Fix Pacifica: Map of Universal Health Care

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Map of Universal Health Care

Universal health care around the world (as of December 2009).
Single-payer universal health care (16) Public universal health care through other means (51) No universal health care or no data Posted by Steve Sinai

53 comments:

Kathleen Rogan said...: Soon the map will be all red.; March 23, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Many of the gray counties above are too poor to have much of anything civilized, then there's the South Pole. Who would think in America the barbarians would be far right Republicans. Now truly the party of NO. Fortunately even with the negative obstructionism, Health Care Improvement is moving forward.

Most all Presidents since Teddy Roosevelt have tried to move some form of universal health care forward in the United States. Our version is mostly private enterprise with needed oversight and regulation from the federal government.; March 23, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Steve Sinai said...: Following is a list of the top 20 countries according to the UN's (uh-oh, black helicopters) Human Development Index. The US, at #13, is the only one that didn't have some form of universal health care.

Why are all these other countries able to do so well with universal health care, while the US will supposedly collapse and go commie?

1. Norway 0.971 (▲ 1)
2. Australia 0.970 (▲ 2)
3. Iceland 0.969 (▼ 2)
4. Canada 0.966 (▼ 1)
5. Ireland 0.965 (▬)
6. Netherlands 0.964 (▬)
7. Sweden 0.963 (▬)
8. France 0.961 (▲ 3)
9. Switzerland 0.960 (▬)
10. Japan 0.960 (▬)
11. Luxembourg 0.960 (▼ 3)
12. Finland 0.959 (▲ 1)
13. United States 0.956 (▼ 1)
14. Austria 0.955 (▲ 2)
15. Spain 0.955 (▬)
16. Denmark 0.955 (▼ 2)
17. Belgium 0.953 (▬)
18. Italy 0.951 (▲ 1)
19. Liechtenstein 0.951 (▼ 1)
20. New Zealand 0.950 (▬)

Human Development Index; March 23, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Steve, I'm a little confused by this index, is this like an evolved human, quality of life index?

Even though I think our people probably work too hard, too many hours, and are under too much stress, here's a follow-up list of life expectancy, on this list we're #49.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

In the tradition of "black helicopters" the above list is from the CIA government library.; March 24, 2010 at 12:40 AM
Steve Sinai said...: The Human Development Index link at the bottom of the comment explains it, Kathy.; March 24, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Steve Sinai said...: Or maybe I should say "Kommie Kathy".; March 24, 2010 at 12:43 AM
Kathy Meeh said...: Thanks Comrade Steve, I didn't look far enough into the UN "Very High Human Development" Index:

1. Life Expectancy (average lifespan)
2. Education (highest attainment)
3. Adult Literacy (reading and writing)
4. Gross Enrollment (education from kindergarten to postgraduate)
5. GDP (measurement of a country's overall economic output).

Guess the UN is just another "Commie" organization which values high human intelligence and productivity relative to health and lifespan. Norway #1, guess all they have to do is fish, read, improve themselves, and give-out the Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama received that peace prize last year, that should make all us "real Americans" proud. ABOUT NORWAY; March 24, 2010 at 1:26 AM
Kathy Meeh said...: For some reason the official Norway website did
not come up, try again..if not you know how to find it.

ABOUT NORWAY; March 24, 2010 at 2:10 AM
jim alex said...: Because the US has a huge lobby. Doctors have Mercedes and House payments to make.

Henry Kaiser went to Congress after World War 2 with a "Kaiser type" national health plan and he was laughed out of Washington D.C.

The country has become parted into the "have's" and the "have-not's" The "have's" are the base for the politicans who donate money to keep them in office. The have-not's are just fed BS, and eat up the politicans long winded promises to keep them in office.

The Gov't on every level sold us out long time ago. Do they care about anyone else but the base, no.; March 24, 2010 at 7:11 AM
Kathleen Rogan said...: "Let me remind you this [Americans allegedly dying because of lack of universal health care] has been going on for years. We are bringing it to a halt. The harsh fact of the matter is when you're going to pass legislation that will cover 300 [million] American people in different ways it takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people."

