I am an American living in Munich and I was just involved directly in the health care system here. There was no waiting, I got the best doctors, excellent care, was allowed to stay as an in-patient as long as I wanted - until I was OK with coming home and being on my own - all for about $600 month with a $300 deducible. I have a private insurance policy from a for-profit company.
I have to have health insurance or I am fined by the City of Munich. It covers prescriptions, eyeglasses, and $1500 year dental. Any legal resident or German citizen has the choice between private insurance or public insurance. Public costs less, is directly billed (single-payer), and may involve waiting for elective procedures, but generally is the same as the private plan. It does not cover dental or eyeglasses, but does cover prescriptions.
My gall bladder surgery normally would be an out-patient procedure in the States. Here I went in as an emergency on Tuesday morning, had the surgery Tuesday afternoon and was discharged Friday afternoon. I was in a double room with a private bath and shower. I could have gone home yesterday, but asked for the extra day as I live by myself - and the answer was, "Yes, of course you can stay."
Is the the "European-style" socialized medicine the right rants about? Is this the horrible fate of America if the ACA is fully implemented? Is this the terrible plan that might even be un-constitutional?
I don't get it. You can choose for the slightly more expensive private plan, where the bills are sent to you, and then you resubmit to the insurance company, just like in the States, or you can take the less-expensive, less-fancy plan, that still covers nearly everything, and is direct billed. You just show your card and every quarter need to make a $20 co pay if you need health services.
It is so simple. It works. Everyone has insurance. No one worries about health care. No one goes bankrupt by getting sick.