Universal Health Care in America
opinionated Essay
1224 words
In recent years, the number of Americans who are uninsured has reached over 45 million citizens, with millions more who only have the very basic of insurance, effectively under insured. With the growing budget cuts to medicaid and the decreasing amount of employers cutting back on their health insurance options, more and more americans are put into positions with poor health care or no access to it at all. At the heart of the issue stems two roots, one concerning the morality of universal health care and the other concerning the economic effects. Many believe that health care reform at a national level is impossible or impractical, and so for too long now our citizens have stood by as our flawed health-care system has transformed into an unfixable mess. The good that universal healthcare would bring to our nation far outweighs the bad, however, so, sooner rather than later, it is important for us to strive towards a society where all people have access to healthcare. Until Obama-care, The United States was one of the only developed nations that did not provide some sort of health care for its citizens. To most other nations that do provide healthcare, it is because it is considered a human right that all people should be entitled to. That hasn’t been the case in America, however, where only those who could afford it could have healthcare plans. Those who stand to gain the most from universal healthcare are the already mentioned 45 million americans who currently don’t have any form of healthcare. For many of these individuals, there are many obstacles that prevent them from gaining healthcare. 80% of the 45 million are working class citizens, but either their employer doesn’t offer insurance, or they do but the individual can n... ... middle of paper ... ...ral, and social benefits to be reaped, and so it is important for our government to continue down this path its started and also important for Americans to provide our full support. There is much to overcome to completely reverse the direction of the health system, and I’m sure it will take many years for the results to pay off, but I’m glad we’ve at least provided the groundwork for future generations to build on. Work Cited Himmelstein, D. et al. “Illness and Injury as Contributors to Bankruptcy.” Health Affairs (Millwood), February 2, 2005. Institute of Medicine. “Health Insurance is a Family Matter”, 2002. Associated Press. “GM to slash jobs, close more plants.” Available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8129876/from/RL.2/, accessed December 2005. Institute of Medicine. “A Shared Destiny: Community Effects of Uninsurance”, 2002.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the morality of universal health care and the economic effects of it are at the heart of the issue.
- Opines that the 45 million americans who currently don't have any form of healthcare are most likely to benefit from universal healthcare.
- Explains that even those employed with health benefits can still be majorly affected. in a survey of individuals who declared bankruptcy, 46% listed hospital and medical bills as their main factor for doing so.
- Analyzes the economic effects of universal healthcare on the uninsured, and argues that it would lead to better productivity and better standards of living.
- Explains that dr thorp of emory published a study detailing the potential government expenses for implementing standardized health care. each scenario would save anywhere from $320 billion to $1.1 trillion over ten years if applied.
- Opines that if health care were provided free, many americans would have freedom to make decisions without worrying about whether or not they’ll have health insurance for them and their families.
- Opines that our current health care system needs to be revamped in order to meet our growing needs.
- Opines that the government has taken steps towards a health system overhaul, but skeptics still argue against it, citing the costs as too much or that it's un-american.
- Cites immelstein, d. et al., "illness and injury as contributors to bankruptcy".
Related
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- opinionated
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- Will the Implementation of Obamacare Hurt the Nationn's Economy?analytical essay“President Obama made this telling claim about his signature health-care law: Americans are “Going to the able to sign up for affordable, quality health insurance at a significantly cheaper rate than what they can get right now in the individual market.” (Roy p.1) Since President Obama introduced the legislation bill of the Affordable Care Act, there has been mixed feelings, as a nation, on how it can possibly affect their lives, but more importantly, the economy that is already in chaos. It is interesting to see that even though the nation as a whole is not in favor of the Affordable Care Act, the population will still be in favor of what the Democratic party proposes for health care reform more than the Republican party They show little to no interest in health care reform. Socializing health care in the United States can have its positive and negatives depending on how they are implementing it. The way the Affordable Care Act is written at the moment will not only hurt the patient, by making them wait even longer for care and forcing them to buy health care, but it will also hurt the economy by making the nation dependent on the government and their services. The United States has been going through an economic crisis for a while now and it is evident that health care reform is one of the top issues that this country is currently facing. “The unsustainability of Medicare. The number of uninsured. The rising costs. The uneven quality. Health-care reform is the biggest domestic issue of this year because people are anxious.” (Gratzer p. 28) It is clear that one of the main reasons that so many Americans are uninsured is because of the rising costs of health care, ...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states needs a new health care reform that is worked out as an entire nation, not by just one political group.
