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Comment by scaladev | Hacker News Reader

Is is normal in the US? I live in what one might consider a third world country, know quite a few insulin-dependent diabetics, and this story is appalling to me. I've never heard of any diabetic running out of their medication and having to ask the internet for help. Just call the local equivalent of 911 and they'll sort it out.

Jesus.

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Americans have developed a survival strategy of turning horror stories into heartwarming tales.

"Homeless person turns to crowdfunding to get themselves a home!"

Americans: Aww how cute!

Rest of the world: What the actual fuck?

"Family turns to internet for insulin supplies because they can't afford them, man drives 1000 miles to give them some."

Americans: Amazing heroism!

Rest of the world: How the hell does a diabetic not get their life-saving medicine?

"96 year old woman flies 200 miles to queue for 6 hours to vote!"

Americans: Wonderful determination!

Rest of the world: Why couldn't she vote where she already was?

Would be nice if americans acknowledged that although their country is great in many things, its not so great in quite a few others, or outright horrible at some. Just like any other place. Maybe take some humble inspiration from places where it can and does work better. It doesn't mean system ends up with communism, dictature and whatnot. Just a slightly more humane system to live in, where rich stay rich just with tiny little less wealth, on levels that don't make any difference to their luxury lives.

If the country is so prosperous as US, its also important for those rich and beyond such petty worries to live in well working society anyway. Otherwise they end up in their little fenced paradise with wolves roaming everywhere outside.

>Americans have developed a survival strategy of turning horror stories into heartwarming tales.

I could not agree with this more strongly. It was a terrible event that I don't think about very often, it just popped into my head because of this post.

Yes, it is normal. There are coupons for insulin that some pharmacists can give out, but they are not guaranteed. Insulin is prohibitively expensive without coupons or insurance. So many people in the US die as a result because they simply cannot afford to purchase the drug that costs pennies to produce.

Type 1 diabetics regularly do not recieve adequate care, even at the basic life-support level here in the US.

I'm living in what is definitely a third world country. This does not happen here. Those who want the best quality care go to private hospitals while a good majority seeks free treatment in state run hospitals. On top of this, most employment contracts come with medical insurance.

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