"I'm sorry, but I think the idea of having to go to a third world country to get medical care because it's gotten to god-d#*! expensive in this country is disgusting."
Interesting email.
I replied back that I appreciated him taking the time to write me. I also noted that, yes it is pretty unfortunate that a country, like this one, has not yet come up with a system that allows affordable medical care to everyone.
I then thought to myself, "I'm not sure what that email was actually implying". I couldn't believe how odd it actually was.
I'd like to address each point as the was presented in the email:
"I'm sorry, but I think the idea of having to go to a third world country to get medical care..."
I do not blame this writer for not knowing anything about Costa Rica. Honestly, before doing my research. I too, did not know much about Costa Rica except for where it was on a map and the fact that it has GREAT weather. Upon further research though, I found that Costa Rica is a vibrant, stable country with very high rankings in health care. None of those describers imply the thought of a traditional "third wold country". In fact that term is completely outdated. The term originated during the cold war to describe a country that did not have an alliance with either the US or the Soviet Union. The term "third world country" has since been an adjective to describe a poverty stricken country with an unstable government.
Quick Facts:
-Costa Rica's health care is ranked higher than the US by WHO (World Health Organization)
-AARP backs Costa Rica as a wonder place to retire (Believe me the AARP has too much of a reputation to be recommending anyone go to a country where they will not receive adequate health care or is a "third world country" with drug lords running around the streets with machine guns.)
-National Geographic says Costa Rica is a top 5 climate in the world
-NASA proclaims Costa Rica as the healthiest climate in the world
-Happy Planet Index boasts that Costa Ricans are the happiest people in the world and have the highest life satisfaction
-Costa Rica's ecomony is very stable and ever improving (opposite practically the rest of the world)
-Costa Rica does not have an Army or Navy because they do not get involved in conflict
-Country wide literacy rate of 96.2%
I guess, depending your version of the arbitrary definition of "third world country", any country could fit your model.
"...because it's gotten too GD expensive in this country..."
If you've read some of my previous posts you know how I feel about the extra and un-need expenses that are involved in US health care. I guess for this writer health care has not been an issue. It's been such a non-issue for him that he feels that going to any country besides the US for medical care is just silly. I bet 50 million un-insured Americans don't think it's as silly or in his words, disgusting. Maybe Medical Tourism isn't for them, but when you are forced to swallow a $25,000 medical bill for a knee replacement, it'll make you at least explore some other options.
"...is disgusting."
Again going back to the first point that Costa Rica is not a "Banana Republic" but a healthy, intelligent country. I don't see whats disgusting about it. Now, if it were a Witch Dr. performing surgeries in a hut with rust knives while spouting gibberish, yea that'd be disgusting. On the other hand, when it's highly educated and experienced surgeon performing procedures in a state-of-the-art facility, where everyone speaks English and treats you like a rock-star, that is not disgusting at all. Quite the opposite of disgusting if you ask me.
Thank you so much, Mr. Editor, for your email. Sometimes I forget how unfamiliar most American's are with any other country other than the great U.S. of A.
Knowledge is power!
If you'd like to see the press release referenced in this article just follow the link below.
http://www.prlog.org/11863344-spiraling-healthcare-costs-in-the-us-causes-citizens-to-seek-alternatives-for-care.html
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