This comes from my reply on a Facebook comments thread on American healthcare reform.  An American friend suggested I make it more widely available.

...many Americans don't seem to be asking these questions for themselves, to find out what is possible, what other countries are taking for granted.

I was dumbfounded when I realised what you have to go through in America to get basic healthcare. I had always taken for granted free state healthcare as a basic provision in a developed country, since I knew nothing different growing up.

I was just getting my head round the high monthly insurance premiums Alison's family have to pay (my American wife), when I was dumbfounded yet again to realise you ALSO have to pay deductibles to actually get treated for something. Overall my impression was that profit-making business interests have you totally over a barrel.

My paychecks (Here in England) have no relation whatsoever to whether I can go to the doctor, have an operation etc. If I need to see the doctor I go make an appointment at my local 'GP Surgery' (general practitioner) where they have records of my medical history. Mine is a 2 minute walk away from my house. I can also drop in in the mornings to be seen on the spot if necessary. If I need to see a specialist they refer me to one. If I need an operation I get one scheduled. Neither I or anyone I know have had any problems with waiting lists for important operations. If I need help out of hours I can ring ring 'NHS direct' a free 24-hr phone service for help, or of course I can phone for an ambulance in an emergency.

Whatever medication I need I am given a 'prescription' to take to the local pharmacy. I would pay a relatively small amount for most things. But if I am out of work or otherwise in need in an officially recognised way, I don't have to pay anything. So at the moment, because my wife and I have a relatively low income compared to the hours we work (I am newly self-employed) we get 'working tax credit', and this is one of the categories that currently allows me to get prescriptions for free.

OK, so all this is covered by tax. But whatever proportion of my income tax goes to the NHS, it seems to be a fraction of what you in America have to pay in insurance.

If you want to educate yourself about the reality of healthcare in England, France, Canada (and Cuba!) then watch Michael Moore's film 'Sicko'. If you are against Michael Moore, don't worry I am sure you can filter the facts from any hype, he doesn't do all the talking but interviews real people.

I am genuinely saddened that a majority of Americans seem happy to be deceived about these issues, when the existing healthcare system is so clearly corrupt and extortionate.

I can barely imagine the stress that must be involved having to think about money on top of dealing with a serious health issue.  But I suppose if that's all you know, you don't realise it doesn't have to be that way.

Please also see this link, the views of an American now living in England:

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-healthcare-debate-1921446.html