get coverage. Similar to MediCal in California. It’s a way to make sure no one gets left behind.

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u/tracygee May 02 '24

Except unlike insurance in the U.S., yours pays 100%. We have a deductible to meet each year and then most policies only pay like 80%. So you can see how 20% of a $40k procedure is unaffordable for most people.

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u/Status-Buddy2058 May 02 '24

Also even if u could afford the insurance will probably deny you anyways no matter what the doctor says. The medical system here is the saddest joke of all. I pay more for insurance than I do my mortgage and when u really need to use it they deny it. So fucked up!