| Doctors Debate Universal Health Care: Pros and Cons From the Experts |
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“Health insurance is expensive, and not everyone can afford it,” goes one argument. "The government should provide everyone with access to paid-for health care.” “That's not fair," goes the other. “For example, why should everyone have to pay for people who choose not to take care of themselves, such as smokers?”
We asked two doctors with strong opinions on the topic to share their side. Here’s what they had to say. You can get in on the debate here. Sign up for the FREE MyFamilyDoctorMag.com newsletter here!
FOR How can there be a debate over whether universal health care is itself a desirable goal? A 2002 Institutes of Medicine study concluded that more than 18,000 Americans die every year because they’re uninsured. Some kind of health coverage for every citizen would mean fewer child deaths from asthma, fewer cancer deaths in minority communities and fewer veterans who depend on emergency rooms for their primary care. The real questions are how universal care would be paid for and who would decide levels of reimbursement For
Patrick Whelan, M.D, Ph.D., practicing rheumatologist, national executive director of Catholic Democrats (a public-advocacy organization) and Catholic member of the Democratic National Committee's Faith Advisory Council. Health insurance companies spend heavily to condemn something called “socialized medicine,” recognizing that any single-payer plan would likely result in heavy losses for their industry. But no major organizations or national political figures have advocated creating a system like Great Britain’s, where the government owns all the facilities and employs all the doctors and nurses. Two other myths about universal care are that doctors oppose it and that quality of care would suffer. But a plurality of physicians, particularly primary-care doctors, supports national health insurance. And there is now strong evidence that, even in developed countries with addiction problems like ours, universal coverage correlates with improved quality of health across the socioeconomic spectrum. AGAINST Against
John S. O’Shea, M.D., M.P.A., F.A.C.S., practicing general surgeon and former fellow with conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. America is often criticized for its lack of a universal health-care system comparable to the Europeans and Canadians, even though Germany, the United Kingdom and even Canada are increasingly turning to the private sector in order to relieve the financial burden on government and solve serious delivery problems, most notably “rationing by queue,” the prolonged wait times for many services, including cancer treatment and cardiac surgery. Compared to the private sector, government programs are inefficient and the higher costs have to be paid for with higher taxes or spending cuts in other areas such as defense, education, or even medical research and development. This is a tradeoff that most Americans would not be willing to make. If low-income persons find health-care coverage unaffordable, they should be subsidized by the government, but they should retain ultimate ownership of their health-care resources and the choice about how those resources will be utilized. Such patient ownership and choice will create the demand for price and quality transparency necessary to make value-based health-care decisions. The fundamental flaw in universal health-care systems is a misplacement of incentives. The decisions that drive health-care costs and quality of care are made by individual patients and their health-care providers. These decisions should not be influenced by universal government mandates, administered pricing systems or expenditure targets, but should instead be based on an adequately informed assessment by individual patients and their providers about the value of services in a particular clinical situation.
Last updated and/or approved: February 2010. Original article appeared in Jan/Feb 2008 print issue .
