We discussed American healthcare in my sociology class last week and it really got me thinking, especially after we watched the film "Sicko." Now, I don't know how much the average millennial knows about the world's healthcare systems, but I'll be honest and say that I knew next to nothing.
There is so much information out there about the different healthcare systems around the world, and America's is one of the worst ones. Being a born and raised American makes me a little hesitant to declare that our healthcare system sucks compared to the other industrialized nations, but it's so true. Here are some of my biggest problems with the American healthcare system.
Paid maternity leave isn't guaranteed.
This is most definitely my number one beef with the American healthcare system. Why? Why isn't paid maternity leave required by law? Why should women have to choose between letting their bodies recover from birth and paying their electricity bills? Why should mothers have to leave their newborn infants at home because they literally cannot afford to take more time off?
It blows my mind that America is so far behind other countries in this regard. In Norway and many other European countries, women can get up to a full year of paid maternity leave after they have a baby. A year. In America, you're lucky to get six weeks. What's up with that? Separating a mother and her infant too soon harms them both. Why is one company's profit more important than a one individual's recuperation?
Medical bills are INSANELY high.
I can't even tell you how many times I have wanted to get something checked out at the doctor but don't want to be saddled with the bill. Isn't it sad that we make people choose between being sick and being in debt? I'm not preaching for complete socialism, but I do think that we should use Europe (and Canada) as an example: We need free healthcare.
Sure, it might cost us a little more in tax, but it wouldn't be more than the average sick person's medical bills. So many people have to turn down the medical treatment they need because they cannot afford it. Money is not more important than someone's life.
Insurance companies want to turn people down because it saves them money in the long run.
This was a huge focus of the movie "Sicko." One woman testified that she was offered a promotion if she turned down a certain number of people who applied for insurance. Now that Donald Trump has lengthened the list of pre-existing conditions that allow an insurance company to reject you, the odds of getting insurance are even slimmer. And everyone knows that if you don't have insurance, it's going to be more difficult to get the medical treatment you need. Baloney.
Company rules regarding sick days are absurd.
Limiting sick days doesn't make any sense to me. As if we have control over how many times we get sick during the course of the year? Man, if only it worked that way...France gives its employees unlimited (paid!!!) sick days. I know what you're thinking: Wouldn't people take advantage of that? Oh, most definitely, some would. But not everyone. I think you'd be surprised how many people are just grateful that they don't have to worry about paying the bills when they come down with the flu. If you appreciate something, you're less likely to take it for granted.
Our government doesn't provide new mothers with free resources.
Okay, WTF? Moms go through so much. They grow and give birth to a brand new human being, and yet they're basically left to deal with it on their own once they leave the hospital. Moms need help and support from our government. New moms in France can hire a "nanny" for free (paid for by the government) that will come over and do whatever they need; they can do dishes, clean, cook, or just play with the infant while Mommy takes some much-needed "Me Time." American Moms deserve that, too.
No wonder Europeans are happier and healthier than Americans. America, it's time to fix our healthcare system.
