Another comparison between U.S. healthcare and the rest’s

Or: why the American healthcare system fucking sucks. We keep hearing (rightfully so) about how pathetic the state of healthcare is in America with its exorbitant costs in exchange for quality that really isn’t all that superior. (Just look at America’s average life expectancy; hell, it’s lower than Canada and most of Europe’s.) A commenter pointed out a post at Applied Statistics where graphs are shown that illustrate, rather vividly, just how gaping the discrepancy between the amount Americans spend on healthcare, and the life expectancy they have, compared to the healthcare systems of various other countries – most of whom do have universal healthcare coverage in place.

The following two graphs showcase the same statistics and data, but in different formats. First, using a scatterplot graphic:

Quite frightening, no? But, for an even better idea, here is a parallel-coordinates plot showing the same data. This is just chilling:

[Click for full size]

So: the populaces other countries, including Canada and the majority of Europe, are able to enjoy from a distinctly longer average lifespan whilst simultaneously being blessed with less than half the costs of healthcare than Americans do … And they’ve all got universal healthcare coverage.

Tell me again about how “socialized healthcare” is wrong? Or is the data not clear enough? Universal healthcare works. Ask ANYONE from a country that has it. The waits may be a little longer at times (though this is by far a localized issue, rather than a general one), but the quality of medical treatment received is in no way lesser – hell, take a look at those life expectancy averages again. They’re better.

But nooo – the gov’t is out to kill you! With socializm!!!11!

(via @Naturalismus)