Health

Kathleen Sibelius’ Bogus Claim About U.S. Health Care: ‘Like a Developing Country’

Politico calls out Kathleen Sibelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for a bogus remark she made about the American health care system earlier today:

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says patient outcomes in the United States are like those in “a developing country” – and that they’ll stay that way if the health care reform law if repealed.

“The delivery system changes are what will affect underlying costs, and that impacts everybody,” Sebelius said Thursday. “We pay 2 1/2 times what anybody else pays in the world, and our care outcomes look like we’re in a developing country.”

The United States actually ranks well above developing countries on multiple health indicators, coming in right above the European Union on infant mortality and slightly below Portugal on life expectancy, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Kathleen Sibelius Bogus Claim About U.S. Health Care: Like a Developing Country

The United States does, however, regularly pay much more for common medical procedures than other developed nations. Prices for everything from the delivery of a baby to the replacement of a hip in the United States are more than double the costs in countries like Canada and Germany, according to the International Federation of Health Plans’ annual survey of medical costs.

For a more thorough takedown of Sibelius’ general view–a view that is unfairly critical of our health care system–check out this article on the ignored facts of American health care by scholar Scott Atlas. Atlas is a professor at the Stanford University Medical Center.

He writes:

Medical Care in the United States has been loudly derided as inferior in comparison to health care systems in the rest of the developed world in highly publicized rankings, most notably the World Health Organization’s World Health Report comparing health care in almost two hundred nations….

The reality, from analysis of facts, is that American health care is superior. This inescapable conclusion derives from actual data, not opinion. The world’s leading journals are filled with studies demonstrating the superiority of American medical care to care found in other countries with systems more heavily controlled by government bodies….

It may shock many Americans that the same health systems held up as models by those interested in overhauling America’s are held in very poor regard by the very people who live under them.

Much of the urgency for reform was pressed on the American people by distorting the problems with the system and blatantly ignoring the facts that point to the excellence, and indeed the superiority, of American medical care. Americans enjoy unrivalled access to the most advanced medical care in the world, and important facts—data published in leading peer-reviewed journals—point to the superiority of America’s health care.

For an analysis of the facts and data, check out the full essay here.

Comments (155)

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  • Classicmustangmo
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 7:06am

    The HHS secretary always such insightful comments. I just wonder if we could ask her the “Watergate Question”. “What did you know and when did you know it?”

    When she said we are double counting the 500 billion from Medicare to fund Healthcare, the Illinois Congressman should have asked the question. It is important to know when she knew that, if before the law passed would she be in contempt of Congress for lying. Just wondering.

    Report Post » Classicmustangmo  
  • goldmankc
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:32am

    let’s see, when inflation goes up, so does the price of,,,, oh never mind. the administration is smarter than i am

    Report Post » goldmankc  
  • mcpbob
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:52am

    one of the reason why we pay more is because we have cutting edge technologies plus we simply are forced into giving illegals free health care which drives up our costs and lets not forget those scumbag lawyers who you see sueing everything over anything

    Report Post » mcpbob  
  • VERACIOUS
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:50am

    “patient outcomes in the United States are like those in “a developing country””

    Two words – Congresswoman Giffords

    Report Post »  
    • BorderCollieFeeder
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 9:29am

      I have five more: MD Anderson Cancer Care Centers. Incredible people doing incredible things not collecting a government paycheck for just a nine to five government job nor are they worried about their tee-times or LV purses. My surgical oncologist carries a gym bag back and forth to work and would rather order dinner in and check out cancer paths and figure out how to beat this disease back and save lives than go to a dinner where she would be in heels. We cannot let government control health care. We would not have these amazing research scientists working in places like MDA and others where we would have access to them.

      Report Post » BorderCollieFeeder  
  • Living In NYC
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:49am

    Liar….if it is so good for you progressives, govt employees, your union clowns, Tony Weiner’s friends and your other friends (who paid Barry, like GE who is next) who got exemption you too must share with us in the PAIN of such a POOR EXAMPLE of a rationing healthcare system…I bet we would not have this program if that happened!