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  written by Penelope C. , March 22, 2009 Just like I expected so many selfish people in this word hiding behine computers. You guys need to check yourselves. I see you don't think your sh$% stink, but one day it will. God will find a way for you. You will see and feel how hard it is in this world. There are people in this world that are really suffering. These are people that was weathy and lived off a silver platter. Living a good life will not always last forever. It is not easy in this world, especially if you're struggley. You have to find ways to survive which many of you have no idea how it is. It's easier said than actually living. I need to say no more. Watch what you say. Your time has come. report abuse
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 written by tt , March 03, 2009 To many of you who think UHC is unfair, you are right. So are many many many other government services. For example, I don't have children but my tax help pay for your children's schools. I don't go to public parks, yet I still pay for it so your children can enjoy. I don't go to sports events, yet I still pay for the building of the stadium that you and your children go to. The massive government spending on education don't benefit me a bit, yet I help pay for it. Now I am sick and uninsured. Tell me what have you done for me? If everyone is for oneself, I am all for it. Just don't tell me that you don't want to pay for me when I am sick and expect me to pay for you when I am healthy. report abuse
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written by scared , March 03, 2009 Getting mad or calling people names won't get us any where heck posting on this site won't do a dam thing for us either, its just nice to have a place to vent alittle. The only reason i suggested my thoughts about takeing over the insurance system is because it does a couple things, nobody would be let go from their jobs except the greedy ones that already have enough money to live the rest of their lives, insurance policies become more competitive and the profits wouldn't go into the pockets of the already super rich, ok ok one problem would be the corrupt politicians heading up the new system. And as far as stacy's comments I understand the frustration but God forbid it happens to one of your family members that smokes, drinks, does drugs, or maybe skydives and has a terrible accident, takes a turn to fast on a motorcycle, falls off a boat during a fun day of fishing and becomes dissable. The point is if we stop every thing considered potentialy dangerous to life itself then why live. You have to consider all the other things I mentioned because none of the above are necessary to sustain life, in other words everything mentioned would be considered STUPID and you think you shouldn't have to pay for it. Lets go one more step and talk about the poor unfortunate people who are born mentally or phisically impaired they didn't ask to be born that way and its a safe bet they won't be lined up and shot at sunrise. I will gladly pay extra to help those people. I personally am dead set against united health care because it will cost much more than what I pay now maybe more than I can afford, besides what i mentioned about my family members in previous post, I also have the oppertunity to talk to irish people at my job and asking them questions has shocking answers. It recently cost me about 40 dollars to register my car, in Ireland depending on whether you have a 4 6 or 8 cyclinder engine it may cost 400 to 800 euro a year. If you make 380 euro a week, you pay some where in the 30 something percent range in taxes, if you make over that you pay in the 40 something percent range. They pay for gas by the liter like 1.50 euro which is more like over 6 dollars a gallon. Countries with united health care pay between 20 and 45 percent sales tax. You won't like this but still worth saying most people like to go out and have a drink now and then or maybe sit in the back yard with a buddy and a beer and bs alittle, in other countries they pay at like 300 percent more for liquor than we do, and cigarettes us 30 dollars them 70 dollars per carton. And the list goes on and on and on. Most of this is just to pay for......yup..... UNITED HEALTH CARE. If only we could stop wasteful spending like the new stimulus package is doing we could start doing something today. I also here the new president say he WON'T raise taxes a dime on anybody making under 250 thousand, if thats true my first question is for how long, after his comment about not raising taxes I here that the tax cuts put in place by the Bush administration will expire at the end of 2010 and the new pres plans on letting that happen, oops I thought I was just told my taxes wouldn't go up a dime. The medical system is at least 15 percent of this nations industry that is an amazing number, and I can't imagine politicians taking over a complicated system like this and not dipping into the profits, heck the new pres already lost like 4 or 5 of his new members do to the fact they didn't even pay their own taxes. If there bold enough to do that and I am sure they all new they owed these taxes then how much more room should we give them, 15 percent of this nations industry? Nope bad plan. My question is not DO YOU GET IT, NOW but I don't think most of us get it at all...... YET!!!!!!!!!! report abuse