The comment by Dingell begins 6 minutes 23 seconds into the twelve minute-long podcast of his interview on Smith's radio show. The podcast is titled "Congressman John Dingell tells Paul W. Smith he is thrilled with the passage of the health care bill." It can be streamed or downloaded as an mp3 audio file from this page at WJR's Web site.

* Amish, Muslims to be excused from Obamacare mandate?
* The Azure Letter (D)

Monthly Archives

* March 2010
* February 2010
* January 2010
* December 2009
* More...; March 24, 2010 at 8:40 AM
josecuba said...: "I pledge resistance, to the Czar, of the Divided States of America, and to the Communism for which he stands. One socialist, without God, divisible, with healthcare and welfare for all" - (author Orlando A. Granado-Balaez, March 22, 2010); March 24, 2010 at 8:50 AM
LOL said...: Cadillac Escalade

I was out shopping yesterday for a new ride. Just for fun, I took a Cadillac Escalade out for a test drive. I wanted to sense that Escalade "feel" before they become extinct through even more mismanagement by the government...

The salesman sat in the back seat describing the car and all its wonderful options.

The seats were of particular interest. He explained that the seats directed warm air to your butt in the winter and directed cool air to your butt in the summer heat.

I stated the car must be a Republican car.

Looking a bit angry, he asked why I thought it was a Republican car. I explained that if it were a Democrat car, the seats would blow smoke up your ass year-round.

I had to walk back to the dealership...; March 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM
Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard said...: I noticed that the HDI ranks Canada either at the top or close to the top dating back to 1980. Let's have a good look at Canada's "model" health care system shall we? Please make special note that "The median wait for an MRI across Canada was 10.1 weeks. Patients in Ontario experienced the shortest wait for an MRI (7.8 weeks), while Newfoundland and Labrador residents waited longest (20.0 weeks)." The last three times I needed an MRI I received it the same day it was ordered. In one case, it saved my life. Be careful what you ask for...

As for the credibility of the HDI:
Economist Bryan Caplan has criticised the way scores in each of the three components are bounded between zero and one, so rich countries effectively cannot improve their ranking in certain categories, even though there is a lot of scope for economic growth and longevity left, "This effectively means that a country of immortals with infinite per-capita GDP would get a score of .666 (lower than South Africa and Tajikistan) if its population were illiterate and never went to school."[12] Scandinavian countries consistently come out top on the list," he argues, "because the HDI is basically a measure of how Scandinavian your country is."

Read the full story:
Wait times for surgery in Canada at all-time high: Study; March 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Steve Sinai said...: From the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services website -

"In British Columbia, more than 400,000 hospital-based surgeries and treatments are performed each year. If you need surgery or treatment that is not an emergency, you will be placed on a wait list. An individual who needs emergency surgery does not go on a waitlist; they receive treatment without delay."

BC Ministry of Health; March 24, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Anonymous said...: http://www.muckety.com/Paul-Pelosi/4624.muckety; March 24, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Kathleen Rogan said...: You believe the BC Ministry?? Maybe we should find a citizen or two and ask. I would take their word over BC Ministry.; March 24, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard said...: Nice link Steve. Reads like an advertisement for B.C. - oh yeah, it is! Guess we should all go to the City of Pacifica web site to get the real skinny on Pacifica. Certainly they'll tell us if everything is okay or not. Who needs Fix Pacifica?

More about surgical wait times in Canada:
Surgical wait times down but Canadians still waiting more than 17 weeks for treatment; March 24, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Unknown said...: Say it's not so about Pelosi! I so trusted her.

"Let me remind you this [Americans allegedly dying because of lack of universal health care] has been going on for years. We are bringing it to a halt. The harsh fact of the matter is when you're going to pass legislation that will cover 300 [million] American people in different ways it takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people." John Dingell

He was just tired and didn't know what he was saying.; March 24, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Steve Sinai said...: Dr. Fine, you seem to think that all medical procedures are emergencies. Most aren't.

