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Essay: Universal Healthcare: Fundamental Right or a Privilege?

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  • Subject area(s): Health essays
  • Reading time: 4 minutes
  • Price: Free download
  • Published: 9 September 2015*
  • Last Modified: 1 August 2024
  • File format: Text
  • Words: 922 (approx)
  • Number of pages: 4 (approx)

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This page of the essay has 922 words.

Universal healthcare it is a primary right or a privilege. It has many flaws in various countries and limited access to outrages expenses in MRI’s, long awaiting periods for surgical procedures. Many people have their care delayed and their medical condition gets much worse and can no longer receive treatment. In Germany healthcare is higher in taxes and have no problems receiving medical care. The French claim their salary is way lower as an employer and are required to pay in order to have national healthcare system and their care needed is always available. The American Journal of Public health confirms that 45,000 people die each year in the United States because of no Health Insurance. Yes, we have a right to healthcare.

The debate over whether universal healthcare is a fundamental right or a privilege is ongoing and complex, involving various perspectives and arguments. One of the primary arguments for universal healthcare as a right is grounded in the principle of equality. Health is a critical aspect of human life, and access to healthcare should not be determined by one’s socio-economic status. According to the World Health Organization, access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, integral to the attainment of a high standard of health, which is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition (WHO, 1946).

Universal healthcare goal is to have people live in better health and protect from over charged care for medical hardships with billing. The uninsured are the main ones, who need Universal healthcare. People who make too, much money from working don’t qualify for Medicaid and end up with financial hardship and aren’t able to get the care needed for their health. The common issue for all universal healthcare programs is they need some form of government connection. The law determines what type of care is available and how the coverage will be paid. Many people choose to support the system known as a single payer health insurance. It’s when the government funds the healthcare and does not supply the care, Just like Medicare and Medicaid.

Universal healthcare systems aim to ensure that all individuals have access to the healthcare services they need without suffering financial hardship. This is often achieved through government intervention and regulation, ensuring that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all. The single-payer system, for example, is a model where a single public agency handles health insurance while the delivery of care remains largely in private hands. This system can simplify the process of accessing healthcare and reduce administrative costs associated with private health insurance (Himmelstein & Woolhandler, 2016).

The poor people can’t afford healthcare and live in much worse environments and have more medical problems. We as Citizens of the United States have rights to Healthcare and our health is jeopardized by not being able to pay for insurance. People who work are struggling to pay for healthcare and have health conditions that need medical attention. Due to lack of work for health issue some people lose their jobs and are forced to file bankruptcy. This is why poor people are struggling in the economy and are forced to live in bad health. The right to healthcare should be a civil right. People should not be categorized by their illness and have financial problems paying for their medical treatments. Americans that are poor have bad health and one doctor visit can diagnose their condition before it leads to death.

Economic disparities significantly affect health outcomes. Poor individuals often reside in environments with higher exposure to health risks and have limited access to healthcare services, exacerbating their health conditions. In the U.S., medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy, highlighting the need for a more equitable healthcare system (Himmelstein et al., 2009). The link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes suggests that access to healthcare is not merely a service but a critical determinant of quality of life and longevity.

The theoretical framework of social determinants of health emphasizes that health is influenced by a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Marmot and Wilkinson (2005) argue that social inequalities lead to health inequalities, and thus, ensuring equitable access to healthcare is essential for addressing broader social injustices.

Therefore, I am for our rights to have universal healthcare for people who need it and can’t afford insurance. This coverage will not only save peoples life and help us get out of debt with medical bills over charging major countries. It is funded through taxation and every day, we people could use this form of coverage I support the government in helping us as the economy to live healthier and longer with better care from universal healthcare coverage.

The implementation of universal healthcare can be seen as a step towards social justice, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic status, have access to necessary medical care. Funding such a system through taxation can spread the financial burden across the population, making healthcare more affordable for everyone. Countries with universal healthcare systems, like Canada and the UK, often report better health outcomes and higher satisfaction rates among their populations compared to systems without universal coverage (Commonwealth Fund, 2020).

Moreover, the economic benefits of universal healthcare can be substantial. Reducing the financial burden of healthcare on individuals can increase disposable income, stimulate economic growth, and reduce the economic inequality gap. By investing in the health of its citizens, a country can improve overall productivity and economic stability.

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