British Health Gets the Nod

I am a British citizen who has lived in California for the last seven years. As an interested observer, I note the current concern over the spiraling costs of health care in this country.

I am not an expert in the administration of health care, simply a consumer. Three months ago, I cut my finger badly and was treated at the local hospital emergency room. Fortunately, I have insurance coverage and took all the details with me. I sit at the word processor today, still writing letters trying to get the $117 bill paid.

I broke my collarbone in England last summer. Fortunately, I was eligible for care under the British Health Service and I was even able to keep the X-rays. I dread to think what processing would still be going on had I relied on the American insurance.

My shoulder and finger are fine, thank you. I received excellent medical care in both countries. Isn’t it time we stopped paying for an inefficient administration system which seems to benefit only the investors who buy into the insurance companies? Socialized medicine may not be perfect, but it’s my choice as a consumer.

MARILYN USHER

Thousand Oaks