And if it's a choice between waiting a little longer for health care vs. no health care, I'll take the former.; March 24, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Lois, I think we all understand health care reform is needed including John Dingell. The Republican "in your face, how far right can we go" team will fail because this country must move forward. You think the people aren't controlled? I have two article posts coming.

In far right terms, the question is really whether those who are uninsured and under-insured actually have the "right to life." The Republican "no on everything" obstructionists say no. I think "real Americans" if they can read and have an open brain will come-around, see this for what it is and support the work to assure we all have medical coverage.

Getting there initially will take 4 years, graduates from medical school are expected to double. Soon this will be a great time for scientifically/humanistically minded young people with great brains to go into medicine.; March 24, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Unknown said...: I vote for peace on earth and let it begin in Pacifica.

I also choose to keep my brain closed once I figure out how to do that. Thank you for knowing what is best for me, Kathy.; March 24, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Once everyone is brok-er, who will even give a shit about everyone having an equal share of health care. Our Government has set the new precedent, raping and pillaging and narcing on your family and friends is the new way of life in America. It is now widely accepted.

You have a bigger tv then me........not fair.
You have a bigger car then me.........not fair.
You have a house and I don't.........not fair.
You have kids........they no longer belong to you.
I will take all you have, you no longer have a right to any of it. This is the New America. Obama's America.; March 24, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Lois, in the view from the 85% of the people who control 7% of the wealth, economic reform and better wealth distribution could improve "peace on earth" for us all. The "human Development Index" which Steve posted on his "Map of Universal Health Care" (3/23/10) was such an indicator.

There were two of those "what would Jesus do" letters-to-the-editor in the Tribune this week, one chose compassion.; March 24, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Unknown said...: Mark 14:7 (New International Version)
Jesus said:
"The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me."

You making this an issue of non-compassion is not the case. Those of us who disagree with you do not think that the government taking over health care is the answer to the problem. Do I believe that there are changes that are necessary? Yes. This is just not it.; March 24, 2010 at 4:34 PM
Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard said...: Steve Sinai said: "And if it's a choice between waiting a little longer for health care vs. no health care, I'll take the former."

"Choice", Mr. Sinai, is the name of the game. "Choice" is exactly what it is all about for those of us who cherish what that implies and sadly realize that "choice" is exactly what we will lose with Obamacare.

In fact, "choice" is what we had enjoyed in this country since its inception until the Legislative and the Executive Branches decided to ceremoniously remove it the other day. "Choice" manifested itself in tiered health care options. I am not willing to wait like you are so I am willing to pay more for my health care. You, on the other hand, can utilize the multitude of public health care options that are already available and are either free or priced according to your ability to pay. And, of course, there are a variety of PPO and HMO options for you - since you seem okay with waiting for treatment. It used to be you get what you pay for. In today's "feel good, let's be just like Europe society", last place finishers get the same prize as the winner. That is, unlesss you are a federal employee.; March 24, 2010 at 5:01 PM
Rev Run said...: Good morning. Someone recently said to me that they don't go to church because its full of hypocrites, I said come anyway, there's always room for one more! :-)

God is Love; March 25, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Since fixpacifica has put up a "Global Map" of the world. Here is some recent "Global News" of what our President is doing to our troops. YOU SHOULD BE OUTRAGED!

http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/u-s-troops-to-march-in-red-square-parade/

Read this.; March 25, 2010 at 9:26 AM
Kathy Meeh said...: Kathleen, don't you ever quote anything but an aggressive far right blog? Got some facts? The "outrage" is the total lack of respect for this President who is an important part of the solution.

This website also has a "repeal obamacare" yes or no. Of course no discussion on the merits, no scandal, no alternative proposals, no participation by Republicans on health care. Republicans didn't even vote on health care reform for this county. What, they didn't think it was important to participate? Here's a new slogan for Republican leadership "agitation and obstruction without participation".; March 25, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Unknown said...: Kathy, can't you ever just address the subject material at hand rather than attack the source?; March 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Kathleen Rogan said...: This breaking news today, "Health Care Industry Excited about Reform". ****Who in their right mind would vote for this?!?!? I will say this, the Republicans BETTER be the party of NO. I will go after them with a much BIGGER vengeance if they turn. And, believe me I HAVE and I WILL. There are good democrats. I know many of them. They are remaining silent. Why? We will see them in november.

