I keep posting about the United States, I can not help it. Is it because in the last days living somewhat agitated by the great political event of certain proportions, which could well have an enormous impact on American political culture of the future: health reform has boosted Obama. "I exaggerate, perhaps?. I think not much. This law, once approved by Congress, will regulate the health system and enable the public coverage of those medical services necessary for the public sector who either could not afford them (directly or through private insurance) either had serious difficulties to afford them. It is certainly a torpedo against the liberal philosophy of "I pay my doctor, the rest is paid his" no need for anyone, not even the State (except in extreme cases) have to "load" with no health expenditure. A vision, in my opinion, something individualistic (that everyone will shake by his side), which contrasts with the concept of "solidarity" that exists in European countries on health, where any citizen, just because they have access to health services without any extra cost. have not been few critical voices have been raised against Obama, who have come to cross a communist, for daring to "Europeanization" of American health. The Europeans did not stop surprising us as a country where a sense of community identity / community is so strong, with constant proclamations to the flag, "American people" or nation, whether "lone ranger" (Lone Ranger) to solving health problems or when they do business with a very sensitive topic. It will be the usual: none of us are going through your head that when we go to the hospital to witness the birth, we have to pay in advance between 4,000 and 7,000 dollars (depending on the state and the hospital) before the woman birth. Or having an accident, we broke something, and after being served, we pass the bill the cost of care, radiography, medicine and plaster. No, we are not the idea. Instead, Americans are used: it is like going to a restaurant. Want eat? pay: But, buy you food.
Beyond the charges of "communist" or "European" Obama are true (sound abhorrent, really), the fact is that American health care needed reform. This is not an ideological issue, but rather economic: in global terms is an inefficient system. Beyond slings practices of insurance companies with a reputation for being completely Animal House when looking for benefits and active, it says, is sometimes worthy of being pursued by the criminal, health spending is disproportionate compared with the benefit it generates. That is, one of two things: either there is a medical waste worthy of a corrupt state and social inequality is so great that only a small percentage of U.S. population lives like a king (at least a symptom not the problem is to have speed with the assistance of a physician.) Any contradiction in a country where politics takes place so flag social cohesion.
Not long ago, the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) presented its report (2007) on the health of its member states and health care costs per capita stood States Together an outstanding first place with ... almost $ 7,000 per capita! I do not know what you will think, but hard to believe that the vast majority of us, through serious illness, about 5,000 € to be spent on doctors and medicines. In fact, the English average is $ 2,578 apiece. But that's not the weirdest. The Nordic countries, famous for its "wasteful pseudocommunity" in universal health coverage, not spent even half the U.S. (except Norway, yet is far), Canada, the North American neighbor, which also provides nearly universal coverage is is in € 3,715 on average. And Britain, with their culture So next policy, fails to € 2,900. Based on what we spend each year, can we say that American health care is the best in the world? Is it higher level of benefits and services to the rest of the world?. I guess for some, yes, in general, believe it costs a little. Even asserting, with some temerity, that the standard of living is higher. 
The OECD report puts Japan as a leading country in quality of life. Using the basic indicator of life expectancy, the Nipponese (in general) far outweigh the Americans (in general). And also do investing almost a third less on health. Even life expectancy is higher in Spain so, one of two things: either the quality of living is higher here in the Peninsula or we have an incredibly efficient health system (please, users of public health, do not atraganteis) .
The National Geographic magazine, the graphic designer Oliver Uberti represented several OECD countries by linking health spending per capita, visits per capita and 
life expectancy at birth. Since 2007, things have not improved much in the U.S.. Their spending has increased to $ 7,290 for a life expectancy (78 years) below average (79.2), even surpassed by Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK (Anglo their partners). It is still amazing as it is mounted from the Far East countries, which make much return on their investment in health: Japan, just over $ 2,500 a year per head ensures an average of more than 12 visits and points to a life expectancy of more than 82 years , South Korea, with an average of between 8 and 12 visits, tends to about 79 years and a half with $ 1,688 per year! Looking
life expectancy at birth. Since 2007, things have not improved much in the U.S.. Their spending has increased to $ 7,290 for a life expectancy (78 years) below average (79.2), even surpassed by Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK (Anglo their partners). It is still amazing as it is mounted from the Far East countries, which make much return on their investment in health: Japan, just over $ 2,500 a year per head ensures an average of more than 12 visits and points to a life expectancy of more than 82 years , South Korea, with an average of between 8 and 12 visits, tends to about 79 years and a half with $ 1,688 per year! Looking right chart is inevitable question: can you know where that money?. The difference is too bulky to be due to mere monetary tightening.
No wonder the U.S. Democrats have raised a lot of reform without heeled left. Da to believe that an average citizen in Portugal have a life expectancy greater than the average citizen in the United States at a cost 6 times smaller. However, since the Republican Party and that they should look good, no member can be considered average citizen. And now you can go out conservative and traditional liberals to protest against "obamunismo." After all, does anyone know where is Portugal?
