All people should have free and equal access to the preventative, promotive, palliative, rehabilitative, and curative health services they genuinely need, while also being protected from any financial difficulty resulting from their correct use. This is what is meant by universal healthcare.
Some people will be happy that the US government is implementing a single-payer or universal healthcare system to give all citizens complete health insurance, while others will be disappointed. In spite of taking into account opposing viewpoints, this study will ultimately support the claim that the U.S. government should provide universal health care by presenting a convincing argument in favor of that side of the argument. As stated by Zhong and his associates, the main advantage of a universal health care is the fact that it gives individuals that otherwise cannot afford the healthcare services they urgently need. This form of health care system allows all citizens access to essential health services, and it does not discriminate. The system helps people that are unemployed or are affected by other factors that make it difficult for them to get health care services especially when they need it. Perhaps, it is one of the leading advantages of a universal health care system. Each member of the society that benefits from a comprehensive health care system can access health care despite his or her social status. Since all human life is extraordinary, the poor can receive the treatment or health care plan that in normal circumstances can only be afforded by wealthy individuals. Thus, this form of health care plan puts all members of the society on an equal platform, which is a good thing for a nation (2136).
Improve Public Health
The entire American population can spread around the increasing health care costs so that everyone can get access to basic care and in turn improve the overall public health. A universal health care plan will help in improving the health status of the general population, since all individuals have equal access to quality medical health care. Thus, it can lead to a significant reduction in the illnesses suffered by the general population; create a healthier community and increase the public productivity (Cunningham, Kramer, and Narayan 403).
All individuals can get access to free treatments for basic medical conditions without the fear of not having the capacity to pay for them. It can help in reducing the severity and spread of infectious diseases as well as other common health problems that may be ignored by people if they cannot afford primary health care.
Business Benefits
As of 2011, around 56% of Americans were enjoying the benefits of health insurance through employers in the private sector. The high costs associated with the payment of employees' health insurance put private businesses of the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage when compared to the international marketplace. Hence with the presence of universal healthcare system, private companies will be able to save by freeing up the funds being used in health insurance and divert them for investment in other business areas. It could reduce associated employer labor cost by about 12.5% (Cunningham, Kramer, and Narayan 403).
Counter Arguments
Expenses
The first counter-argument bases on the idea that universal health care is exceedingly expensive. It may be difficult to estimate the general costs of introducing the single-payer or comprehensive health care, but it is evident that the sum is enormous. Critics insist that the government may lack enough funds to provide free medical assistance to the entire population. It is estimated that the approximate amount needed to reform of the health care system is around $1 trillion (Magill et al. 1199).
Increased Waiting Time
A universal healthcare system increases waiting time dramatically, which can lead to severe problems. Once there is free health care system for everyone, it is obvious that the lines in hospitals will increase. People suffering from the most insignificant illnesses might also want to consult the doctor. Ultimately, the waiting time for persons that are in need of help may increase (Magill et al. 1198).
Over-regulation
It is also likely that a universal health care system might lead to over-regulation. In case the government finally spends money on a universal health care coverage, it would exercise more control over its operations. Currently, the doctor's profession is hugely formalized, but in case the government employs medical workers, the bureaucratic amount of work will substantially increase.
Efficiency
Critics of a universal healthcare system also argue that it could most likely be less efficient than the current U.S. system. Economists state that in case there is no consumer for goods, their quality could fall significantly. If the government funds medical care, most likely the medical staff will receive the same pay and compensation despite the quality of services rendered. Material stimulation is sturdy, and a single-payer health care system lacks it (Magill et al. 1198).
Regardless of the factors above, some Asian countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan are doing it. This means that if the issue of increased waiting time, over-regulation, and efficiency can be managed by other countries, the U.S. can also manage. Besides, in December 2015 the United States President Barrack Obama delivered the state of the union speech and mentioned that America being the most powerful nation and its activities in regards to health matters and other factors have a significant impact on the entire world. There is no credible reason as to why the U.S. government cannot provide its citizens with universal health care (Magill et al. 1200).
In addition, universal health care system draws support from the Dec. 10, 1948, United Nations Declaration which stated that people have a right to a proper standard of living that supports their general health and well-being. It includes medical care. The World Health Organization and the United States also threw their support for a universal health care system by signing the World Health Assembly resolution 58.33 that stated that every individual should have access to good health care services (Zhong et al. 2133).
Conclusion
Even though a shift from the existing healthcare system to a single-payer or universal healthcare system may be a huge task, it is the only solution that can provide equal healthcare for every American regardless of gender, age, or income. A universal healthcare system that covers all Americans will automatically reduce administrative expenses. The money currently used by private companies to pay for medical covers can be allocated to disease prevention measures. Today, many Americans get hold of their jobs due to the health insurance provided. The single-payer healthcare will free people and allow them to be more productive.
Works Cited
Cunningham, Solveig A., Michael R. Kramer, and KM Venkat Narayan. “Incidence of childhood obesity in the United States.” New England Journal of Medicine 370.5 (2014): 403-411.
Magill, Shelley S., et al. “Multistate point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections.” New England Journal of Medicine 370.13 (2014): 1198-1208.
Zhong, Toni, et al. “Barriers to immediate breast reconstruction in the Canadian universal health care system.” Journal of Clinical Oncology 32.20 (2014): 2133-2141.