Kathy, the links in that last article are being reported from your side. Jeezus!; March 25, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Kathy Meeh said...: Lois, not according to you. Address what? Information delivered as a radicalized diatribe, without proper researched identification from a far right blog.

How about referenced facts from legitimate sources, then we talk. Can't you, Kathleen and a few other "no names" that post here tell the difference?; March 25, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Unknown said...: Oh, I understand now, Kathy. We can't use any source that disagrees what you believe in. Got it.; March 25, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Comrade said...: I understand now too, Kathy. All ya had to do was 'splain it to me. Here is a quote from a source you should accept.

"The sitting Pacifica City Council are all libs and members of Kathy's Pacifica Democrats organization. The only City Council person Kathy has supported in the past 8 years is Cal Hinton -a conservative and Republican" --Pravda Today, March 2010 edition; March 25, 2010 at 11:18 AM
The Libtard said...: I wonder if Cal Hinton can see Russia from his house?; March 25, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Unknown said...: Kathy said "There were two of those "what would Jesus do" letters-to-the-editor in the Tribune this week, one chose compassion."

The question of what would Jesus do? He would be encouraging all people to repent, to find forgiveness of sin and believe in Him so that they might have eternal life. His agenda was not to give everyone healthcare. He did heal a few people, though, without benefit of a hospital or medicine.; March 25, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Believer said...: "heal a few people, though, without benefit of a hospital or medicine"

Sounds like Obamacare...; March 25, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Barry O'bama said...: Jesus got nuthin on me!; March 25, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Kathy Meeh said...: Right Lois, with better solutions to heal the people, Jesus would say "save your money, let the people die or be maimed, pay down the budget busted by my prior disciple (Bush)-- and, be sure to advance the "hate" philosophy promoted by my representatives Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and others. Screw-up the brains of the people that will help the cause of heaven on earth."

Opinion vs. fact, there is a difference.

Comrade, almost almost "got my number" regarding the city council. I'm just a member of the Pacifica Democrat's Club, and they do bring-in timely information and leadership speakers to this community.; March 25, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Unknown said...: You really do amuse me sometimes Kathy. The diatribe you just posted says more about you than anything else you have said.; March 25, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Kathy, Can you do me a favor? Can you find out from Barbara, with her connections and all, if the Amish and Muslim are exempt from this health care bill. Please.; March 25, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Anonymous said...: I am trying to locate the language within the bill, but I believe the exemption is for those with religious based objections.

So while the bill doesn't name Muslims or Amish by name, they would be able to be excused from paying in, based upon their traditional religious beliefs with regards to paying for health insurance.

It is my understanding that Christian Scientists would be exempt as well.

I will post when I find the language and can provide a link.; March 25, 2010 at 1:02 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Anonymous has responded to the concerns of religion, "opt out" could makes sense. The bill would not otherwise excluded certain religions. I'm wondering what provisions will be made for illegal aliens who have been excluded.

Here's an article on the reconciliation measure which passed through the Senate today. SENATE VOTE; March 25, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Word on the street is this, all exempt parties;
All of our Executive branches,ie, Pres , Senate, Congress, SCOTUS, and chosen staff. Amish, Muslim, Scientology, Jehovah Witness.

The pool of taxpayers to pay for this has just shrunk by how much? Looks like the Pres is targeting a certain majority of Americans. A poll was taken not too long ago, the poll stated that a good 80%-90% of Americans recognized themselves with Christianity. I wonder how many will now convert to another religion.

Also, news release from Israel that our President snubbed Netanyahu and will not allow a picture with him. He sent the poor Dali Lama out the back door of the White House when he visited Barry Soetero. That's his real name. There are no records that anyone can find of where and when he changed his name to Barack Hussein Obama. No records of name change. What we do know is that , when he came back from Pakistan is when his name had been changed to a muslim name.; March 25, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Oh yes, and illegal aliens are also excluded from having to pay for health care reform.; March 25, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Anonymous said...: There are no mentions of specific religions in the bill.

