Universal Healthcare

Universal Healthcare

1. Introduction

Universal healthcare refers to a system of allocating healthcare resources where everyone is “covered” for basic healthcare without having to pay out-of-pocket fees. Many developed countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden have embraced universal healthcare because it has shown to enhance overall health outcomes for the people, increases productivity, and economic efficiency. With the US facing a healthcare and economic crisis, now is the best time to address skeptics of adopting a universal healthcare system. What are the economic and public health reasons for adopting universal healthcare? The US needs a universal healthcare system because increasing healthcare costs, a lack of affordable healthcare programs, and ineffective population health management are threatening the economic and political stability of the nation. While the US thrives on being an economic and political world leader, it is lacking in comparison to other developed countries in terms of health and quality of life of its citizens. A universal healthcare system would provide the necessary public health services for preventing and managing diseases, injuries, and disabilities that would be financially burdening for those with low income. Universal healthcare systems have shown to be effectual in countries where the government plays a direct role in providing preventive care measures. This is significant considering the fact that the United States spends twice as much on healthcare than any other developed nation, yet it is ranked lowest in terms of efficiency, equity, and access to healthcare.

1.1 Definition of Universal Healthcare

In addition to advancing public health, universal healthcare reduces economic burdens on populations. Universal healthcare ensures the entire population has access to care and provides government intervention to reduce inequities in health services. With healthcare being a human right, as cited in the Declaration of Human Rights, lawsuits for denying health services despite ability to pay are less frequent as seen in countries without universal healthcare. Universal healthcare does not necessarily mean the government pays for everyone’s health care. Financing models for universal healthcare vary across countries. However, all universal healthcare systems have the common goal of providing access to health services to all individuals. Most countries with universal healthcare achieve this by mandating health insurance for all citizens. Universal healthcare benefits employers as a healthy workforce drives a strong economy. With all individuals having access to health services, populations are healthier and fewer individuals require disability or other government assistance.

Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines universal healthcare as “provision of health care to all people to provide the high-quality services they need to protect or improve their health, whether this care leads to a cure or not.” Other advocates for universal healthcare also cite Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Article 25 states that all people have a right to the medical care necessary to achieve and maintain the highest possible standard of health, regardless of social standing or economic situation. The main idea is that all individuals need health care and all should be provided a route to preserve health irrespective of ability to pay. Universal healthcare aims to provide a sense of security in today’s ever-changing and fast-paced society.

1.2 Importance of Universal Healthcare

By being able to treat health risks before they develop into more serious conditions, it will reduce the overall healthcare costs in the long run. The healthy state of a population will also be a key factor in determining the country’s economy, through an increase in work productivity with fewer sick days and an increase in output. This is due to the fact that a healthy individual will be in a better place physically, mentally, and emotionally to carry out work tasks.

The first reason that a universal health care system is of great importance is due to the basic fact that the health of a nation’s citizens is a key factor in determining the nation’s success. By having an affordable health care system, a society can both maintain and enhance the overall health of its citizens. This is in large part due to the fact that preventative measures can be taken in areas of low and high risk to health.

Given the mentioned benefits arising from the implementation of a universal health care system, this paper will now look at the importance of implementing such a system in a given society. In doing so, the paper will look at reasons both in support of and against implementation of such a system, whilst arguing that the benefits far outweigh the initial disadvantages.

1.3 History of Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare has been implemented across various territories by differing means. In pursuit of their goals, advocates for universal healthcare have rallied support in an attempt to affect change through both the legislative and electoral processes. The ultimate objective has been to provide a system for each individual that will guarantee healthcare treatment when it is needed. Most countries implement their insurance programs in a manner similar to the UK, with a specified government-funded package; the majority of funding comes from a single publicly funded program. This has the advantages of a universal system. Many advocates of universal healthcare in the United States use the broader understanding of the International Labour Organization who achieved in 2008 a declaration which states coverage and access for all, but actually aimed for a government guarantee and the ILO is not a specific advocate of universal healthcare nor does it claim to have achieved this in 2008. They believe that the benefits of a unified system are more equitable and effective in providing care usually through a simple to manage scheme. A government-mandated fund ensures a continuous income to the health industry, which advocates argue would increase the quality of healthcare delivered. Measures taken to achieve these goals have included the building of alliances for single-payer systems, for example by the formation of Physicians for a National Health Program in the United States of America. An alternative means has been through a system of incremental reform, extending access to healthcare financing and delivery and often culminating in a universal system. This has been the case in Australia with the Medibank system which led to a unified system with the institution of Medicare. Universal healthcare has also been an idea practiced by nations during times of war and upheaval. The 1942 Beveridge report by economist William Beveridge which identified five “giants on the road to reconstruction” Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness and planned post-war reconstruction in the UK. Want and Disease were to be addressed by an all-encompassing welfare state and a national health service. This led to the birth of the current UK system with the NHS being founded in 1948 providing free at the point of entry healthcare and is often used as a model for the ideal of universal healthcare. The echoes of the Beveridge report can still be seen in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the US where it was suggested that the storm be remembered for “erasing the faces of poverty and race as factors in the level of suffering and health”. The Beveridge report has also contrasted with other attempts at universal healthcare such as the Japanese and German systems which were born from defeat in the Second World War and the US, particularly after the Great Depression.

2. Benefits of Universal Healthcare

2.1 Access to Healthcare for All

2.2 Reduced Healthcare Costs

2.3 Improved Health Outcomes

2.4 Equality in Healthcare

3. Challenges of Universal Healthcare

3.1 Funding and Financial Sustainability

3.2 Quality and Efficiency of Care

3.3 Potential Increase in Taxes

3.4 Rationing of Healthcare Services

4. Universal Healthcare Systems around the World

4.1 United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS)

4.2 Canada’s Single-Payer System

4.3 Australia’s Medicare System

4.4 Germany’s Statutory Health Insurance

5. Comparison of Universal Healthcare Models

5.1 Funding Mechanisms

5.2 Coverage and Services Provided

5.3 Healthcare Delivery and Access

6. Public Opinion and Political Considerations

6.1 Support and Opposition to Universal Healthcare

6.2 Political Parties and Universal Healthcare

6.3 Role of Lobbying and Interest Groups

 Conclusion

FAQS

1. Should the United States adopt a universal healthcare system?
2. What are the different models of universal healthcare?
3. How would universal healthcare be funded in the United States?
4. Would universal healthcare improve the quality of care in the United States?
5. Would universal healthcare lead to increased wait times for medical services?
6. How would universal healthcare impact the healthcare industry?
7. Does universal healthcare violate the principles of a free market economy?
8. Can the United States afford universal healthcare?
9. What are the ethical arguments for and against universal healthcare?
10. How does the United States healthcare system compare to other developed countries?