PBS NewsHour

Critical Care: America vs the World

Millions of Americans have no health insurance, and live in fear that one illness could bankrupt them. Even though the U.S. spends far more on health care than other high-income nations, Americans still die of preventable diseases at greater rates. The PBS NewsHour special “Critical Care: America vs the World,” examines how other nations achieve universal care for less money, with better outcomes.

Critical Care: America vs the World

56m 5s

Millions of Americans have no health insurance, and live in fear that one illness could bankrupt them. Even though the U.S. spends far more on health care than other high-income nations, Americans still die of preventable diseases at greater rates. The PBS NewsHour special “Critical Care: America vs the World,” examines how other nations achieve universal care for less money, with better outcomes.

Previews + Extras

  • ‘I’m actually working in health care and can’t afford it': asset-mezzanine-16x9

    ‘I’m actually working in health care and can’t afford it'

    2m 58s

    LaKeisha Parker worked for years as a certified nursing assistant but couldn’t afford health insurance. When she got cancer, she lost her job, her home, and was living in a homeless shelter when the pandemic hit. “Critical Care: America vs the World,” airs April 21 on PBS, and examines how four other nations provide universal care for less money than the U.S., while getting better outcomes.

  • In UK, ‘No one says ‘that’s going to cost too much'': asset-mezzanine-16x9

    In UK, ‘No one says ‘that’s going to cost too much''

    2m 2s

    Ten-year-old Liam Murphy gets superb care for his Down syndrome, epilepsy and chronic lung disease from the UK’s National Health Service. Without that single-payer system, his father says their family would be bankrupt and Liam wouldn’t survive. “Critical Care: America vs the World,” airs April 21 on PBS, and examines how other nations provide universal care at lower cost and with better outcomes.

  • When a pandemic hits, does universal health care save lives?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    When a pandemic hits, does universal health care save lives?

    2m 40s

    Ruth Castellanos is a COVID “long-hauler,” and sees a battery of specialists. While her symptoms are alarming, thanks to Canada’s single-payer health care, her bills are covered. Does universal health care save lives when a pandemic erupts? “Critical Care: America vs the World,” airs April 21 on PBS, examining how other nations provide universal care at a lower cost, with better outcomes.

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