- Explains that the affordable healthcare act, also known as obamacare, claims to be different from other countries that have socialized their healthcare, but it is actually quite similar to them.
- Opines that the only people who will not have an issue with obamacare would be the already sick or those who are in extreme poverty because it favors them.
- Argues that americans pay little to nothing compared to what they actually have to pay for their effective and immediate treatment while in american hospitals.
- Argues that the affordable care act will impose new regulations on businesses, stifle jobs, and push the nation toward a debt crisis.
- Argues that the affordable care act will hurt small businesses the most because big corporations are moving into their neighborhoods and stealing their customers.
- Argues that the only way to address health care reform is to first start with the debts that have already been accruing through social medical programs.
- Argues that giving patients and consumers control over health care resources would make americans less dependent on big corporations and big government for their health security.
2141 wordsRead More - A Right to a Healthy Life in Animal Farm by George Orwellanalytical essayThe facts bear out the conclusion that the way healthcare in this country is distributed is flawed. It causes us to lose money, productivity, and unjustly leaves too many people struggling for what Thomas Jefferson realized was fundamental. Among industrialized countries, America holds the unique position of not having any form of universal health care. This should lead Americans to ask why the health of its citizens is “less equal” than the health of a European.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the term "socialized medicine" conjures up images from the russian revolution and george orwell's animal farm.
- Explains that access to healthcare provides financial stability by assuring people that they won't be financially destroyed by injury or illness.
- Explains that human beings have a right to life, but good medicine makes it possible for people to fully enjoy their lives, reasonably free from pain and disease.
- Argues that health care is linked to employment and wealth, which is fundamentally unfair, and offends any sense of justice.
- Concludes that the way healthcare in america is distributed is flawed. it causes us to lose money, productivity, and unjustly leaves too many people struggling for what thomas jefferson realized was fundamental.
928 wordsRead More - Essay On Obamacareopinionated essayThe need for universal health care within the United States has been evident, and needed to be addressed. The old healthcare system was plagued with issues, including expensive premiums that were on the rise, along with an inflated average infant mortality rate and limited average life expectancy, which ultimately led to many people being left uninsured (“Affordable” 2). In the 2012 presidential election, one key issue was how to reform America’s broken health care system, and to instate a successful universal healthcare system that has resolved the previous issues. Being one of the last influential and competitive countries in the world without universal healthcare, the pressure was on for the United States to develop their own system. Since Barack Obama became president, Obamacare, instead of the proposed Romneycare, was born.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the need for universal health care within the united states was evident, and needed to be addressed. in the 2012 presidential election, one key issue was how to reform america’s broken healthcare system.
- Explains that the major goal of obamacare was to provide healthcare to those who wouldn't be insured otherwise. having young enrollees is essential to its future.
- Explains that many americans doubt the future success of obamacare. the rocky rollout of the "lousy website" and other errors and difficulties made americans not want to sign up for the new healthcare.
- Opines that obamacare is still evolving, with little evidence to support or hinder its mandates. since republicans still fight to have the act repealed, the resistance is apparent.
- Explains that obamacare mandated that businesses with at least fifty employees provide healthcare for their employees, but as it was put into action, it turned out to harm the businesses and employees instead of actually being beneficial.
- Explains that business owners with over fifty employees now have to provide health insurance for their employees, so they have done whatever they can to mitigate these extra costs. lowering the wages creates trouble for the employees to pay for other areas of their life.
