First of all let me explain my current situation (since this is my first diary entry). I am a half American born and raised in Germany and still living there. My father came to Germany with the Army more than 25 years ago and never moved back to the US (most probable he never will).
I visit my stateside family every year, so I surely can judge the current situation in America.
I closely followed the last election period and voted from overseas. I believe my political view is very liberal, as liberal as most of President Obamas views, therefore I voted for President Obama.
I am currently on job training in Germany and one big dream is to move to the States, but there are several problems that keep me from fulfilling this dream. One big issue is health care.
Health care here in Germany has lasted for a very long time, and still is. For those who don't know let me explain how the process of being sick in Germany works.
One part of my income (about 15% before taxes) is going directly to an official health care "company", the other part that needs to be paid is paid by my employer (if one is unemployed in Germany, the State is paying for health care). In return I have a credit card size chipcard, which I have to use everytime I go to a doctor or clinic.
So what happens when I get sick? Well, I call my employer in the morning and tell him that I'm sick and I'm going to see a doctor. After that I go to the doctors office with my chipcard. Every doctor has a chipcard reader, so they have all my health insurance data and can send the bill to the insurance company. There is a great range of insurance companys in Germany and everyone can choose the best suitable for him/her (the cost remains the same, only the service varies).
The doctor decides, how long I have to stay home. There are no "sick days" in Germany as in the States, we don't have to work additional hours or have to take vacation for being sick.
The United States of America, the country that put a man on the moon, isn't able to figure out a working health care plan? There are so many working systems (just look at Europe) just pick one!
It is amazing to watch the news and see townhall meetings with people holding up banners saying "Pay your own bill!"...Are we that selfish in America? Rich ones getting richer, the poor getting poorer?
I'd like to hear some voices out there! Is health care that bad?