Is_Universal_Healthcare_Feasible_for_America_

Is Universal Healthcare Feasible for America' Healthcare coverage for all American is a hotly debated topic. On both sides of the debate are individuals with valid points. Theoretically, universal healthcare coverage would reduce illness and mortality rates. Yet, those benefits are balanced by the increased taxes required to offset the cost. Although implementing a plan may be difficult, providing health care coverage for all of America is the most humane thing that can be done. It is unfortunate that America is one of the only industrialized countries that does not have universal coverage for its citizens. “Today, an African American baby born in the United States is 2.5 times more likely to die before his or her first birthday than his or her White counterparts. In 2000, 83,500 more African Americans died than would have died if we had eliminated disparities in health in the last century” (Satcher & Higginbotham, 2008, p. 400). It is a shame that 83,500 deaths could have been prevented in one year. Faced with those statistics, many would find it difficult to find an individual that would rather have a couple extra dollars instead of another innocent person dying. “About 56% of Americans would prefer universal coverage to the current U.S. system, and 68% feel providing coverage for everyone is more important that keeping taxes down” (Shepherd & Silva, 2007, p. 2). The support is evident throughout America, yet implementing a plan has proven difficult. A first step in implementing such a plan was taken by California in December 2007. “On December 17, California’s Assembly approved Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan for universal health insurance. Although several other states have revamped their systems, California’s plan is seen as a potential model for national reform” (Healthcare Financial Management, 2008, p. 10). For California to implement a plan for universal healthcare, the estimated costs are $14 billion (Healthcare Financial Management, 2008, p. 10). Extrapolating that to the entire United States, it would cost tax payers and the insurance companies an additional $700 billion a year. The issue is not regarding the merits of a universal healthcare plan, it is the logistics surrounding the plan. For a plan of this magnitude to be implemented, there needs to be buy-in from the bipartisan politicians and citizens alike. A large part of this buy-in would be the justification of increasing taxes. A plan of this scale also requires the support of the insurance companies and hospitals. Healthcare providers are bound by the Hippocratic Oath to provide services to everyone. Therefore, the issue is related to ensuring that the hospitals and insurance companies receive adequate compensation for their services. Past initiatives have faltered because the certainties of receiving these funds ongoing were in doubt. Unfortunately, the executives of these organizations have not taken a holistic approach to universal healthcare. Although California theoretically has a plan developed to provide universal healthcare coverage, this plan has not been fully approved, much less implemented. For many Americans to support a new plan there would need to be proof of its success. The proof may be all in the numbers. Canada spends approximately $2600 per resident per year less than what America spends on the cost of healthcare. The simple answer is Canadian’s spend less money on the actual purchase of care. Canada may be America’s model of choice to replicate. “Canada provides universal coverage to all of its citizens while spending less money on health care than the United States does by a significant margin” (Halvorson, 2007, p. 82). Although Canada achieved universal healthcare by a single payer system, most European countries have achieved universal healthcare by using a combination of private health plans, government programs, individual consumer mandates, subsidized coverage for low-income residents, and a private market place for hospitals and physicians. It is up to American to decide which combination to achieve universal healthcare would best fit the needs of our citizens. If Europe and Canada were able to implement a working model, why would America not be able to follow suit. The concept of universal healthcare involves an altruistic view of government. This is a paradigm shift for Americans. The vast majority of Americans are driven by financial success. However, humanity cannot exist on dollars and cents. It is important for Americans to realize the importance of sustainability. America will not remain the America we know it as if we are unable to meet the basic needs of its citizens. Universal healthcare is one large step in the right direction. Once the politicians realize that collaboration is the key to implementing a successful plan, a universal plan will begin to gain traction. This type of plan is a way to provide for the citizens of America. Failure to provide for the basic needs of the Americans will result in dire consequences. References Anonymous (2008). Universal Health Care Comes Closer to Reality in California. Healthcare Financial Management, 62(1). Retrieved April 5, 2008, from Alverno University Web Site: http://0-web.ebscohost.com.topcat.switchinc.org/ehost/detail'vid=1&hid=109&sid=6fb60a21-d761-4c22-aba3-8932e4afa6d3%40sessionmgr109 Halvorson, G. C. (2007). Understanding the Trade-Offs of the Canadian Health System. Healthcare Financial Management, 61(10). Retrieved April 5, 2008, from Alverno University Web Site: http://0-web.ebscohost.com.topcat.switchinc.org/ehost/detail'vid=1&hid=104&sid=75462701-b236-4e6f-b35a-bd7e723cab4a%40sessionmgr107 Satcher, D. & Higginbotham, E. J. (2008). The Public Health Approach to Eliminating Disparities in Health. American Journal of Public Health, 98(3), 400-403. Retrieved April 5, 2008, from Alverno University Web Site: http://0-web.ebscohost.com.topcat.switchinc.org/ehost/detail'vid=1&hid=113&sid=47c66b77-aa63-4b9f-91fb-dff9a569bcda%40sessionmgr107 Shepherd, L. C. & Silva, C. (2007). Support for Universal Healthcare Gains Traction. Employee Benefit News, 21(4), 1-58. Retrieved April 5, 2008, from Alverno University Web Site: http://0-web.ebscohost.com.topcat.switchinc.org/ehost/detail'vid=1&hid=116&sid=bad82cdb-97c4-4a3d-85a8-1c636277f21c%40sessionmgr102