- Explains that other employees have seen reduced working hours because of obamacare. many families have told tales about how the reduction of hours has impacted them.
- Opines that their wife, who works for the city for over 10 years, is having her hours cut back to 29 hours as a result of the affordable care act.
- Opines that the harms of obamacare become overwhelmingly obvious. one girl now has had her whole future affected.
- Opines that obama's mandate for small businesses creates overbearing harms, but there are positive aspects that arise from the mandate. these benefits are widespread and could help the health of countless americans.
- Analyzes how the harms outweigh the benefits of forcing businesses with over fifty employees to provide healthcare coverage. the only benefit provided by this mandate is the fact that more working class people have business-provided health care.
- Cites demko, paul, dickinson, and evans. "obamacare’s frantic final enrollmentdrive." modern healthcare 44.11 (2014): 8-9.
- Opines that obamacare is bad for families, economy. proquest, issues & controversies, facts on file news services.
- Opines that obamacare has had a rough beginning and since then, has not seen much improvement.
- Explains that obamacare's rough beginning with unsuccessful sign-ups creates an early disadvantage that will be difficult to overcome.
- Analyzes how obamacare is filled with mandates that are hidden within the 20,000 page document and is not extreme enough for using such a large portion of the united states economy.
- Explains that private investment serves more patients and raises wages higher than medicaid expansion, which already costs states 23% of their budgets. small businesses fire or reduce employees to part-time jobs to avoid mandate of healthcare for businesses over fifty employees.
- Argues that obamacare hurts more average americans than it even aims to benefit. it cuts back america’s competitive edge on medical research due to the redistribution of funds.
1954 wordsRead More - The Affordable Care Actopinionated essayThe United States of America is a very socially diverse nation with inhabitants ranging from the wealthiest in the world to near third world-like living conditions. In an essay titled, America’s Shameful Poverty Stats, Sasha Abramsky sheds light on some statistics like, “15 percent of people in America live at or below the poverty line” (Abramsky, Sasha 1). In America many citizens are poverty stricken and left uncovered from a healthcare standpoint, which is why a universal healthcare plan like The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would greatly benefit America. Universal healthcare, for the most part, refers to a healthcare system in which the government provides medical care and financial solutions for all of that particular nation’s citizens. For most people in the upper and middle class universal healthcare is not something they would like to see in America because they already have healthcare, or they don’t want to pay higher taxes because of it. A nation as advanced and developed as America should have installed a universal healthcare plan years ago because it only makes sense to strengthen our nation as a whole. All of America’s citizens should accept The Affordable Care Act to start becoming more socially responsible and help provide healthcare to millions of uninsured Americans in an attempt to help lower the poverty level and provide financial support as well.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states of america is a socially diverse nation with inhabitants ranging from the wealthiest in the world to near third world-like living conditions.
- Explains that america's middle class is shrinking and the lower class growing. why not help our hurting citizens who simply cannot afford healthcare without a universal healthcare plan?
- Explains that social classes in america collide with differing stances and views on almost everything that is debatable regarding social class in some way.
- Explains that the upper and middle classes group members of the lower class with stereotype depictions, which makes the middle and upper classes not want laws like the affordable care act.
- Explains that the affordable care act makes it easier for small businesses to become more socially responsible. small businesses can invest in their employee's wellbeing by providing healthcare plans.
- Explains that obamacare's main purpose was to "make healthcare affordable, or even free, for low-income americans." the supreme court ruled that states could opt out of the expansion of medicaid coverage.
- Opines that the affordable care act will either succeed or fail — it's a socialist agenda that doesn't receive support from die-hard capitalist citizens.
- Opines that the affordable care act will bring more social equality to the poor if america as a whole accepts it and states choose not to opt out of medicaid expansion.
- Explains that the persistent poverty counties are represented by 139 democrats and 331 republicans, and 18 are split between the two parties.
