I think you are dreaming if you think they have a better healthcare system than the US. We've all heard the stories of people having to bring their own bandages, bedsheets and antibiotics with them to the hospitals. The maximum legal salary is $20 per month. How does anyone live on that? That's a princely sum that adds up to 67 cents per hour. Every neighborhood has their own community stooge that keeps watch to make sure no one is doing anything subversive like speaking against the government. I'm not sure you actually believe the stuff you are saying. Maybe you work for the Cuban government.

This story (https://nationalpost.com/opinion/michael-j-totten-an-eyewitness-account-of-cubas-shocking-wretchedness) was written in 2014 so it's fairly recent. I don't believe what you say. It can't be that in less than six years living conditions in Cuba have changed that much. How much does the regime pay you to repeat its phony propaganda?

I was in Cuba last year as part of an organized tour. We visited mid-island and western Cuba. Did not get to the eastern part, which I understand is quite poor. Great trip. No problems at all.

Some useful hints:
(1) Currency Exchange: Cuba imposes a hefty extra charge on converting US currency. Change $$$ to pounds or euros before you go, and change them into Cuban currency.
(2) Types of Currency: Cuba has 2 different currencies, one for locals, the other tourists. Don't even think about using the local currency.
(3) Shopping: Cuba has several types of stores:
- Stores for Tourists with a surprising amount of high quality goods. Very expensive (think Rodeo Drive). Must use Tourist currency there.
- Stores for Locals with very limited variety and stock. Very low prices. Must use Local currency there. Tourists can not shop there.
- Necessity outlets. These are remnents of the strictest Communist days. Items such as rice, sugar, etc. are sold there. Tourists can not shop there, but it is worth going in and observing.
- Street vendors- mostly for trinkets and souvenirs. Tourists can shop there, but must pay in Tourist currency.
(4) Cultural Experiences: Worth going to ballet, concerts, etc. We had the opportunity to visit a classical ballet school, a modern ballet group, a choir (best renedition of Shenandoh I ever heard!). You may have to be part of a cultural program to attend these events.
(5) Other vacation stuff: As part of a cultural exchange program, we were not allowed to visit beaches or other vacation spots. I heard from several Canadians that the beaches and beach resorts were fantastic. I do not know how US citizens can get to them, if that is your thing.
(6) Old cars: Although there are many old American cars, I found that most were body shells with a variety of swapped mechanicals and interiors. A truly restored antique car is a rarity, and worth a fortune, even in Cuba.
(7) Food- Despite rumors to the contrary, food was plentiful and quite good. We ate mostly in hotel dining rooms, except for special meals at sites we were visiting or restaurants in major tourist areas. The days of eating rice and beans in someone's back yard are long gone.

Hope that this helps. If you go, have a great trip.