    Kathleen…leave me alone and let me pay for the healthcare services I want…not some govt program!

    Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • Chett
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:48am

    Well having experienced health care services in a ‘developing country’ and the US all I can say is that the HHS Secretary only wishes the US was that good.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:40am

    Reminder:

    Our health care system is the BEST in the world –

    and is why the SAUDI KING came to the USA recently – for his medical needs.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:38am

    Not to be mean-spirited – but it kind of seems strange to me that people who Obama/Soetoro has hired to deal with health – are people who are not healthy = Sebelius had a huge cancer growth on her face – surgically removed – that is completely impossible that she did not know something was wrong with her body; and he hired a FAT overweight Surgeon General – to determine how everyone else should live their lives. I am beginning to think that RADICALS were hired – given a title – to spew propoganda – having nothing to do with the Health of US citizens – but more with the decomposing mental hygiene of bureaucrats.

    The $4 BILLION for The First Lady’s “NUTRITION PROGRAM” – is just another means to funnel money to the UNIONS – “nutrition”.

    Usurper President Obama/Soetoro and his administration is a BAD JOKE on The United States of America – that the democrat party will pay for – w another good vote-whipping – in the 2012 elections.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:20am

    Democrat Kathleen Sebelius as Head of HHS – “willfully” – failed to perform the duty and obligation of her job – to review Obamacare – and to give her assessment – prior to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi forcing the vote on Obamacare.

    Sebelius was also involved in the criminal conspiracy – in the abuse of US taxpayer money – to deceive the American people – with the FALSE and INACCURATE Information – on Obamacare – in the commerical with Andy Griffith.

    Report Post »  
  • TheSoundOf Truth
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:52am

    I think Kathleen Sibelius is one of those dead people who voted for Obama.

    Or is she the person in the Mickey Mouse costume?

    Either way, she is as interesting and/or as intelligent as both, or either. Whatever.

    I don’t like her.

    Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
  • TheSoundOf Truth
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:50am

    Kathleen Sibelius is the biggest joke I have ever seen. She has no Idea what she is talking about and has done nothing but collect a paycheck. I am sick of her.

    I hereby Fire Ms Sibelius for incompetence and, well, being a sycophant.

    Is that….is that brown you have on your nose Kath?

    (you guys can interpret that how ever you want. My inference was “brown noser”. Get your mind out of the gutter)

    Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
  • Sheerkon
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:49am

    hey kathleen-bag-of-mostly-water whos a tax cheater baby?dont u just fit right on in with the obama/osama klan!

    Report Post »  
  • Sheerkon
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:46am

    someone let this stepford wife loose?whats next? her and hillary doing bb king cover tunes?“aint no ways and ill be tirrrred” or w/e

    Report Post »  
  • freedomofspeech
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:35am

    @ anniyany28, many Doctors come to America to practice from Canada, wonder why? more money? more freedom to practice, less oversight from the government? doesn’t Canada have high taxes, not really fair for those who don’t want or need healthcare eh?

    Report Post »  
  • dcwu
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:20am

    Red scum.

    Report Post »  
  • dswynne1
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:19am

    The real issue should be weather or not medical services are affordable, not the quality of medical services. Besides, the Health and Human Services Secretary’s only motivation is to keep the power she now has to determine the distribution of those services. So, of course she would be against any repeal or modification of Obamacare.

    Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:18am

    Yeah, right. How many Prime Ministers and Dictators choose to go to “developing” Countries for the very best medical care that they can afford to pay for? They come to the USA because it’s healthcare was developed under the only workable system in the World. That would be Capitalism.

    All these loser Progressives, and people whom call theirselves “Liberals” but are not, (they are Socialists, Communists, and Marxists), were beside theirselves that the USA didn’t have socialized medicine like all the other loser Countries. Obama Care is the first step into Socialism and 60% of the American People did not want it.

    The Demon-crats forced their sick will on the American People against their will. I, for one, don’t really care if people who are illegally in this Country have medical care or not. They are not the responsibility of the citizens of the USA.