- Analyzes how abramsky, sasha, and young, jeffrey, "by the numbers: health insurance." the huffington post.
1625 wordsRead More - Obamacare: The Affordable Care Actexplanatory essayHealth insurance, too many American citizens, is not an option. However, some citizens find it unnecessary. Working in the health care field, I witness the effects of uninsured patients on medical offices. Too often, I see a “self-pay” patient receive care from their doctor and then fail to pay for it. Altogether, their refusal to pay leaves the office at a loss of money and calls for patients to pay extra in covering for the cost of the care the uninsured patient received. One office visit does not seem like too big of an expense, but multiple patients failing to pay for the care they receive adds up. Imagine the hospital bills that patients fail to pay; health services in a hospital are double, sometimes triple, in price at a hospital. It is unfair that paying patients are responsible for covering these unpaid services. Luckily, the Affordable Care Act was passed on March 23, 2010, otherwise known as Obamacare. Obamacare is necessary in America because it calls for all citizens to be health insured, no worrying about pre-existing conditions, and free benefits for men and women’s health.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the affordable care act is necessary in america because it calls for all citizens to be health insured and free benefits for men and women's health.
- Explains that obamacare mandates that all americans have health insurance while offering the insurance at reasonable requirements and prices.
- Explains that obamacare eliminates the worry of pre-existing conditions when applying for health insurance.
- Explains that obamacare is necessary for americans because of its free benefits for men and women's health.
- Explains the significance of the affordable care act in america. it mandated health insurance, relieved worry of pre-existing conditions, and delivering free health benefits to men and women.
- Describes lott jr., john r. and regnery's at the brink: will obama push us over the edge?
- Describes tate, nick j., the obamacare survival guide: the affordable care act and what it means for you.
1259 wordsRead More - In 2010, the United States took the first tangible step toward universal health care coverage, with the legalization of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent report the total population of the United States is nearly 309 million people (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). In 2009, it was estimated 49 % of the population was covered under an employer sponsored insurance plan (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2009). The same 2009 data reported an additional 29 % of the population was covered under some form of government or public program (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2009). Leaving 17 % of the U.S. population vulnerable without any form of health insurance coverage (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2009). It is this minority that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 will protect.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in 2010, the united states took the first tangible step toward universal health care coverage with the legalization of the patient protection and affordable care act of 2010.
- Explains that the new legislation provides insurance coverage for all citizens ensuring access to medical care.
- Explains the cost of health care in the united states is financed through primary sources: corporations, a family or individual, private insurance companies and government programs.
- Argues that the patient protection and affordable care act of 2010 addresses the issues of quality in u.s. health care.
- Opines that the affordable care act is a good first step, but it's not the end of the road.
- Cites the kaiser commission on medicade and the uninsured and the difference health insurance makes.
2381 wordsRead More - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Pros and Consexplanatory essayOne of the most controversial topics in the United States in recent years has been the route which should be undertaken in overhauling the healthcare system for the millions of Americans who are currently uninsured. It is important to note that the goal of the Affordable Care Act is to make healthcare affordable; it provides low-cost, government-subsidized insurance options through the State Health Insurance Marketplace (Amadeo 1). Our current president, Barack Obama, made it one of his goals to bring healthcare to all Americans through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. This plan, which has been termed “Obamacare”, has come under scrutiny from many Americans, but has also received a large amount of support in turn for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include a decrease in insurance discrimination on the basis of health or gender and affordable healthcare coverage for the millions of uninsured. The opposition to this act has cited increased costs and debt accumulation, a reduction in employer healthcare coverage options, as well as a penalization of those already using private healthcare insurance.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the affordable care act provides low-cost, government-subsidized insurance options through the state health insurance marketplace.
- Explains that obamacare's changes in requiring all americans to have affordable coverage will allow those with medical conditions and disabilities, as well as women who need pregnancy care, to be insured without having to potentially be denied coverage or forced to pay a much higher than average price.
