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AIBU?

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Original poster

people who say the NHS is free?

251 replies

Sallygoround631 · 02/04/2022 00:17

It isn't free. This is truly absurd. It is funded by us, and always has been.

I see this so often on MN, and in all seriousness too, as if it is a free gift the government give to us.
I've read more than one poster suggesting we wouldn't have an obesity epidemic if the MHS wan't 'free', and that the US healthcare system would benefit us!
WTAF?
Because the US has never had an obesity issue....

How can anyone of adult age in the uk think the NHS costs us nothing?
Christ, and you wonder why the government takes the piss.

OP posts:
HereWeGoAgain322 · 02/04/2022 00:23

Perhaps they don't pay a lot of NI or taxes? So think it's free. Forgetting those that do, pay a lot. Think my DH pays a grand a month in taxes & NI.

Thinking2041 · 02/04/2022 00:26

I know. It’s ridiculous!
Is there a figure out there to tell us what we pay on average to the NHS a year?

ToothGrinder · 02/04/2022 00:26

Yes it's free and they're all heroes and we should all be grateful we're not dead.

MurmuratingStarling · 02/04/2022 00:28

AGREE. They're the same kind of muppets who assume council housing/social housing is free. Like anyone/everyone living in social housing gets it for free.

They're so stupid, badly educated, and ignorant.

mrsmacmc · 02/04/2022 00:30

Agree OP it really irritates me too 😡 I guess folk think it's 'free' as a physical transaction doesn't happen handing over card / cash / cheque / insurance policy details.

echt · 02/04/2022 00:32

It's free at the point of access, which is what people mean. But I think you know that, OP.

Bunty55 · 02/04/2022 00:34

Well it is free for those who do not work isn't it?

Tothemoonandbackx · 02/04/2022 00:34

I cannot agree more. I've had this argument more than once with others about the cost of the NHS. You see people on television saying, "God bless the NHS, we're so kucky it's free".....and then I have to stop watching. It is NOT free, people who work pay into it. I am able to use the benefits of the NHS, as I have a life long condition and the NHS allows me access to medical equipment that I would never be able to afford if I lived in another country, BUT, I have also been paying NI since I was 15 and have been working ever since, (early 30s now). If it wasn't for others contributing through NI, then its very possible I would not have been able to have this help medically.

Sallygoround631 · 02/04/2022 00:35

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Kanaloa · 02/04/2022 00:36

Well it is free isn’t it though? If you were homeless, no money, couldn’t pay any taxes, the nhs will still serve you. There are countries where the very poorest just can’t afford to see a healthcare professional.

There’s also no such thing as ‘medical debt’ here. There’s no sitting down before you have a baby and wondering how much it will cost you just to push it out.

Obviously you pay for it in tax and those who are very high earners will pay more than those who are poor but that’s not generally what people mean when they say ‘isn’t it fantastic that the very poorest in our country can access free healthcare.’

echt · 02/04/2022 00:40

*Cool your tits love, im not interested in a fight

jeremyjamjam · 02/04/2022 00:40

I really don't think that many people think the NHS is "free". The majority of people do understand why we pay taxes and NI.
By free, people are talking about free at the point of contact, about how provision of health care is not directly related to how much we earn, how much we have saved, nor to the amount you've actually paid in NI and taxes.
You're being pretty disingenuous, OP.

anappleadaykeeps · 02/04/2022 00:42

"Cool your tits love"

I may have had too much wine to drink this evening, but I love this phrase. Must try to use this in real life this weekend xx

ToothGrinder · 02/04/2022 00:42

Well it is free for those who do not work isn't it?

Only if they never buy anything that includes VAT.

TheHateIsNotGood · 02/04/2022 00:44

"Free" as in point of access in a general sense as it's not necessarily all free (eg: prescriptions and dentistry).

Do you have some comparison countries with better "free" healthcare systems that you might suggest the UK aspires to?

I've had cool tits for years,

ToothGrinder · 02/04/2022 00:45

Eye tests and glasses aren't free either.

Wnkingawalrus · 02/04/2022 00:45

There are plenty of individuals that get more out of the nhs than they put in.

ChunkyMonkey2020 · 02/04/2022 00:59

The nhs nearly killed me last weekend and the amount of people that have said to me " you can't complain because it's free".

It isn't bloody free. We all pay for it in our taxes.

Shmithecat2 · 02/04/2022 01:04

@echt

It's free at the point of access, which is what people mean. But I think you know that, OP.
This. It seems like you're just looking for something to faux rage at tbh.
ToothGrinder · 02/04/2022 01:07

Words do have meanings though and which words we choose to use effects perception. It is considered churlish and lacking in grace to complain about a gift,or anything that is free. For example.

ToothGrinder · 02/04/2022 01:08

*affects

StarbucksSmarterSister · 02/04/2022 01:11

They're the same kind of muppets who assume council housing/social housing is free. Like anyone/everyone living in social housing gets it for free.

Bloody hell, do people really believe that? Shock That's even worse!

Topseyt · 02/04/2022 01:20

They've taken the "free at point of delivery" mantra too literally. They often don't look further than that.

Of course it isn't free, but if you are down on your luck and have no money the system will still treat you.

If your earnings are within the tax threshold then at that point you are paying no National Insurance but will still be treated.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 02/04/2022 01:25

I think (as an NHS worker) that patients should know exactly how much a missed appointment costs the NHS .

From the Admin to the letter
The building ( a lot of NHS sites are rented )
Heating , lighting, maintaining
Security
The time of the clinician who is waiting ( and yes there's always something I can be getting on with , but I have to wait for them)
Then I have to contact them , might have to ring 2-3 contact numbers
Upload , print and send a Non Attendance letter .
And of course I'm still paid ( but I don;t get paid extra for overtime)

If they were told Missing your appointment costs the NHS £x
Dentists can /do charge .
Other HCP don't .

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 02/04/2022 01:33

@ToothGrinder

Yes it's free and they're all heroes and we should all be grateful we're not dead.
Grin