    They are not supposed to be here in the first place. Get in line like all of the previous immigrants to this Country – like my grandparents did.

    Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:46pm

      @DIANETX – Exactly how many Prime Ministers and Dictators choose the USA for medical care? Can you give us a number? And a reference for that number? Just asking a question!!
      http://wp.me/pYLB7-PLI

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:13am

    This woman is totally incompetant. Our costs would not be so much if they would pass the “ tort reform” our costs are so high to help take care of lawsuits and Malpractice that other countries do not have.Medicare that the Government is in charge of is a joke and a money pit.We have the best healthcare in the world but it is the most expensive for the above reasons and we all could name many many more.If that Obammycare does go into effect we will probably have to go to other countries to get our care because it will then make us below all the rest of the world. This entire administration is a complete joke, except it is not funny it is scary.

    Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:03am

    Her comment about a developing country came from an under developed mind.

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • people4people
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:27am

    Please get Rid of these People, It can not happen fast enough! I am so tired of there propaganda and lies!

    Report Post »  
  • Strictlybusiness
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:26am

    Devils, Lieing devils, this administration is DEMONIC, they have a complete lack of concern about all the lies they tell. They could care less about the truth. Their Base is uneducated spoon fed idiots. Who buy anything these devils say regardless if the proof completely disproves what they say.

    Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
  • dennybug
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:08am

    Just another way for the left to try and get peeps to drink their koolaide. In my 50yrs. I havent had to wait on health care as do the euro’s and cananadians that are running here for health care. Free market out performs any gov. agency that was ever developed.. KILL OBAMA CARE!!!

    Report Post » dennybug  
    • anniyan428
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:46am

      I live in Canada, I have never once had to wait for my healthcare and I have had several serious surgeries. Furthermore, none of my friends, family, co-workers, or anyone that I know of as a matter of fact, have ever had to wait for healthcare. You shouldn’t just assume that all of us are yearning to come to the United States based on the claims of a few. Most of us enjoy our healthcare system very much and I would never dream of living in a country like the U.S. where the healthcare system is regularly exploited by insurance companies. I have friends that live in the United States that are paying ridiculous amounts of money for their child who was a rare form of cancer. In addition, Canada’s healthcare technology is more than adequate to treat 99% of the general illness ailments that most people face.

      Report Post »  
    • brliantedj
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:38am

      Here‘s the the truth of Canada’s socialized medicine…

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2jijuj1ysw

      As a great gov’t official said not too long ago “don‘t blow sunshine up our butt’s”

      Report Post »  
    • asybot12
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:57am

      I sure wish the population in the US gets informed about the Canadian Health Care system even some of the anchors on Fox and other TV, magazines and internet info have made remarks about this subject that are blatantly self serving. I have had in the past 10 years some serious health issues that were promptly dealt that included 4 surgeries the longest I had to wait for was 3 weeks because the surgery could not be done before other related problems were dealt with. Please educate (like GB always tells you) yourselves.

      Report Post »  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:01am

      @ anni

      as a dual citizen, and frequent visitor, with family still there i can say, without hesitating

      YOUR A LIAR

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • tinydd
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:05am

      And how much in taxes do Canadians pay for this fantastic health care? Well anybody who make over $10k still has to pay 15% up to 29%, which means that just about everybody in the country pays taxes. What a novel idea, everybody contributes.

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:06am

      @ANNI
      Tell your stupid socialist propaganda to the parents of baby Joseph Maraachli and see if they agree with you.

      Report Post »  
    • Highland
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:11am

      I’d like her to tell me in which developing country can you do as I, resident of a very small town, did just last week: call up your doctor because your shoulder is hurting a lot, get an appointment to see him just a day or two later, visit the doctor, explain your problem and be examined, have him order an x-ray, leave his office and go down the street to a satellite clinic of the local hospital, walk in and get the x-ray without waiting.

      There is no chance of that happening under Obamacare.

      Report Post » Highland  
    • audaxrex
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:56am

      @anniyan is right. She is NOT lying. I also live in Canada and am very happy with the system here. I’ve had health issues that would have cost us our house were it not for public health insurance. I doubt our community would have been well served by taking the home away from my wife and children
      And yes, I own a business and pay a decent amount of taxes. It’s money well spent.

