Introduction
Generally, there are many discussions regarding U.S. health insurance accessibility and prevalence today. Some people are in favor of “Medicare-for-all,” while others are in favor of private insurance companies. The importance of such matters is expressed mainly in the context of the U.S. healthcare system’s effectiveness and in realizing the nation’s health.
According to Woolhandler and Himmelstein (2019), the “Medicare-for-all” plan could be a simple way to ensure every citizen has the right to comprehensive insurance and quality health services. In this case, such aspects require separate consideration and study. This paper explores the relevance and significance of “Medicare-for-all” as crucial in the U.S. healthcare system.
An Overview
Lately, issues about health insurance have become essential to the public, especially to Democrats. It is no secret that there has been a recent increase in political attention to “Medicare-for-all” as a moment of closure to conflicts over national health insurance in America (Oberlander, 2019). “Medicare-for-all” is one of the progressive ideas that should end private health insurance for most forms of care. Unfortunately, there are many uninsured people in the U.S. because the high cost of insurance is one of the reasons people refuse medical care. Thus, at this moment, there is a considerable problem that introducing “Medicare-for-all” could help eradicate.
Issues, Concerns, Problems
On the one hand, the decision to implement “Medicare-for-all” throughout the United States seems promising and profitable. On the other hand, this idea has many opponents; several candidates support other incremental proposals (Levitt, 2019). Hence, it is impossible to confidently say who is right and wrong because many factors and preconditions must be considered. One must rely primarily on documented scientific data, not individual parties’ opinions and judgments. However, one clear thing is that the question of nationalizing health care in America is still open.
Best Course of Action
According to the actual picture of reality, the best course of action to solve the problem would be based on current government policy, the opinions of most citizens, and an in-depth analysis of the plan’s sides. Nationalizing health insurance would solve many social, political, and economic issues, reducing costs by decreasing overhead and improving public health through access to preventive medical care. In addition, empirical research shows that “Medicare-For-All” is growing in popularity and gaining more and more supporters (Chen, 2021).
“Medicare-For-All” will replace all other types of insurance, subject to some exceptions; it is more generous because it covers most people’s health care costs (Fisher, 2023). At the same time, the country’s economy should not suffer, given that the government will control the prices of medicines and medical services through negotiations and regulations (Fisher, 2023). Therefore, it is recommended that emphasis be placed on enforcing a Medicare plan for all country residents.
My Position
I believe the United States should have a “Medicare-for-all” healthcare system. A national insurance program already exists in many developed countries, guaranteeing medical care as a human right. For example, the British NHS has been operating nationwide for over half a century, and the island’s citizens, as practice shows, live long and healthy lives (Chudasama et al., 2020).
The local healthcare system gives people access to preventive medical services and treatment for various ailments. Usually, foreign samples demonstrate lower healthcare costs and higher healthcare service efficiency. By implementing “Medicare-for-all,” most of the population will be insured and protected from undesirable health risks.
Conclusion
Introducing “Medicare-for-all” nationally is one of the most effective, adequate solutions. This initiative would enhance the nation’s well-being and reduce the risks of adverse health outcomes by providing broad access to health care services. Indeed, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this matter. Nevertheless, “Medicare-for-all” has many positive aspects, and it is suggested that this plan be implemented. America’s economy will not suffer drastically, but the health of its citizens will improve.
References
Chudasama, Y. V., Khunti, K., Gillies, C. L., Dhalwani, N. N., Davies, M. J., Yates, T., & Zaccardi, F. (2020). Healthy lifestyle and life expectancy in people with multimorbidity in the UK Biobank: A longitudinal cohort study. PLoS Medicine, 17(9), 1-18. Web.
Chen, J. (2021). Through the frames: Public opinion on Medicare-for-all. Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics, 6(1), 10. Web.
Fisher, S. (2023). Medicare for all: Definition, pros and cons. SmartAsset. Web.
Levitt, L. (2019). Medicare for all or Medicare for more? JAMA, 322(1), 16-17. Web.
Oberlander, J. (2019). Lessons from the long and winding road to Medicare for all. American Journal of Public Health, 109(11), 1497-1500. Web.
Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2019). Single-payer reform — “Medicare for All”. JAMA, 321(24), 2399-2400. Web.