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written by Todd B. , March 03, 2009 I'd recommend to anyone debating on the No side of UHC to consider the following from a purely economical position.... The big question it seems for a lot of you is "Why should I have to pay for someone else being sick, not taking care of themselves, etc." OK. I'm going to dispel that myth right now and right where it hurts you. Your wallet. Lets say you have a job working at a company. Let's say your salary is $50,000/year. You think that's how much you make per year. Not even close. Not from your employers perspective anyway. He or she sees you making: $50k in salary, $10k in health insurance, he or she matches you social security tax (15% of $50k = $7,500), maybe matching 401k ($5,000), the workman's comp insurance and all other insurances required to keep you on staff = $2,000 - etc., etc., etc. So, your $50,000 a year salary is actually something like $75,000 a year. At least that's how your employer sees it. Now, lets say health insurance increases 30% next year, 10% the following and another 10% the next year (this IS exactly what is happening in the current system). Well, you're still making $50k a year. You go into your bosses office and say "I'd like a raise" — Your boss says ... "You already got one. Your health insurance cost has gone from $10k 3 years ago to $15,730 today. You got a $5,730 raise -- Didn't you get the memo?" — Ouch. Each year health insurance costs and medical costs continue to rise. That's one of the reasons the economy is in such dire straights. The middle class and especially the private sector are paying out the wazoo for health insurance. So, we need to sacrifice and make budget cuts in other areas. Meaning employee salaries, employee hours, can't buy a car I'm spending $5k a year extra on health insurance. Stuff like that. That's what's happening. NO ONE in the private sector is asking for a FREE handout. On the contrary we do believe in a strong work ethic - Work hard, get paid and have a better life. Unfortunately, in the current system - working hard doesn't mean taking home more money. It just means work harder to stay where you're at or more probably sink even lower. That's not the American dream. Finally, the fact is that a government subsidized UHS will help insure EVERYONE even people who lose their jobs during a recession, or those who get sick, or live in cities that once were prosperous but now are hurting (Flint, Michigan). Well, that's just a bonus. That's being compassionate. Trust me -- doing something nice for someone else will make your life much richer. But, ultimately the real issue is that the current health care system is NOT sustainable. It's no longer economically viable for any businesses. Big or Small. NO ... I'm not saying we need a UHS because it's the right thing to do. I'm saying if you want to have a job or make more money per year doing that job - then we better change the system that takes our pay raises and gives them to a big health insurance company. AND - because it's the right thing to do. DO YOU GET IT, NOW? report abuse
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written by Stacy , March 02, 2009 You guys are all stupid. Universal health care is not going to benefit anyone except the poor free riders who dont want to do anything with their lives. After installing universal health care they wont have too! Why should I have to pay more money to support the people who cant afford to get it in the first place. If they want health care they should get a better job and actually do something with their life rather than making me help pay for it. Also, why should I have to pay for the burden of the unhealthy. Those who smoke and drink and do drugs and dont take care of their body, they are the ones who are going to need the expensive healthcare, I wont. So why again am I paying for them? They certainly dont deserve it. On top of all that, when I actually do need healthcare, there is going to be a huge wait time and horrible service, so I am paying extra money to get crappy service? Oh but I am helping out those poor unfortunate people who couldnt afford it...no thanks. Ill help myself, just like they should be doing. report abuse
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written by Todd B. , February 28, 2009 Actually, I had an idea similar to the one you are proposing. As a sole-proprietor of my business I pay approximately $15,000 a year for health insurance for my family (myself, my wife and our child). If the U.S. government offered a Universal Health Care Package for my small business and said it will cost me $7,000 a year. Well, in essence they would be saying we're going to raise your taxes by $7,000 a year - right? I'd jump on it -- I'd be pleased as punch for them to raise my taxes (because it would actually be for something I could use). It's likely every other business out there would jump on that opportunity to. That's because they would be saving me $8,000 a year — right? Well, not really - because that $8,000 is no longer an itemized write off - it becomes taxable income. So, the government would get a $7,000 premium cost from me to use on a National Healthcare Package as well as whatever taxes they would get from the remaining $8,000 to use on whatever they want. For me, I'm saving around $8,000 a year. That's a lot of money. That's a new car (the real-deal, auto-maker bail out). Or, because we all know our government isn't