Do we need Universal Healthcare?

The American Healthcare is quite puzzling, in my opinion. I have always known universal healthcare was the dominant form of healthcare around the world. Seeing the statistics showing the cost difference, and the mortality rate, between the U.S. and other countries was shocking. Despite the advanced medical technology, we have in the states, we are not showing improved health outcomes. The primary reason for this is likely to stem from the cost of our health system services.  

According to American Public Health Association (APHA), it was estimated “the five most costly and preventable chronic conditions cost the U.S. nearly $347 billion—30% of the total health spending—in 2010”. This is really concerning because there are more urgent issues with our health care system, which include and are not limited to, rising medication prices, and shortage of healthcare professionals. This cost burden is preventable, and the funds saved can be used to better manage preventable chronic conditions and improve other branches of our health system. Making our health services and medications more accessible, and affordable, is one solution to reduce this heavy cost burden. 

However, we must really ask ourselves why America does not view universal health care favorably? As a future healthcare professional in the making, it almost seems unnecessary to have to fight for our rights to good health. This is a widely shared perspective among the people in our field. But we have to consider why universal healthcare does not seem appealing to the general public that do not have a career in the health field. Therefore, it is crucial for all of those in favor of universal health care to figure out a solution and appeal to make our case as to why universal health care is necessary.