I lived in the UK for 7 years and used their National Health Care system many times. It was great. My wife and I had 2 of our children there, and after the kid's births, a nurse would stop by our house every 2 weeks to check up, have a chat, and give our babies well check ups. They would offer advise and tips to my wife and i, and were so awesome. I was working part-time but no worries about bills of course.
Meanwhile, my brother was in the States and was knocked out of his job, he was a cop. Lost his health care. And thus began my education of what my brother's life was like to have no health insurance.
My brother became homeless and had medical issues. The free clinic in his town, where he was to get his insulin and other vital meds, opened every Tuesday from 3pm-5pm. They had one doctor who ministered to the patients, and he could only see about 7-10 patients every Tuesday. So the trick was, you had to get in line early. The line was outside, on an main street in downtown. My brother always got there at noon to make sure he got his insulin. He waited in the -20 and the 100 degree heat. 3 hours. Occasionally, he was the 7th or 8th in line, and after waiting 3 hours outside, was told the doctor could not see him. This practice remains today. If you drive down Graham Ave in Eau Claire Wi on a Tuesday you can see the line. I now live in the states, and I work around the corner, and drive past the line every Tuesday. I usually cry a tear as I see the same folks having to do the same bullshit. My brother has since passed away. Yes, I blame the United States of America for his inadequate care and the shame of having him wait in line, a diabetic with neuropathy, for 3 or more hours. Shame on us. When I tell other people in our community about the 'line', they are astonished and try to quickly change the subject, well most do. On behalf on my brother you have his diary. thank you for reading. Peace to you all, and love to all of those in line on Tuesday.