Do we need health system reforms? Oui, oui mon ami!

We watched Michael Moore's documentary Sicko in class a couple weeks ago and if you can recall, it highlighted France as one of the most effective providers of universal health care. How accurate do you think Michael Moore's portrayal of France's health care system was? Second, the French system is a complex mix of private and public financing, do you think it can offer valuable lessons for reformers in the US?

While Michael Moore's depiction of all other health systems as health utopias was overly simplified and exaggerated, there are some truths to the film that we can, indeed, use for future reform efforts. For example, France has their way with their government. All citizens are more than willing to put the French government in its place by staging massive protests and exclaiming their discontent. In addition, French citizens, as compared to Americans, possess more obligation to help others in society. This is illustrated by the proportion of taxes that contribute to the overall GDP, which is 45%, almost 10% higher than the OECD average of 36.9%. Thus, when thinking about health system reforms here in the US, we can definitely look to other countries, such as France, to improve our system. But, unfortunately, if our nation continues to allow the current administration and members of congress, state and local leaders to push their agendas rather than our own, we will continue on this same vicious cycle of enormous health costs of decreasing value. Without more unified efforts, we can never be stronger than any of the various lobbying powerhouses, and sadly individualism and profit-centered practices will plague our citizens for many years to come...

Song to get you in the mood: "(You gotta) Fight for your right" by the Beastie Boys