A recent experience of an American couple vacationing in Turkey has drawn attention to the stark contrasts in health care costs between the United States and other countries. Norma Atherton and her husband faced a medical emergency while traveling, requiring immediate attention for an intestinal infection.
In just four hours, the couple received comprehensive treatment in an emergency room, including consultations, tests, IV fluids, and antibiotics, all for a total of $250 each. This experience starkly contrasts with the typical health care scenario in the United States, where long wait times and exorbitant costs often deter individuals from seeking necessary medical help.
The couple, both retirees, are enrolled in Medicare, which costs them each approximately $185 per month. Additionally, they pay $700 for supplemental insurance, bringing their total health care expenses to $1,070 monthly. Atherton questions whether taxes for a universal health care system would exceed their current insurance costs, expressing a belief that many individuals might end up paying less under such a system.
Atherton’s letter highlights significant issues within the U.S. health care system, including long emergency room wait times, high costs for diagnostic tests, and mounting medical debt. She pointed out that many patients are burdened by high deductibles and expensive medications, while insurance companies continue to profit, often denying necessary treatments.
This anecdote raises important questions about the viability of universal health care in the U.S. and the potential benefits it could provide. Atherton advocates for a system like “Medicare for All,” suggesting that it could lead to more affordable and effective health care solutions for everyone.
As discussions around health care reform intensify, her perspective adds a personal touch to the ongoing debate about how to improve access and affordability for all citizens.
