How is it possible that a Cuban citizen has a nearly identical life expectancy to an American, despite widespread poverty in his country and costing the government one tenth of the cost compared to an American? (Cuba spends just $813 per person annually on health care compared with America’s $9,403).  The difference comes back to the basic fact that in Cuba, health care is protected under the constitution as a fundamental human right. Also, as a poor country, Cuba can’t afford to waste money on health care. Th system is forced instead to keep people healthy through an innovative approach to primary care. Having more family doctors around is the key.As reported in The Atlantic.[ad]