Week 11 - Universal Health Care Response

[image source: https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20170725.061210/full/]

Question: What are the pros and cons of universal healthcare? (source: @katelynhlo1)

response: The biggest pro is the elimination of healthcare debt. There are millions in the U.S. who don't have healthcare and our current system is outrageous and can cause just as much harm as it does good. By providing health care (which should be considered a basic human right) free of charge to all citizens, we can ensure that everyone can get the help they need without going bankrupt. People shouldn't have to choose between food or medicine and people should not be afraid to go to the hospital. Ambulances alone are ridiculous. The United States should be providing health care as part of its agreement to protect its people. Some cons to this would be increasing the U.S. debt, but I think we can move some budget things around to afford it. An actual con might be that wait times for medical help could increase. We are currently seeing a mess in hospitals in regards to COVID patients, with hospitals maxing out on spaces and having to send people away. Giving everyone access could overwhelm the system, but that it less of a 'Universal Health Care' problem and more a 'our current system sucks' problem. Another con that is argued, that I don't believe is true but should be addressed, is that there is this fear the this will lead the United States into socialism. I think that's a cop out. Overall, we, as a wealthy country, should be providing health care for all of our citizens and the fact that that is not a thing is a failure on our government.