Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Everyone makes their own choices, but based on my experience..I am going back to the UK. I thought I had it all figured out too, boy was I wrong...good luck ..;)

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Sure there are! They plan ahead, buy gap insurance (albeit at a high price) in addition to medicare which covers all eventualities 100%; they save and make wise invesments. My grandma lived off what grandad had put aside, for years after he died! In the end, my dad had to sell some of her stocks and shares to cover expensive care for her when she developed dementia. We could have put her in some cheapie place but we didn't. I think most people think of their old age and plan ahead. That's what gets them by.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Quite understand, thats why I asked!

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Assuming everyone has the funds to make "wise investments " and save....I think its arrogant to think everyone can do that.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

That's the scariest part of investing in pensions in the US - you have to decide where to invest it, and even the experts haven't a clue (supposedly).

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

It may appear that way to you. But it's the American way! Just trying to explain how old people in this country get by :) I'm sure they do in Britain as well ....

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Understood..:)

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Savings and investments are great, but doesn't anyone remember what just happened to all those investments not too long ago? Many close to retire or already retired lost most if not all.
I know just about all our friends found those retirement savings and investments they had are now worth not much more than the cash they had started with, (we actually ended up with less) Theres no way to save enough unless you are earning way over the 6 figure mark and living like you don't. Even then it can be tough.
I have been to the homes of some of those who saved and did it all right and now in retirement are totally screwed.
I really do hope for the best, but Dh and I are now planning for the worst and keeping our fingers crossed. We are following our kids back to UK probably in 2012 (so long as the house sells, that the only thing that isn't worth less than when we bought)

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Normally once your over 65, medical is not a big issue for most people. Medicare covers 100% of your hospital stay after $1,000 deductable and 80% of your outpatient service for $96 per month. Medicare Part D (for about $30 per month) will pick up most of the cost of drugs.

If you want 100% coverage, you can normally get private supplemental or Advantage coverage for about another $100-$200 per month.

Now of course if someone never saved any money and/or worked under the table and paid little into social security and therefore get a small amount of social security benefits at retirement, even those costs can be overwhelming. However people that fall into this category are probably eligible for other government benefits (medicaid, food stamps, heating subsidies, section 8 housing, etc.) but people usually have to jump through hoops to get those benefits in the US.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

:thumbsup:

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Thank you, nice to read it in a language I understand. Just so much doom and gloom one has to wonder how it works, again thanks.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

No, it's not. It just depends on whose hype you happen to believe.

Ian

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

This is true! My 68 year old Dad on the other hand lost value on his IRA in the 2000 stock market crash. Today he is not as well off as he originally thought he would be but he's tough old bird. He does quite well on his social security. He is desciplined like his Dad, has worked hard all his life and nothing fazes him. He is optimistic that the present economic climate is only a temporary phase. Historically the US has always survived and overcome and he has faith in the system.
This is something that no one but an American can understand. The resilience of this nation ....

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

As well they should be. Once you allow your rights to be usurped, it's the end of civilization as we know it.

Ian

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I have been here 34 years and I am an American citizen. I have seen many things come and go here, I love this country, but I have many friends who cant afford health insurance, so they neglect their health....I think its a sad situation for the richest country in the world..its time for things to change here. Americans are resilient, but alot of them die to soon because they cant afford healthcare. Just my opinion.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

It is what it is.

Some good, some not so good, some crap.

Some of the country is great, some not so, some crap.

Cost of living...well you guessed it, the same theme running.

It's pretty much like that for any country though, so how great it is or isn't all depends on the whole package, what you want out of it, where you end up, how much cash you get to spend and what you do for a living.

It's certainly generally not as good being poor here though, that's pretty much one constant.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Hope you've got a solid home and don't shoot some kid across the street in a moment of panic.

Time better spent getting out the window...

Guns are pretty cool though, and you are allowed them, so why not own one...but personal protection reason is the lamest one to have.

But that's another topic...

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

You think think after so many years away from the UK the NHS is better? They die to soon because they can't afford the healthcare or because they didn't plan for it?

