Over the years, politicians have debated whether or not universal healthcare should be implemented in the United States of America. Healthcare is a system countries use to aid citizens in maintaining their physical and mental health. Universal healthcare pertains to the government provided coverage of each citizen in the country. A single payer healthcare system coverage is typically funded by a public organization, rather than a private insurer. The United States follows a hybrid system of the two.
Citizens can apply for insurance through a private companies as well as pay out of pocket for things such as doctor visits, surgeries, hospitals and medications. The universal system should be implemented in the United States because it is a moral right and it will in turn boost the economy. While also in an economic crisis, hundreds of thousands of citizens die each year solely due to health care negligence. However, allowing universal healthcare would significantly reduce the death rate and supply opportunities for financial reform.
This system would be exceptionally beneficial to the general public because it would decrease the death rate and it protects every citizen, not just the “upper class”. If the United States adopted the universal method of care, the country’s economy would drastically change. For example, they could potentially boost their economy by following after countries with universal healthcare, such as Denmark. According to Matthew Bruenig [a writer for Demos, Salon, and The Week as of 2014, the United States percentage of citizens lacking healthcare is at 10. 4% where Denmark’s stands at 0%. Demos) America is the only fully developed country without universal healthcare. Due to this, nearly 45,000 deaths are annually linked to the lack of healthcare. Losing that many people per year cuts back the economy because it means less people working, less buying, and producing less.
With an equally distributed cost, the U. S. could follow in Denmark’s “footsteps” and continue to boost the economy as well as save the lives of loved ones. Also as of 2014, the U. S. spends 18% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare whereas Denmark only spends 11% of its GDP on healthcare. Demos) This statistic shows that if America had universal healthcare, the percentage of current government spending on healthcare would decrease and could be deposited into areas such as the military and public education. For example, if 7% of the budget goes to education, more students would grow to provide services such as medical and businesses. The businesses provide goods and services which people will buy, therefore boosting the economy. Due to single payer healthcare, the U. S. has a brief economic put back where as implementing universal healthcare would allow the budget to expand its horizons.
Because money does not fall from trees, taxes will increase if universal healthcare is implemented in the United States. Assuming the government pays what it already pays for healthcare, [news reporter] Ryan Whitacker reports universal healthcare in the United States will “cost an estimated 562 billion dollars in taxpayers money”. (Decision Data) Although it seems like a lot, 562 billion divided by 243 million taxpayers in the united states is only $2,312 per taxpayer. Instead of scrimmaging for change in the scene of an emergency, the money will come directly from the paycheck.
Healthcare will be evenly distributed amongst citizens, resulting in a lower total amount spent on healthcare per household. Assuming the United States undergoes universal healthcare, citizens will have more spending money, which results in a higher demand for production. Instead of dividing healthcare costs specifically to each person, an increase in taxes amongst all citizens would cover the costs of universal healthcare, which in return could result in economic productivity.
Along with the country’s conomy, universal healthcare will also economically affect the lives of many families. As of 2012, the United States poverty rate is soaring at 17. 9% whereas Denmark’s is placed at just 5. 4%. (Demos) If universal healthcare was introduced in America, poverty levels could significantly decrease. Almost 75 of Americans are forced to choose between placing food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads. In the event that a medical emergency occurs to one of the uninsured family members, the medical bills could be so high it puts the family on the street.
Even if the family member was insured, healthcare does not fully cover the costs of the surgeries or medicines needed. If the United States changed to a universal healthcare system, poverty rates would decrease. It would give families stuck in poverty the opportunity for a better life and yet again, boost the economy. In compliance with families, healthcare is internationally recognized as a moral human right. On Dec. 10, 1948 the United States and 47 other nations signed the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The document stated that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one’s family, including… medical care. ” Because of this United Nations document, the right to universal healthcare is viewed as a basic human right. This document helps prove that the United States did partake in an agreement for universal healthcare which also contributes to it being a moral obligation.
In 2005 the United States and the other member states of the World Health Organization also signed World Health Assembly resolution 58. 3, which informed that everyone should have access to healthcare services and should not suffer financial hardship when obtaining these services. This is another time the United States partook in an agreement for universal healthcare and contribution to it being a moral obligation. With this being stated, the United States has partook in more than one agreement on universal healthcare and contribution to it being a moral obligation, so the United States should be making it a priority based on its previous actions.
As every rose has it’s thorn, there is a negative result of universal healthcare. If this system went was forced into act, it is predicted that citizens will overuse their health privileges. Dr. David Kelley, PhD, reported when “… Medicaid went into effect in 1964, people living below the poverty line saw physicians 20% less… ” However, when those poverty level patients were placed on Medicare, they “… saw physicians 18% more often than people who were not on Medicaid” (Atlas Society).
Further explaining, people could take advantage of free medical services. However, referring back to the quote, individuals without Medicaid were not seeing physicians, more than likely because of the lack of health insurance or Medicaid. The data shows poverty-stricken citizens’ physician visits went up 18% after Medicaid was implemented, but isn’t that the whole point of healthcare? It continues with “… 18% more often… ” than those not on Medicaid, again leading back to the idea that those who are not covered, cannot afford medical attention.
Implementing universal healthcare would allow doctors to financially proceed, possibly creating more offices for all of the citizens covered by the universal system. Once the nation’s health has been taking care of, citizen’s can then worry about economically saving our country by continuing their education, or possibly becoming business owners. Without universal healthcare, many intelligent, important, economic leaders and tax paying citizens could otherwise pass away due to not receiving the health services they needed, creating an overall burden to the economic sector of the country.
Overall, implementing universal healthcare in the United States will allow for positive economic reformation and promote the wellbeing of its citizens. This system could potentially provide healthcare to all citizens. In order to reproduce and further industrialize, the individuals could stay healthy and continue to work on the economy. The system would allow the money the government spends on healthcare to be greatly reduced and spread amongst other issues instead. Finally, bringing universal healthcare in the country will allow poor families to live comfortably, yet again contributing to the economy.
