Introduction

The healthcare system in the United States is facing major challenges. The cost of healthcare is rising, and many people are struggling to afford medical care. According to a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25.2 million people in the US did not have health insurance. This means that millions of Americans are left without access to basic medical care, leaving them vulnerable to illness, disability, and even death.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why healthcare should be free. We will examine the current shortcomings of the healthcare system, argue that healthcare is a universal right, and discuss the economic benefits of free healthcare. We will also make a moral point, discuss the benefits of a preventative healthcare system, analyze the benefits for healthcare professionals, and use international examples to illustrate the benefits of a free healthcare system. Our aim is to provide readers with a better understanding of why a free healthcare system is essential for the welfare of every person in a society.

Identify the Current Healthcare System’s Shortcomings

The current healthcare system in the US has several shortcomings. The high cost of healthcare means that many people cannot afford to visit a doctor or hospital. According to a 2019 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 33% of Americans had to hold off on medical treatment due to cost. This has resulted in people avoiding essential medical care, which could lead to long-term harm and even death.

Another issue with the healthcare system in the US is that it is incredibly complex and bureaucratic. Patients have to navigate a confusing web of insurance plans, medical procedures, and doctor visits. Even healthcare professionals struggle to keep up with the ever-changing policies and requirements, which leads to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses.

The healthcare system also fails to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Those who do not have insurance, such as low-income individuals and the unemployed, are often left without access to basic healthcare. According to a 2019 report by the Commonwealth Fund, adults in the US are more likely to go without needed healthcare due to cost, compared to people in other high-income countries.

Address Healthcare as a Universal Right

The right to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Every person deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of their financial situation or social status. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Providing free healthcare ensures that everyone has access to basic medical care and support. This would help to level the playing field and decrease health disparities for the less privileged members of society. The wealthy would still have the option to purchase a superior level of care, but providing a baseline quality to all would ultimately benefit society as a whole.

Discuss the Economic Benefits of Free Healthcare

The current healthcare system in the US is inefficient, expensive, and unsustainable. According to an analysis by the Urban Institute, the cost of healthcare in the US is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2027. This is a staggering amount, and it’s not sustainable in the long run.

The economic benefits of a free healthcare system are significant. Free healthcare ensures that people do not have to go into debt to pay for medical expenses. This, in turn, would reduce the burden of healthcare costs on the economy and help to boost economic activity. By reducing the cost of healthcare and ensuring that everyone has access to medical care, businesses would have a more productive workforce. People who are not struggling with healthcare costs can allocate their resources to other areas, allowing them to contribute more to the economy.

Make a Moral Point

Providing free healthcare is not just about economics—it’s a moral imperative. People who are less financially stable are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and physical illnesses. Providing free healthcare can help to address these disparities and create more opportunities for preventative care.

Access to healthcare is not just a matter of economic well-being. It is a moral obligation that governments and healthcare systems should maintain. Everyone has the right to enjoy good health and wellbeing that comes from adequate healthcare service, and it is the duty of the government to ensure that this right is protected.

Discuss the Benefits of a Preventative Healthcare System

Instead of relying on expensive treatment after illnesses occur, preventative care focuses on reducing the risk of illness and disease. By providing free preventative care, the healthcare system can reduce the need for costly long-term treatment, which ultimately saves money and provides better outcomes for patients.

Preventative healthcare allows people to stay healthy by encouraging them to develop good habits and engage in healthy behaviors. This approach can help prevent chronic diseases and physical illnesses from arising, which would otherwise lead to an increased burden to the healthcare system later on.

Analyze the Benefits for Healthcare Professionals

Providing free healthcare has significant benefits for healthcare professionals. It ensures that healthcare workers have more facilities and more patients, which ultimately increases job security and creates new job opportunities. A free healthcare system would also lead to increased demand for healthcare services, which would ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the resources and support they need to provide high-quality care.

Use International Examples

Other countries around the world have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems. Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia offer free healthcare to all their citizens. These countries have managed to provide a universal healthcare service that has improved the health of their population and reduced their healthcare costs.

Many of these countries use a single-payer system, where the government pays for healthcare services instead of relying on private insurance companies. These systems are more efficient and less expensive than private healthcare insurance, which supports free healthcare for the entire population.

Conclusion

Providing free healthcare is a fundamental human right that needs to be protected. The current healthcare system in the US has many shortcomings that prevent people from accessing basic medical care. By providing free healthcare, we can ensure that everyone has access to high-quality medical care, regardless of their financial situation or social status. As we have seen, free healthcare provides significant economic benefits, improves the health of the population, creates job opportunities for healthcare professionals, and reduces healthcare costs in the long run.

We need to advocate for healthcare reform and support free healthcare to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. By doing so, we can help create a healthier, more prosperous society where everyone can thrive.