- Explains that obamacare requires maternity care to be a part of all new insurance plans. the practice of "gender rating", which allowed insurers to charge women higher premiums, is no longer allowed.
- Explains that obamacare brings affordable healthcare coverage to over 32 million americans who are currently uninsured. the affordable care act expands medicaid and the children’s health insurance program, as well as improving the quality of medicare.
- Explains that obamacare addresses the 'donut hole' in medicare, which is planned to be closed by 2020 under the current affordable care act.
- Explains that 54% of americans are opposed to the affordable care act, despite it being approved four years ago. the opposition has given a number of supporting key points for their position.
- Explains that the addition of more major governmental programs such as healthcare subsidies has many worried that it will only plunge the united states further into debt.
- Explains that pharmaceutical companies will be paying for obamacare to close the coverage gap in medicare.
- Explains the disadvantages of reduced coverage options from employers and the penalization of those who are already on private healthcare plans.
- Opines that the opposition to obamacare raises some good points, especially in our current economic climate, but the supporters are also correct in saying the current system is not sustainable in the long-term.
- Analyzes the pros and cons of the affordable care act, including reduced discrimination by insurance companies, increased regulation of their practices, and affordable healthcare for the large quantities of uninsured americans.
- Cites kimberly amadeo's article, "obamacare pros and cons." about.com, 14 dec 2013.
1398 wordsRead More - Affordable Care Act: The Answer to Our Prayersopinionated essayThere are many reasons to question the goodness of Obama’s proposed health care bill. However, by looking at the bill closed-minded, the true potential is never seen. Of course continuing with the current United States health care system is always an option, but without reforming the system, expecting to see higher costs is inevitable. One thing that Americans need to strive for is making health care more affordable, which is the key to making the United States health care system sustainable once again (Mango & Riefberg). Currently, The United States health care system is the world’s largest, but it is also the most expensive.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states health care system is the world's largest, but it is also the most expensive.
- Explains that president obama signed the affordable care act into law on march 23, 2010, giving the federal government a larger role in health care delivery.
- Explains that under the affordable care act, states have reduced amounts of freedom when it comes to enacting separate laws, but their responsibility to carry out new federal laws and policies has been increased.
- Explains that the united states is the world leader in innovation and research of health services, and that health care services and technology are more readily accessible to insured patients.
- Opines that the affordable care act will increase federal government spending by one trillion dollars over the next two decades, but in return will insure over thirty-two million people who don’t have health insurance.
- Explains that over fifty million americans did not have any form of health insurance — most uninsured americans are not inevitably poor, but are working poor. non-group insurance is a private insurance.
- Explains the two types of public insurance coverage: medicare and medicaid. the affordable care act hopes to extend universal coverage to over thirty-two million currently uninsured americans.
- Explains that the affordable care act aims to reform non-group insurance agencies by guaranteeing coverage, outlawing exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and imposing limits on how much insurers can charge the insured because of their health status.
- Explains that the cadillac tax, a provision provided under the affordable care act, would reduce the incidence of very generous health insurance plans and thereby excessive demand for health care.
- Opines that the affordable care act hopes to cut the current spending of the health care system by as little as two percent, with an undefined maximum.
- Analyzes how the republican-controlled united states house of representatives voted to repeal the affordable care act, which could easily be reversed in the senate and if not, under the presidential veto.
- Explains that while the affordable care act is being fought out in the government, individuals and families across the nation are also creating their own thoughts on the program.
- Explains that the affordable care act is not a form of socialism, but is an economic system based on state ownership of capital. the private industries for insurance will still be allowed to insure individuals and families.
- Opines that obama's law will allow america to cut health care costs by up to one trillion dollars within two decades, and over 32 million uninsured people will have insurance.
