Universal Health Care - Essay Example

"Universal Health Care" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system. Despite the growing support for universal health care for America, one believes that this is not the solution to the health care problem of the country.  First of all, universal health care is government-run.  Other institutions such as the Medicare/Medicaid and the Social Security System are both government-run organizations that are currently suffering from financial woes (Tw, par 9).  To allow the government to handle the health care program is questionable given the fact that they are not necessarily adept at running social programs.  This means that taxes would have to be increased.  Americans who are employed are averse to paying higher taxes in order to pay for the health care of people who are unemployed. 

            There are several problems related to having a universal health care program.  Foremost among these are the limited access to expensive tests such as MRI or CT scans, longer waiting times for treatment, and limited access to specialists because of the numerous patients they have to handle.

            Another challenge faced by a universal health care system is that health care equipment, drugs, and services may be rationed by the government.  The possibility of having power plays and political maneuverings might then increase, tilting the services toward people who are “properly connected”.

            An adverse effect of having a universal health care system is that it tends to discourage Americans from pursuing medical careers because of the likelihood that there will be cuts in salaries of people in the medical field and a decrease in prices of drugs, medical equipment, and services (Messerli, par 18).  Moreover, options for private practice by doctors may diminish.

            Before deciding on whether Americans need universal health care, the government should look closely at the possible effects it will have on both the provider for health care and those who will obtain it.  In the end, what is important is that Americans will get the health care that they need, when they need it, regardless of their social status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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