      Report Post »  
    • bccrane
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 9:28am

      Did you notice anything about the Canadians posting here:

      anniyan428
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:46am

      asybot12
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 4:57am

      audaxrex
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:56am

      Can anyone say “A”y.

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 9:37am

      What about the morbidly obese woman that called into Rosie ODonnell radio show and said she loves canadian healthcare even though she has waited over 7 years for a lap band procedure and now has diabetes, high blood pressure , etc.. She would come to US if she could afford it.
      It sounded like a horror show and yet she started the conversation with how much she loves Canadas socialized medicine. The Canadians I know warn me that soon US citizens will suffer like Canadians thanks to Obummercare and where will we go for better options.

      Report Post »  
  • Arc
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:58am

    Ahhh, the government once again“ blowing smoke” up our kazoo in hopes we will believe them. Its strange how the administration listens to its Czars more often unless it needs the American electorate to buy some irrational legislation such as Obamacare, then it employs the partisan Cabinet heads with their “ supposed superior intelligence” to stuff it down our throats. Another case of the Left/liberals/Progressives/ Dimocrats trying to convince the voting public that the administration knows whats best for the country. Yep, everything in the country is running as smooth as a baby’s butt. Economy is booming, unemployment is booming, foreclosure business is booming just like a good “socialist country” huh?

    Report Post » Arc  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:50am

    Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says patient outcomes in the United States are like those in “a developing country” – and that they’ll stay that way if the health care reform law if repealed.
    ————–
    Then why is this petty woman exempt from the fed-med-dead law ?

    cheezwhiz  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 11:29am

      I‘m convinced this woman doesn’t know her hmm-hmm from a hole in the ground.

      Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:47am

    Communist on the run & why do people run to us from all over the world to get medical care ?

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:52am

      So why are companies and unions buying exemptions ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:59am

      @ CHEEZWHIZ

      Weiner has the answer .

      Robert-CA  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:08am

      Progressives should all have lobotomies. They are HOPELESS!!!

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:19am

      She needs to go back to Kansas, get a pig farm, and leave us alone. Period.

      Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 2:21am

      Hey Blaze, IS THERE ANYTHING that can be done about the EXTREMELY POOR Typing on the Blaze??? I am the biggest fan of the Blaze and Glenn, but this typing is very poor in these stories, and frankly it’s unprfessional. Some proof reading is all it would take to correct the problem. Good luck with it in the future.

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
    • brliantedj
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:23am

      Yeah, lest ye be frankly “unprfessional.”

      that’s funny

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:37am

      Actually if you read the article, he does not give references for any of his facts and the last part of the article is just opinion. Also when listing the top 10 facts, they are not/ comparisons done with the same countries – different countries are used for comparison for different facts. All 10 facts should have been compared to the same countries but instead he uses Canada or Great Britain in some and other countries for others. This is not a very scientifically well written article and he slanted the article to prove a point instead of gathering the facts, putting them together and drawing a conclusion. The only part of the article I agreed with is that there are problems with all healthcare payment systems.
      His stats may be right but he did not note where he got them from – anyone can write an article and put stats in them without references. This could not have gotten published in any reputable scientific journal. http://wp.me/pYLB7-PL

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:07am

      Well certainly if anyone in her family gets ill– she will do her best to get them out of the third world.

      Europe is good, but then again she wouldn’t know how to navigate the system like the locals.
      There are all of those supplemental insurance options (now why would you need it?) Finding the right doctor–through the public system, and then figuring out which private clinic he is associated with so you can have care which almost compares to the average American hospital or clinic.
      Of course that requires extra money, so if she doen’t have that, she can always be treated completely in the public system, if she has the time to wait her turn. (because , of course the best doctors and surgeons are pretty busy with those private clinics…) Seriously, a woman I know was in a public hospital waiting for urgently needed heart surgery. She was there a week before a nurse suggested to her husband that he check her into the private clinic across town–where she was immediately operated on by the surgeon she thought was on vacation.

