One of the great things about moving outside the US? Health Insurance. Yes, I had it at my last job. But my copay was $250. Which means that for everything below severe injury I was on my own. Need a course of antibiotics for strep? Even the "low-cost" clinic nearby was $65 just to get in the door.
We were talking with a friend who's been here a while and had some kind of sinus disorder. She went to a Ear, Nose and Throat doctor here in Korea. She explained that he gave her the works- Cameras up the nose, some kind of test, an x-ray thing etc etc. The total bill? $7,000 won, about $5.75.
Right before we left Mary had to go to the doctor. Since we don't have sub-standard, socialist, slow-ass medical care in the US, we only had to wait 3 hours. After visit and perscriptions? Nearly $400. And she's still sick- We couldn't AFFORD to go back.
We had to get a full work up here for our Visa. 40,000 won, about $30.00. It took maybe 30 minutes from the time we walked in to the time we walked out. X-Rays, blood work, visual, height, weight etc etc. Boy, this socialist single-payer system really blows, yeah? Where's the wait? Where's the obscene bill?
A reminder to all of our American pals and family members: There's still a debate raging in Congress. It has unfortunately been hijacked by an insane and manipulated minority. Matt Tabibibibibibibibib, who can be a blowhard, does a great job of breaking it down on his blog.
Call your congressman. Just because you HAVE insurance doesn't mean you WILL ALWAYS have insurance. This American Life recently did a heartbreaking episode on 'Recision', or when you go to use your insurance and they say, "LOL haha, no". Private Insurance options only work for the extraordinairly wealthy. Help America to join every other developed nation in the world. Block out the buzz and do your homework and demand some serious change.
As for me, I'm just glad I don't have to be terrified about getting sick anymore. And I'm glad Mary and I can finally afford to get her sinus infection cleared up. It's insane that 2 people who worked 50+ hours a week couldn't afford to see a doctor. They had to get on a plane and cross the ocean.
I just stuck that on my blog. This shit drives me BONKERS
