Sicko

I began my professional career as a social worker in a small town outside Seattle. Most of my clients were either homeless or on the brink of becoming homeless, and nearly 50% of them were in financial trouble because of outrageous medical bills. So when I first heard about Michael Moore's new film, Sicko, I knew I had to see it.

On opening night I prepared myself for a gut-wrenching look into the American health care system, of which I personally have had a variety of experiences. What I saw was not only shocking, but horrifying. Having been a supporter of Universal Health Care since I first learned of it from friends in England, I was surprised by how many countries are truly using it effectively.

So, I've decided to offer some interesting facts and figures from the film, to encourage you to see the film. It is important for every individual that is self-employed, a healing arts practitioner, and anyone that has any contact with insurance companies. You will not be disappointed!

• There were 44.8 million people without health insurance in 2005. By now the number of non-elderly uninsured by this date clearly would be nearly 50 million.
• 18,000 Americans will die this year simply because they're uninsured.
• America is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not ensure that all citizens have coverage.
• On February 18, 1971, Richard Nixon called for a "new national health strategy" that had four points for expanding the proliferation of health maintenance organizations, or HMOs.
• The United States is ranked #37 as a health system by the World Health Organization.
• Four of the largest health industry companies are accused of wrongdoing in Sicko.
• There are four times as many health care lobbyists as there are members of Congress.
• A majority of senior citizens pay over $2000 a year for coverage.
• Canadians live three years longer than we do.
  
• Drugs in England only cost $10.
• In a study of older Americans and Brits, the Brits had less of almost every major disease. Even the poorest Brit can expect to live longer than the richest American.
• A baby born in El Salvador has a better chance of surviving than a baby born in Detroit.
• Like Canadians and Brits, the French live longer than we do.
• The productivity rate per hour in France is higher than in America.
• There is a company in France which will perform doctor house calls at any time.
• The government initially refused to pay for the health care of 9/11 volunteers, because they were not on the government payroll. It remains difficult for the volunteers to access the $50 million fund that has been appropriated for their care.
• In Cuba, access to health care is universal. And, Cuba has a lower infant mortality rate and a longer average lifespan than the United States.

Go see SiCKO and see for yourself how life in this country could truly be great.