      I would love to see Sibelius dumped into this system with a real health problem.
      That might inspire her to get out her calculator and figure out what people here really pay (including the FORTUNE their employers pay on their behalf) for anything remotely resembling the quality of average American health care.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:14am

      Another person in Obama’s administration who can look you in the eye and lie. Which came first, the liar or the lie?

      Report Post »  
    • httpgamb
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:37am

      Simple remake of a European.
      First in the main article the writer speaks of the EU this is a smokescreen because the EU include a lot of former east bloc countries. with are in fact developing countries when it comes health care.

      Two the quality of American health care should not be part of the discussion, because it is as good or better as in Europe. What we Europeans are surprised about is the cost. Not only is the cost for the government higher monitorial and bureaucracy , but also the cost of the insurance premium is higher.

      Three the big difference is not the cost or the quality it`s a cultural difference with cannot be explained in cold statistic. In Europe we don’t belief in bootstraps. We belief that society is as strong as its weakest link and that the strong (wealthy) should help the weak (poor)

      I know that I should not interfere in a internal conflict of a other countries and I apologize voor that: sorry

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:37am

      If US health care stinks so bad. Why does everyone else in the world come here when treatments in their own country fail?
      @WalkAwayFromMe > Thanks for reminding us once again you haven’t a clue what constitutes journalistic OR scientific integrity

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:52am

      I think I would have a stroke, if I ever heard anything come from Obama or his associates that was actually the truth, and if it ever happens, I want my private insurance to pay for my recovery!!!

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 7:01am

      Time for a question and then some opinion….sorry

      Kathleen Sebilius…..is it me, or is she the prototypical Washington Politician? The way she speaks….carefully choosing every word, and that softness to her voice. I get nausea! I’m even feeling nausea as I type. Thats not to mention she is lying the whole time.

      Report Post »  
    • KATSPAW
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 7:36am

      The numbers don’t tell the truth. In some countries infant deaths aren‘t even counted unless they have reached a certain age and most don’t even try to save premature babies like we do in the USA. These numbers don’t count in their infant mortality numbers. I would like to see how the actual studies are done, who commissioned them and who benefits from the results. There is no question that the USA has a health care system that is the envy of the world. At least for now.

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 7:39am

      This commie administration is packed full of liars. They have no shame.

      DeMint/Bachmann 2012

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:14am

      @Strictlybusiness

      “Hey Blaze, IS THERE ANYTHING that can be done about the EXTREMELY POOR Typing on the Blaze??? I am the biggest fan of the Blaze and Glenn, but this typing is very poor in these stories, and frankly it’s unprfessional. Some proof reading is all it would take to correct the problem. Good luck with it in the future.”

      It looks “unprfessional”? ;)

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Sgt.Crust
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:37am

      The WHO, is perpetrating this falshood, we may pay the most per capita, but we have the finest HC around…this woman is dangerous and a fool. Damn, wake me up when this nightmare is over, k?

      Report Post »  
    • 48
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 8:46am

      Liberals, if they’re breathing the lying.

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 9:02am

      Does anyone else get angry just from lQQking at this woman?

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Midwestgirl1116
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 9:59am

      I am from Kansas and we do not want her back!!

      Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 10:03am

      She should have simply stated that 5 million babies would die if Obamacare wasn’t enacted – she missed the DNC talking points memo.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • vidyohs
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 10:11am

      The reason we the highest cost health care system can be explained in two words:
      Socialist government.

      Government meddling, peddling, corrupting, and dealing is what opened the door to the increasing costs of even the most simple procedure or product.

      If you spend your own money, you check to see if you’re getting what you paid for. If you think someone else is paying then concern is easy to let slip. Knowing that people are slipshod about getting what is paid for when on insurance, the providers all down the chain began jacking prices up and scamming the system for all it is worth.

      If the system is broken, get rid of the system.

