Pros And Cons Of Universal Health Care

Debates on America’s health care system, namely between politicians, have been going on for many years. The U.S. currently has a for-profit private health care system, aside from a few exceptions (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid). While some people are happy with the private system, there are others who would like to move to a universal health care system, where health care for all is publicly funded. America is the only major country without universal health care. Countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and France have all adopted some form of universal health care. People that oppose universal health care argue the system reduces the quality of care provided. They believe the private system is the most innovative due to
should implement universal health care because it would provide coverage for all of its citizens. Another term for universal health care is single-payer insurance, which best describes its function. With universal health care, doctors still run private practices but they only deal with one insurer, that insurer is the government. The government funds health care through taxation, this is the reason everyone receives coverage under universal health care. Since President Obama implemented the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, millions of people have been able to get coverage. However, there are millions more who still do not have health insurance. In an article written by Amy Goldstein for The Washington Post, she notes there are currently “…10.5 million uninsured Americans” (Web). The term universal health care seems to be unpopular with many people but the majority of Americans are in favor of its main purpose. According to a New York Times/CBS poll, “Sixty-four percent agree that the federal government should guarantee health insurance to every American” (qtd. in Kingson). As a country that prides itself in doing what is best for its citizens, America should provide health care for all. Providing health coverage is a moral issue, it should not be available only to those who can afford it, health care is no different than public safety. Any individual would have a hard time explaining how America is willing to provide life-saving services through a police
According to the authors of America Needs Universal Health Care, Eric Kingson and John Cornman, in 2014 health care expenditure was sixteen percent of America’s gross domestic product (GDP) (Web). That number is higher than any other country. Insurance rates are high but it does not always mean a person is paying for more or better care. Considering there are so many insurance companies, who all differ in features (i.e. coverage, deductibles, co-pays, premiums), it makes it difficult for buyers to choose the insurance that is best suited for them. Some people end up with too much coverage while others with insufficient coverage. Another factor, due to America’s for-profit system, is the high income produced for drug manufacturers, specialists, and others who have influence over policy. For instance, consider the fact that “U.S. residents spend $97 billion a year in excessive administrative charges to insurance companies” (Kingson and Cornmana). The high health care costs reduce working people’s take-home pay. Therefore, not only would cutting this type of excessive spending help the working class save money, it would help fund a universal health care program that would cover all