The United States of America needs unequivocal, universal health care. Unlike other industrialized countries such as Canada, Great Britain, and France, the United States is one of a few ‘advanced’ countries left in the world to not offer its citizenry free health coverage. The United States government needs to wake up from its slumber and end its current health care policies. By providing universal health care, the U.S. government will end medical corporate greed and consequently provide for a healthier population.
As it stands now, the main barriers to universal health care include corporate greed and the fear of ‘socialization’. Health insurance companies, namely Health Management Organizations (HMO’s), are the main culprits of our pathetic health care system. They are the main financial providers of medical care to the majority of Americans, and while they promise quality care to everyone they insure, the results and reality are the complete opposite. HMO’s ruin medicine by controlling doctors and directing the treatments needed by patients. The sick are at the mercy of these companies and are often charged exorbitant prices to cover their treatments. And the law is doing nothing to help protect us from these vicious corporate goons.
But, is it not the function of government to provide for its people? In this author’s humble opinion, healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Socialized healthcare should not be feared, as many proponents of universal health care have attested. Contrary to what those in power have said, a socialist society will not arise from socialized medicine. Truth be told, socialized medicine will bring about a healthier society. In fact, the United States already practices such socialist systems: school systems, post office, national and local law enforcements, and local fire protection all provide for American society—in fact, all of these services are paid for by national and state taxes. So, the question begs, why not healthcare? Why not free hospitals?
Studies have shown that people who live in countries with socialized medicine tend to live longer, lead better qualities of life, and are generally healthier. This would lessen the strain on late in life medical issues, for there will be less sick adults. In fact, the Medicare program will feel the most benefit, for the elderly will not have as many medical complications and thus will not use the program as much. In general, there will be many benefits to socialized medicine in the United States.
If we as a society hope to advance, we must disregard our thirst and hunger for greed. We must look beyond our own good and look out for the common good. We must all bind together and ensure that all of us are medically insured.