perfect ... part of that $8,000 could be used to supplement my health insurance with a private health insurance carrier. Or, it could be used for personal purchases or reinvesting in my business or investing in the market. However, I use the $8,000 it's stimulating the economy, right? And it's an $8,000 stimulus per family — not a $400 stimulus. I mean c'mon are the kidding us? If I'm one of 150 million small businesses (or whatever the actual figure is) that's a boatload of cash now being saved and also being spent. That's hundreds of billions of dollars in NEW U.S. government revenue. It would also save very large companies (GE, GMC, Ford, etc.) hundreds of millions of dollars in health insurance costs - which would make them more competitive in a global market. We'd still have private health insurance carriers to cover things like gap insurance. More specialty types of insurance needs (but, that would be optional for those who could afford it). For those who couldn't — Well, at the very least they have a strong foundation of health insurance - provided by the government. Regulated by the government. The government could even start to make it mandatory (a law) for health records to become computerized - thus saving billions in "red tape". Sometimes, I feel like the only human being - living in America who thinks this stuff up. I don't think I'm a genius or anything — but, compared to what's being proposed out there I sure appear to be one. This is totally doable — and the crazy thing is EVERYONE (Conservative, Liberal, Rich, Poor, Middle-Class most importantly, Big Business, Small Business, Private Sector and Public) would benefit. I'm really interested in hearing any argument on the other side of this. Is there any? report abuse
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written by scared , February 25, 2009 Why don't we have the government take over the insurance companies instead of medical system, then the government can use all the bonus money and profits to pay down the national debt. Then profits can pay for the unisured. report abuse
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written by scared , February 24, 2009 There are definitly options to pay for health care for the poor and needy. If you go to the site called stimuluswatch.org just looking at the first page that comes up and look at the list of proposed projects for the 800 billion stimlulus just signed into effect there is no doubt in my mind health care would not be a problem. The first on the list is almost 1 million for doorbells, 20 million for a down town quiet zone in san diego huh, 375 million for a performing arts center....what, 1.5 million to reduce prostitution... come on,386 million for Construction of Convention Center Hotel, 6 million for snow making and maintenance, 10 million for bike and pedestrian trail, my point is there is enough money already pumped into the government to fix and maintain health care, because these projects normally would be at least partially financed by the government. We as a nation should think about our problems first before we think of 10 million for tennis courts and yes that is also on the list. How as human beings can we feel good about spending like this when we have children with out health care I just don't get it. There is a tremendous amout of good projects on the list that should be considered mostly infrastructure, but just go to the site and see it state by state. I am disgusted. report abuse
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written by Todd B. , February 23, 2009 I completely agree with Katie (below)... "Not everything that works for Canada and France is going to work for us." Quite frankly, if you listen to them, Canadian and French citizens will point out several flaws in their current systems. The one thing that they all agree on though is that it's great that EVERYONE is covered and that its affordable. No one has to reverse-mortgage their home to pay for prescriptions or sell their home because their child needs an operation. America is the LAST, INDUSTRIALIZED, CIVILIZED, NATION on the PLANET to have a UHS. We can choose the good and lose the bad practices from what others have tried before us. We could have an affordable, efficient system available to all. Why wouldn't you want that? As far as cost .. think about this. About a year ago (before this current recession) the English pound note was equal to approximately $2. That means if as a British citizen you made 75,000 pounds per year - that would be equal to $150,000. Yes they pay higher taxes. But, even if it was 50% -- it would be equal to what you make right now. Also, look at what they get for their taxes: Health insurance for everyone, a retirement pension plan, their elderly receive FREE heating and are looked after, on average they take 4-6 weeks of vacation time (more bank holidays than us), free or low-cost higher education (university), a longer life-span. Just do the research and you will be amazed at just how far behind we are. Its actually embarrassing. report abuse
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written by Katie , February 22, 2009 Ok, so here's my problem with all of this. Maybe there is a solution to health care but we haven't found the right one yet. We know what the problems are. People are having a hard time affording it, not everyone knows how exactly to get it, and no one wants to get taxed even more. Is it possible that we could come up with our own health care? Why is it that we have to look at other countries and do what works for them? We are not these other countries. We are our own country with our own problems and our own ways to make things work. Not everything that works for Canada and France is going to work for us. report abuse
