People who push for private healthcare are either the type that could afford it or are the sheep following them.
And the thing is, private healthcare is great for those who can afford it. Both specialists and PCPs are readily available for appointments in the US, and the quality of care is good!... You'll just end up bankrupt if your employer doesn't provide good insurance.
It's fucked up, and it's not equitable. But I understand why it's appealing to the wealthy.
Both specialists and PCPs are readily available for appointments in the US
Where are you going? I usually have to schedule my appointments at least three months out, or there is no availability. My girlfriend had to wait a year and a half to see her OBGYN
No no no that's only supposed to happen with universal healthcare! That only happens with socialism! Sean Hannity said so! Our system Is The Best On Earth!™
There are plenty of parts of healthcare that are privatised and pay only. Some of this paid for by the NHS and the current government are attacking the "costs" of that. Especially as the treatments are often more expensive when done privately than they were on the NHS. Dental and optical treatment are privatised now. Much of our ambulance and rescue service are now private or voluntary. We're seeing ever increasing costs for the ambulance services, while watching wait times skyrocket. Given private ambulance firms are measured on a few KPIs, they are targeting those over general care. Many surgeries that used to be covered (such a cleft lip) by the NHS are now regarded as cosmetic and come with insurance deductibles or are not even covered by insurance.
Many industries, such as software development, are offering private cover as a workplace bonus. What that means in reality is when I come off my motorbike, the expensive emergency surgery I need will be covered by an NHS surgeon. The insurance company will then "elect" to pay for me to be moved to a comfortable hotel/hospital where I can stay in comfort. That comfort is what I'll be paying my insurance for, not the actual surgery.
Haven't heard of that phrase but it's an apt analogy for my fellow Brits. Same with Brexit. Wasn't till afterwards did they realize that what they voted for and were upset. Heaven forbid you listen to those warning you about it.