Larry Sanders (Bernie's Brother!) on Bernie & Healthcare

[Herman4747]

My brother, Bernie Sanders, has got it right on healthcare

This week my brother, Bernie Sanders, won the Wisconsin Democratic primary – which is great news. But it is also great news for a central and defining issue in his campaign, which is the shambles that is American healthcare.

The strangest thing about the debate over healthcare in the US is that it is still going on. The system’s failure is glaring. Millions have inadequate care and tens of thousands die unnecessarily. Average life expectancy is lower than that in dozens of poorer countries, and more children die and more people have chronic diseases than in other rich countries. People pay vastly more than in any comparable economy, and their lives are dominated by the fear of falling ill, of being unable to protect their children, of having to choose between buying insurance and having enough for rent or mortgage. And then, when serious illness develops – often because early treatment was not affordable – they face grinding financial worries on top of the illness itself. A million people a year are bankrupted by health debts.

...

Obamacare, though an improvement, is an inadequate alternative. It helps some people get insurance but it doesn’t guarantee coverage: 20 million people have been able to get insurance; 30 million are still not covered for healthcare. (Emphasis added) Insurance companies are still allowed to limit benefits, medical providers and care; they can (and do) increase patients’ co-pays (the fee paid each time treatment is accessed) and other out-of-pocket costs. The system adds further layers of administration to the current mess, and increases the scope for profiteering.

Much more at link: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/06/bernie-sanders-us-healthcare-nhs-larry-sanders

[Jackie Wilson Said]

1. This line is the mic drop...

The strangest thing about the debate over healthcare in the US is that it is still going on.

Add climate change to that list.

[Bad Dog]

2. He's quite left wing by our standards.

Standing for the Green Party in Council elections. There is an interview with him by Channel 4 News that is quite good. I don't know if it's available online.

[Herman4747]

3. Obamacare failed to cover about 10% of the population...

...to be sure, largely because of Republican cold-heartedness at the state level.