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written by scared , February 22, 2009 I have family living in a country that has uhc, one member lost a kidney only because there was to long of a wait for a bed!!!! Another member improperly diagnosed for a minor heart attack, about a year later went back to the hospital with more problems was finnaly properly diagnosed, then discovered an operation was needed to fix the problem. Now this person must wait for a bed in the proper facility which performs the operation and that wait was over a month. It was discovered a 7 way bypass had to be performed. I never heard of such a thing and wouldn't believe this story if it wasn't first hand. Anyway while they were in there they discovered an aneurysm thank god this person went back in time. Needless to say this person walked, worked, and lived as a ticking time bomb for over a year. I am sure there are plenty of horror stories for the system we have which scks, but if we accept uhc now we can't go back. And it will only get worse. If in the job I have now I knew what my paycheck would be for the rest of my career it would be easier to do an exceptable job at it and take my check home and survive. But I have the chance to improve things at work and be compensated for it with raises. If as a doctor under uhc those options would be limited if accesable at all. Don't think they will like that. So health care will suffer. In the country these people come from they pay 21% sales tax on items they buy, that means 300% more than what we pay now, and that is not even close to whats needed for the medical systems cost, so the government also took over the alchol sales and distribution pricing, 12 years ago these family members came here to visit and I took them to the store to get groceries and vodka, they were shocked to see the bottle of vodka cost 16.99 when the same bottle where they come from was 40.00, remember this was 12 years ago, this is just a few things that government must do to pay for the UHC. There is not enough space on this page to talk about their property taxes, taxes on their pay, taxes on new car purchase, gas taxes, ect. ect.ect. With all my heart I know there is another answer, everyone alive deserves access to the medical system. One good step might be to stop all the perks politician recieve like lifetime medical bennifits, life long paychecks, and being able to vote in their own pay raises, none of us will ever see these things for ourselves. I say yes to change and NO to Universal Health Care!!!!!!!!!!!!! report abuse
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written by Todd B. , February 18, 2009 OK. Here's the deal... You've got to have Health Insurance. If you're one of the 40 million Americans without it - you are gambling with everything you have and your future. 6 months ago I had a cerebral aneurysm - One day I was working (self employed) I got this wicked neck pain, knew something was wrong, went to my local hospital. About 3 hours later after some tests I'm being sent by helicopter to a major University Hospital. The next day I'm lying on an operating table having brain surgery. About a week later - I'm being driven home. 1 month later, I'm back to normal (for the most part). No serious side effects. I'm one of the lucky 10% that come through it without any permanent damage or requiring rehabilitation. Total Hospital Bill = $180,000 ... Yes, that's really the cost ($180k). I have health insurance -- I pay $15,000 a year for my health insurance through my sole proprietorship business. My out of pocket cost for the hospital bills = under $1,000. I found out most people are born with aneurysms. They are just walking around with them. Stress, lifestyle, smoking, even serious exertion (like intense exercise) can trigger them. In my case it was more than likely stress. So, if your argument is why should healthy people pay for unhealthy people or people who live dangerously. Then the only thing I can offer is ... Nobody can predict when they are going to need health care. And when you do ... if you don't have health insurance - because you can't afford it or you don't think you'd need it. Everything you have will be gone. Your American government is asking you to roll those dice every day of your life. Just by getting in your car and driving to work you are at risk of having an accident that requires medical attention. Countries like Canada, France, England and Japan have made a commitment to stand by their citizens. I truly think we're less civilized than they are. Also, once you are a patient in the U.S. Healthcare System. Then you'll really get a lesson on how bad the "system" is. Doctors and Nurses are great -- I love each and everyone of them and thank them for saving my life. Technology is awesome. However, the system is worse than anything I've ever run into in government. It is worse than the IRS tax system. I truly hope none of you have to experience just how bad it is. It is my single biggest stress and I look forward to the day when it is truly behind me. So, I'll sum it up this way ... I will always have health insurance. Whether as an American citizen or a Canadian or a European. I will always have health insurance for myself and my family. It is one of the single most important expenses in our lives. And you know who knows that? The Health Insurance Companies. It's no wonder it accounts for more money per year than my mortgage. It will continue to go up - every year. Until fewer and fewer Americans can afford it. Until fewer and fewer American businesses can continue to conduct business in the U.S. And until fewer and fewer people have any faith in the system or in the government protecting it. God Bless all of you and always remember you have nothing if you don't have your health. report abuse
