By Mireya Mucino Gonzalez
Many politicians and citizens support universal health care, which is a system aimed at providing medical coverage for all. It is frequently debated in policy discussions to ensure equal access and reduce individual costs, as seen in countries like Canada and the UK.
Universal health care has been a recurring point of debate in American politics for years, with many politicians, citizens, and advocacy groups calling for its implementation. As the U.S. continues to struggle with one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, universal healthcare, which aims to provide medical coverage for everyone regardless of income, background, or insurance status, could be the solution, according to “U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective” By Sara R. Collins. In countries like Canada and the UK, universal health care ensures that citizens have access to necessary medical care without fear of an insurmountable bill, and there is reason to believe that the United States could see similar benefits.
The universal healthcare system ensures access to medical services for all residents, including those without insurance and without financial instability.
Consider childbirth; giving birth is a natural process that can be life-threatening, yet in the United States, it often comes with a high price tag. Even with insurance, the cost of giving birth can be thousands of dollars, a burden most other developed nations don't impose on new parents, according to the “Universal Health Coverage: Overview” By the World Health Organization. By contrast, in countries with universal healthcare, childbirth-related expenses are covered, helping to reduce stress on families and ensuring that mothers can focus on recovery and caring for their newborns without worrying about financial strain.
The high healthcare costs in the US burden the average family, with an average family of four paying nearly $6,500 in 2023, including employer-sponsored insurance. This burden makes it difficult for middle-class and lower-income families to cover other essential expenses. Universal healthcare could help families save money for other necessities.
Universal healthcare could potentially save Americans money by eliminating individual insurance premiums, copays, and deductibles, streamlining costs, and increasing efficiency across government-sponsored programs.
A look at Canada and the UK reveals some of the potential benefits of universal healthcare. In Canada, the healthcare system is often referred to as “Medical for All,” it covers nearly all medical services for citizens. Taxes fund the system, but individuals don't have to worry about medical bills every time they visit a doctor or need a medical procedure.
Similarly, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides healthcare to all residents, with the understanding that health is a fundamental right. These systems are not without their challenges. For example, wait time can be longer for non-emergency care, but in both countries, citizens are assured access to healthcare, and many report a high level of satisfaction with the care they receive.
In the U.S., where medical bills are one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy, the need for universal healthcare seems even more urgent. Medical debt can cause financial stress, causing people to prioritize basic needs over health. Universal healthcare systems can help improve the quality of life for millions of Americans without financial burden.
Additionally, universal healthcare could improve public health by making preventive care accessible for all. Many people delay or avoid seeing a doctor because of the cost, often allowing minor health issues to worsen.
If everyone had access to regular checkups and screenings, conditions could be caught and treated earlier, potentially saving lives and reducing the strain on hospitals and emergency services. Preventive care could help reduce the rates of chronic illnesses and improve the overall health of the population, which would benefit society as a whole.
Critics of universal healthcare argue that it limits patients' choices and government involvement, but many countries offer private insurance and allow some providers to choose. Accessing affordable healthcare without financial hardship could be a fair trade-off for many Americans.
Some also worry that universal healthcare could increase wait times for certain medical procedures. While longer wait times may be a reality for no urgent care, emergency and essential care remain readily accessible in universal healthcare systems. By ensuring that all citizens have access to basic and preventive care, we could potentially reduce emergency room visits and lessen the burden on hospitals over time.
In conclusion, while implementing universal healthcare in the United States would be challenging and require adjustments, it has the potential to address many of the issues plaguing the current system. The high costs, lack of accessibility, and financial risks associated with healthcare in the United States. are unnecessary burdens that the universal healthcare system could help alleviate.
Healthcare is a basic human need, and ensuring that everyone has access to it should be a priority.
Comentarios