The text of the bill may be found here in PDF form (this is the enrolled version of the bill from the GPO site):

http://tinyurl.com/ya4nxab

The text regarding religious exemptions is covered at H.R. 3590-128 (numbering is a top of the pages).

The text reads:

`(2) RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS-

`(A) RELIGIOUS CONSCIENCE EXEMPTION- Such term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual has in effect an exemption under section 1311(d)(4)(H) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which certifies that such individual is a member of a recognized religious sect or division thereof described in section 1402(g)(1) and an adherent of established tenets or teachings of such sect or division as described in such section.

`(B) HEALTH CARE SHARING MINISTRY-

`(i) IN GENERAL- Such term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual is a member of a health care sharing ministry for the month.

`(ii) HEALTH CARE SHARING MINISTRY- The term `health care sharing ministry' means an organization--

`(I) which is described in section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a),

`(II) members of which share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and share medical expenses among members in accordance with those beliefs and without regard to the State in which a member resides or is employed,

`(III) members of which retain membership even after they develop a medical condition,

`(IV) which (or a predecessor of which) has been in existence at all times since December 31, 1999, and medical expenses of its members have been shared continuously and without interruption since at least December 31, 1999, and

`(V) which conducts an annual audit which is performed by an independent certified public accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and which is made available to the public upon request.; March 25, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: Sheila Jackson Lee (D)Congress Woman -Texas
is talking about how the dems missed insuring children with pre-existing conditions in their health care reform bill. They will not be insured under this bill. She said she did not read the bill.; March 25, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Kathleen Rogan said:

"Barry Soetero. That's his real name. There are no records that anyone can find of where and when he changed his name to Barack Hussein Obama. No records of name change. What we do know is that , when he came back from Pakistan is when his name had been changed to a muslim name."

It's a hoax, Kathleen. Check it out at http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/occidental.asp

BTW, did you know that the word "gullible" is not in the dictionary? Look it up.; March 25, 2010 at 3:09 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: Thanks Anonymous retrieving the optional religious exemption, and ministry exempt from taxation clauses.

Information "from the street", is that like advisement from "the guy on the bus", Kathleen? Where is the Congress Woman Lee quote? She did not read the bill, a pre-existing condition clause for Texas children that would not have an override from national legislation, really?; March 25, 2010 at 3:23 PM
Steve Sinai said...: "Word on the street" or somesuch means "I'm making it up".; March 25, 2010 at 3:49 PM
Anonymous said...: No problemo.

I think anyone who accuses the Health Care Bill of doing something egregious (or not doing something) should consult the bill themselves (via the link I gave) and independently confirm the information instead of taking someone's word for it on the internet.

Sadly, forming opinions via independent analysis of source documentation is done very little these days and people prefer to have media mouthpieces speak for them.

It's a little depressing especially given the ease with which documentation may be located these days.; March 25, 2010 at 5:00 PM
It's all for the children... said...: "the dems missed insuring children with pre-existing conditions in their health care reform bill."

FACT! LOL@Dems! Looks like Pelosi was right. Now that the bill has been passed we know what's in it. Too bad for the kiddies. Guess they need a stronger lobby...; March 25, 2010 at 6:04 PM
Kathy Meeh said...: "Too bad for the kiddies, Kathleen or whoever", do you really care? I think not, except for political fodder. However, your quotation is from where? Under what context, by whom, where can it be found? And, Important or not? If not important, why is it being promoted? Is there a patch, which is likely after all.

Also, those who looked for information, or tuned-in to quality news programs knew what was in the health care reform bill in advance.; March 25, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Kathleen Rogan said...: I was watching it live on the Neil Cavuto Show. He had Rep Sheila Jackson on. He was asking her about the latest media reports of sick children were left out of the bill. That's all I got. She responded by saying, she did not read the bill.

I heard later in the day that they would try and fix this. When ? They did not say.; March 26, 2010 at 12:03 AM