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written by Mister J. , February 13, 2009 I think we need Universal Health Care in this country, I have seen how Canada and France among other countries respond to having a UHC system, they love it. It will benefit all the people who actually need the healthcare, who are working every day just to pay the bills and and hardly get by, just hoping that in this economy, that when they come to work the next day, that it won't be there last. So, that is my standpoint on UHC, I am all for it. 100% report abuse
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written by class of 11 , February 12, 2009 the number of people in this country that do not have insurance is over 40 billion, and most of them have jobs and work there but off just to barely make it. Healthcare is getting pretty ridiculous with the high priced insurance. If we had universal healthcare doctors would pay more attention to the patient rather than the insurance issues. Most people do not go to the doctors, not because they dont wanna pay, but becaue they cannot afford it. Why be paying off medical bills for the next five years or more when we can all have equal medicare. Some people say if your a good citizen then you should have good healthcare and shouldnt have to pay higher. But if your a good citizen you would want to help the lower class people or less fortuante. You wouldnt want to see someone dying on the side of the road because he or she cant afford to see a doctor now would you? An easier government system that decreases the cost of medical help would help the economic recovery out alot. report abuse
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written by Viv , February 10, 2009 What do we do next then?why cant our government allow surgerys with out expecting some outrages deductible, or premium coverage? I dont know but I think that is the real question we cant keep turning our heads and thinking of ourselves. Im not sure if i agree with the government controlling our entire healthcare system but someone has to stand up and take care of the people in need. If someone cant work because of a medical condition they shouldnt have to wait 2yrs before the can get medicare that person could be working and paying taxes during that time if only they could get healthy again..... I dont know the entire situation sickens me I just think we should all stop being selfish.. report abuse
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written by stupid , February 09, 2009 stupid is what this is report abuse
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written by Rreptillian , February 05, 2009 why does everyone have such a problem with socialism? as soon as most people hear the word they start freaking out with images of the soviet union AFTER their system collapsed and became corrupted. (whaddya know, it actually worked out very well for a while!!) I know this will sound really idealistic, but if people could just learn to think beyond themselves, a lot of our problems today could be solved. report abuse
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written by Christian, a former UPS laborer, current UPS supervisor. , January 28, 2009 You people complaining about UHC should input a bit more research without complaining about it upfront. I noticed that most of you are arguing with the "this is stupid" approach or "should have gotten a job". Let me tell you, my father has worked for General Electric for almost 30 years and he works his butt off to provide for me and my mother. Provided, I am in college and I have a job, but because of high prices of insurance, I've opted out of my company's insurance. Before you say anything, I work for UPS and they have good insurance, if you can afford it. Back to my father though, I stay on his insurance because he has just a little better than would be available to me, and he cuts a fourth of his check or more for the insurance and "just in case" savings. This is with 6 to 7 days a week of work WITH Overtime almost every day. I don't believe that swearing in an argument gets the job done most times, but I'll make an exception. [Expletive deleted by editors] you. (My apologies to anyone else) You who say someone should have gotten a job. It helps, yes, but it doesn't solve much. For people like my father who have been at work more than than at home, who only saw their kids grow up part-time, who provide every piece of themselves that they can for their families, they deserve a little bit of a break. If I have to take away a little more of my weekly check in taxes, then so be it. If I have to wait in line for an extra 3 hours with the flu, then I will. If it gives a break to hard-working men and women, then I can give up what I can. As a former laborer myself, I can personally respect someone who works their butt off to make ends meet. For people who just criticize with no information, please don't comment on these things, it's shameful and shows how immature you are. I may not have much research to put in on this area at the moment, but at least I have a valid reason to leave a comment. For my stance on Universal Health Care, I think anyone who read this should know it by now. If nothing else, enact this for the sake of the ones that DO work themselves into a grave, because they have certainly earned it. report abuse