- Opines that reforming the united states health care system presents a daunting challenge, but one that the president and congress are ready to tackle. the affordable care act offers greater savings and insurance than is now available.
- Explains that the affordable care act's impact on the economy is a question of reasonableness.
2121 wordsRead More - America Needs Affordable Health Insuranceexplanatory essayHealth Insurance is one of the nations top problems, the cost is rising for premiums, and many businesses just cannot afford it. As Americans many of us have the luxury of health insurance, but far too many of us have to go without it. This is something that always seems to brought up at congressional debates, but little is done about it. “In 2013 there were 41 million people reported with out health insurance coverage, this is too many considering those people probably were sick at some point through out the year, and they couldn’t afford treatment.” We need to find someway to make sure that every citizen of the United States is able to have affordable healthcare for themselves, and their families.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that health insurance is one of the nation's top problems, the cost is rising for premiums, and many businesses just cannot afford it.
- Explains that most people rely on their employers to provide them with health insurance, but many small businesses can't afford the high cost of health care, or it may be available but the employee needs to pay the entire premiums.
- Explains that medicaid is designed for the very poor people, but you must meet medicaid guidelines in order to be eligible for it.
- Explains that medicare is provided by the government and allows people over the age of 65, and some people with disabilities get a limited amount of coverage.
- Explains that uninsured children face a higher risk of developmental delays than those with health coverage. health care spending accounts for 15-20 percent of the family budget.
- Opines that there is great potential for getting everyone on health insurance. the doctors will make more money, the common people will be in greater health, and the economy will probably have a boost.
- Explains that nchc facts about health care online posting. http://www.nchc.org/facts/coverage.shtml.
825 wordsRead More - Affordable Care Actexplanatory essayAccording to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, over 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2012.2 The exact number of Americans who do not have healthcare coverage is somewhat controversial as some believe this number includes illegal immigrants and those who are able to afford coverage, but simply choose not to purchase a plan. Despite the controversy, the majority of the uninsured come from working families of low with low income levels. Americans living without health coverage has been a major problem in this country as these people do not receive proper treatments and preventative therapies they require. The lack of insurance ultimately leads to a lower quality of life and further increases costs in the l...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that healthcare in the united states is an incredibly complex issue and a large portion of the nation’s economy. innovation and medical discoveries have greatly improved care for patients, but numerous facets of healthcare industry have been insufficiently addressed.
- Explains that the henry j. kaiser family foundation estimates that over 47 million americans were uninsured in 2012. some believe this number includes illegal immigrants and those who can afford coverage, but choose not to purchase a plan.
- Explains that both medicare and medicaid are programs signed by president lyndon baines johnson in 1965. medicare is an insurance program for the elderly in the united states and is funded through a tax collected based on income.
- Explains that the affordable care act aims to strengthen medicaid to provide low-income workers with options in the marketplace. many states have chosen to expand their medicaid programs under the new law while others have not.
- Explains that although individuals in states not expanding medicaid may not qualify for medicaid coverage, the law provides patients with other options.
- Explains that missouri is one of the states opting to not expand medicaid and will not be receiving billions from the federal government which could be used to insure thousands of missourians.
- Explains that the federal government finances medicaid at an average rate of 57 percent with numbers as high as 73% in poorer states. state expansions are almost necessary to continue receiving federal funds.
- Explains medicare will undergo major changes under the affordable care act. medicare is not included in the marketplace established by obamacare, so seniors on medicare are not required to alter their plans.
- Explains that medicare has a part-d coverage plan originally passed under president bush in 2003, which is prescription drug coverage for seniors on medicare.
- Explains that the healthcare reform law established what is known as preferred providers. preferred providers include major chain drug stores such as walgreens, cvs, and walmart.
- States that the affordable care act addressed many issues in regards to patient care as a way of providing affordable coverage and peace of mind to americans.
- Explains that young adults are now able to remain on their parents' insurance even if they get married or are eligible for insurance through their employer.
1139 wordsRead More