I sound aggressive, truly I'm not being, I am just very interested in why people think the UK is better?

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

This is a whole separate issue :) We are all for healthcare reform! I was watching "Meet the Press" (or was it the Chris Matthews Show) this morning. The statistics mentioned for those without healthcare was staggering. That's a crying shame.
Sorry to hear about your misfortunes after living and working in the US for 34 years :( There's nothing like losing your money at this stage of the game to put you off -- I truly am sorry!!

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I have no illusions about the NHS, I just know I wont go bankrupt should I need it.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

More likely to just get your policy cancelled on you if you're to pricey, plus you become beholden to the job. Serious illness, don't think the waiting in the UK in real terms is all that bad, can be for the not so serious, but then the US isn't that different in that regards.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Ace and when did you last pay National Insurance?

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Well at least they don't cancel your insurance before you are even finished getting your final cancer scan. So if the all clear wasn't forthcoming you'd be up sh1t creek without a paddle.
How do you plan for it? We buy medical insurance or work in a job that provides it. What else is there too do. Oh yeah we have 6 months of living expenses saved. not much else people can do.
We are/were a family of 5 earning $48,000 a year, quite normal and average income even for around here.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

She'll be heading back to work from what she's said in other conversations. So I guess she'll be paying like anyone else.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

With a how many year gap? Thats my gripe, the NHS is so not what so many people remember!

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I paid into it before I left, and plan on doing so again when I get home. I am not now, and never have been a freeloader if that is what you are suggesting. I plan on working and doing my part when I get back, and god willing I wont need to use the NHS for anything serious. I will take my pension when the time comes from the US social security insurance, that I am paid up in full. I am a British citizen and an American citizen, and have never expected anything for free. I just wish it was more affordable for Americans.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Not necessarily better, but you can get BUPA for £30 a month if you really want to top up your healthcare and you aren't going to have to worry about taking this pill this week or whether to pay for heating/groceries etc.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Thanks MUmmy..;)

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Disgusting I agree, is the UK any better, mmmmmmmmm?

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Bugger off 30 quid of Bupa might get you a plaster for your cut!

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

As a family of 5 (then) just over 5 years ago, we paid 19 GBP a month for BUPA coverage through my husbands work.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I'm with the, it's ok living here, we're getting on with it, some things are better, some are worse, some are about the same. But I wish we hadn't bothered moving here in the first place.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Wow as a family of 3 we paid about 350 a month, but we did get free newspapers and meals for visiting guests :rofl:

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

How long have you been in the US??

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

A lot less than you which is why I feel able to comment!

Oh and I still pay my NHS contributions because never say never!

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I think maybe it was also a benefit from the company so we weren't paying the total amount.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Well, I hope you are very happy here, I was for many years...

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I consider myself fairly liberal and support universal health care but I wouldn't want to see the US go the extremes of much of Europe.

In order to give out more benefits, tax rates would need to rise. Currently the US taxes at about 28% of gdp (federal, state, and local income taxes, FICA taxes, sales tax, corporate tax, gas tax, excise tax, import duty, property tax, and all other taxes) where as the UK taxes at 39%, France at 46%, and Denmark at 50%.

If the US was taxed at the same rate as the UK, that would mean that all those taxes would need to be increased by 40%. Naturally all taxes can't be increased by that amount so Europe tends to disportionately increase VAT and gas taxes.

Instead I would prefer having the US reduce it military budget to the same percentage of gdp as the UK or France. This reduction would save about $300-$400 billion per year that could be used for benefits.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

Good for you, I was 18 when I came here in 1976..head in the clouds..married soon after to an American...If I had known then what I know now ,maybe I to would have made payments...but we dont always know what the future will bring.

Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
 

I think it's the same when a small number of people say things like 'The UK is going down the pan' or 'The UK is finished', both things I have read elsewhere. I don't see any evidence of the US going to rack and ruin, obviously the gun crime situation puts some off with good reason but that tends to be restricted to larger cities generally. We went to America in the 90's and loved it but I wouldn't consider living there for various reasons, that doesn't make it a terrible country to live in it just wasn't for us.