      Report Post »  
    • Lotus503
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 12:04pm

      A bogus statement from a lousy ex-Governor and a lousy Secretary of Health and Human Services. Just ask the people of Kansas what kind of crackpot she is…

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 1:14pm

      This woman boldly lies and no one questions it. People come to America from many other countries to get treatment because their own country’s healthcare is abysmal. How dare she compare us to be lower than a developing country? Another lib/progressive lying to deter any arguments against Obamacare. This admin produces just one embarrassment after the other. The truth will come out no matter what, so her efforts are feeble.

      Report Post »  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 3:42pm

      @HTTPGAMB,

      You said, “In Europe we don’t belief in bootstraps. We belief that society is as strong as its weakest link and that the strong (wealthy) should help the weak (poor).” That, my European friend, is called a State” run church, where charity is forced upon the individual. You cannot (should not be able to), rightly, force an individual to “care” for his or her neighbor…..at least not in a great, free, US constitutional society. Our freedoms and markets have lead to great advancements in health care, like none other in the world at large.

      I’m not saying there are not ways, within our free market system, to help reduce and control cost for healthcare. I am saying that I should not be forced to pay for, and care for my neighbor. That kind of charity should be born of ones own free will.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Ok the source for health status rankings in the world is the World Health Organization not the CIA. Second, it is well know the US lags behind virtually all of the developed countries including Canada and the advanced European countries, England, France, Germany (West). The use of the European Union here is a case of selective use of statistics. And actually, similar to defense the US spends twice per capita on health care than the next most expensive country in the world. And the 5 countries following us spending less than half what we do have better health outcomes. Oh actually in defense we spend twice as much as the rest of the world combined.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:45pm

      teachermitch32 are you serious virtually every major medical center in the US was built with Hill Burton funds provided by the Federal Government following world war II. That would mean all tax payers subsidized the building of hospitals in all areas of the country. In some cases beyond the economic capabilities of the local, country and state governments.

      Report Post »  
    • abc
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:15pm

      I love the Blaze. We can find 99 doctors with credentials at least as good as this guy Atlas who say that we are paying 2.5 times as much for health care and receive inferior quality care as a result, but they will only quote the one guy on the other side. A couple points to note: 1) Atlas hails from U. of Chicago, the birth place of supply side economics, and many schools of thought that totally ignore equity in favor of efficiency; 2) Atlas is paid by the Hoover Institute, which is a conservative think tank; 3) the substance of his analysis has been roundly disproven by other experts in the field (e.g., Atul Gawande).

      As for Sibelius’ comment, there are developing country’s with superior health care outcomes for a given level of cost than are produced in the US (e.g., Taiwan, Korea, Cuba, Czech Republic, etc.), and then there are a lot of other ones that you definitely do not want to find yourself sick inside their borders. But that is minutia. The substance of the comment is that ditching Obamacare will continue with skyrocketing costs that do not generate commensurate care improvement. It would be nice for the Blaze to stick to the main topics rather than become distracted by stupid side-discussions about whether the US health care system is better or worse than the one you’d get in Seoul or Prague or Bombay or Shanghai.

      Less entertainment. More substance. That’d be nice. Also, less of the exception and more of the norm when selecting experts to quote. Else, you look like you cherry pick the data to make a pre-ordained point. Not very good journalism on either count.

      Report Post »  
    • abc
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:24pm

      In case anyone is taking Atlas’ minority view seriously, you ought to see how it was undermined long ago by mainstream experts on the subject:

      http://www.guaranteedhealthcare.org/blog/john-geyman-md-pnhp/2009/08/06/%E2%80%9Cfacts%E2%80%9D-about-american-health-care-revisited

      By the way, it is important to note that Atlas is funded by GE Healthcare, which has a financial interest in selling the expensive diagnostic equipment that Atlas is so fond of. That conflict of interest, of course, is not cited by the Blaze nor any other conservative publication that ran his work.

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on April 1, 2011 at 6:41pm

      abc…why the excemptions and waivers ????

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:32am

      Rename that picture of Sibelius and give her a new job title based on pic alone…

      Greeta Von Straus – Jewish vacation camp hygiene coordinator.

      God these people are evil.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
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