Explaining Universal Health Care:

With the amount of uninsured in the United States steadily on the rise, the controversial term, "universal health care" is being seen more frequently. Many countries in Europe have a socialized health care system and proponents of universal health care feel that Americans are in the dark ages. Our neighbor to the north, Canada, also has socialized health care and many people take advantage of low prescription prices by purchasing medications over the border.

Former President Bill Clinton introduced a proposal during his first term in office that was geared towards making universal health care an option for this country. However, this was met with scorn from both sides of the aisle and became the subject of heated debate. It is clear that our nation's health care system is in a crisis, but is universal health care a viable option?

First, it is important to define what universal health care is and what is intended to do. It may also be referred to as a "single-payer system" which means that it is quite similar to Medicaid, a US government program for low-income and disabled Americans. However, instead of being limited to low-income individuals, universal health care would be available to all citizens.

Second, why is it so hotly contested if everyone would seemingly benefit from such a system? The implementation of universal health care would be a nightmare, especially since there are many different ways to reach implementation. Other downsides include higher income taxes, which the average citizen is greatly opposed to. Taxes in countries that have socialized health care are typically much higher than our taxes, and may even be as much as 70 to 80%. This figure is unacceptable to most people.

There is also the issue that overall quality of care under socialized medicine tends to decline, leaving everyone out in the cold. Since everyone is provided the same amount of care, regardless of their social status, this can leave many people feeling as though they are not receiving the type of care that they feel is suitable. Widespread abuses have occurred in countries with socialized medicine, and waiting lists for necessary treatments can be very long.

The main benefits of universal health care are predominantly obvious. Everyone who is a citizen of the United States would be able to receive the kind of care that they need, even if they could not afford this care. While this seems on the surface like a wonderful idea, it is not a goal that is easily accomplished or even attainable.

As the United States worries about the state of the Social Security program the chances of implementing universal health care wane. The intrinsic problems of universal health care, such as waiting lists, lack of quality care and the raising of income tax would all need to be addressed before the majority of Americans would back such a plan. Until such a program becomes feasible, it is important to find a health insurance plan that will provide you with the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

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