> added stress of the huge bills
I really wish people would talk about these sorts of soft costs more often.
I grew up in the UK, moved to the USA in my mid 20s. While growing up, my parents divorced and my mother had to take care of me and a sibling. All 3 of us had medical conditions that needed regular care/checkups.
Not once did my mum ever spend hours on the phone chasing down bills or insurance rejections. We never paid out of pocket for prescriptions, doctor visits, A&E (USA translation: ER) visits, etc.
That stress, or lack of, is a huge factor in quality of life for a family.
Unfortunately this sort of discussion is heavily politically charged. I really don't want to start an argument thread comparing how taxes pay for socialized care, etc.
I really wish people would talk about these sorts of soft costs more often.
I grew up in the UK, moved to the USA in my mid 20s. While growing up, my parents divorced and my mother had to take care of me and a sibling. All 3 of us had medical conditions that needed regular care/checkups.
Not once did my mum ever spend hours on the phone chasing down bills or insurance rejections. We never paid out of pocket for prescriptions, doctor visits, A&E (USA translation: ER) visits, etc.
That stress, or lack of, is a huge factor in quality of life for a family.
Unfortunately this sort of discussion is heavily politically charged. I really don't want to start an argument thread comparing how taxes pay for socialized care, etc.