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written by give me a break , January 25, 2009 This is what happens when a lot of people are receiving free stuff and figured WHY WORK? Now look what happened. Blame the GOVERNMENT for making it nice and cozy for you all. How long did you think free stuff was going to be around? Think of all the people who get up early and go to work to support their families (and you)and are just getting by. They can't get free college, afraid they cannot afford another pregnancy, watch their neighbor have the same stuff or more as them and they work and you don't. free healthcare while standing in line with massive jewelery and the latest jeans and sneakers, ipods, cell phones, ear pierced babies, SUV's etc. sickening report abuse
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written by Leigh Ann , January 21, 2009 Cyrena, Yes, this is for discussion among everyone, not just doctors. Thank you for sharing your opinions. And thank you to everyone else for doing so, as well. We read all the comments and much appreciate them. Keep 'em comin'! Leigh Ann Hubbard Managing Editor James Hubbard's My Family Doctor report abuse
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written by magin , January 21, 2009 what even does this mean i mean seriously report abuse
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written by Cyrena Albarran , January 20, 2009 Universal Healthcare is Healthcare that is provided for all. Not just the one’s who can afford healthcare but also for the one who can not. I think of it as Medicaid insurance only your options for providers are not just limited to just a few. You will have a choice as to what doctor would be the best for you. Granted the United States would be responsible for the payment of this “universal” health. Sure some will say why do I have to pay for somebody else coverage? But the way I think about it…..you premiums would probably be lower then what you’re used to pay right now. Well this year it is very possible and defiantly a current issue. As for alternatives I fell that we have tried all of them. I personally have had healthcare through employment paying the HIGH price for family coverage when only used the services maybe 5xs a year (I didn’t get my moneys worth!). Then I have had financial troubles and resorted to Medicaid only to find that not all Doctors will see you and frankly you get crappy service and not the best medical care! At least with this Universal Healthcare no one I fell can be singled out. Universal is for everyone! That why it’s called universal. The attached website is from the opinions of physician on their pro and con’s but I have written this response to these arguments from my perspective. This is for discussion right? http://www.familydoctormag.com/medical-index/doctors-office/doctors-debate-universal-health-care-pros-and-cons-from-the-experts.html report abuse
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written by John , January 05, 2009 universal health care is overrated. most of the doctors i have personally spoken with have cringed at even the thought of UHC. It would mean more taxes(even for people who dont need it), you would have long waiting periods to even get in, also doctors will be limited on the amount of patients they can see. it hurts us. report abuse
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written by Stephanie , December 31, 2008 where should i go i have so many Question for example -would it make diagnosis and treatment easier for doctors -would doctor focus on doing what´s best for their patients report abuse
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written by physyko , December 28, 2008 Universal healthcare and socialized medicine tend to be extremely polarizing terms. The fact is that the whole world is moving to what we call the "Education" model of healthcare. Educators like to say there are three types of education: public, private and parochial. Although of course parochial is but a segment of private. In healthcare this translates to a public safety net, a private medical industrial complex and the alternative medicine market. The reality is that today no-one not in Canada, not in the UK, can stop a wealthy individual from accessing private healthcare. All those individuals do is get on a plane. The reality is that the US already has the beginnings of a public health safety net in the form of Children's Services Programs and Medicare/Medical. All that needs to be done in the US is for these programs to be expanded to allow anyone who so chooses to partake of them. Anyone who wants to continue with their existing private program should be able to. And of course the increasing numbers of people that for various reasons including beliefs and price point chooses to use alternative medicine will continue to do so. Although it doesn't appear like we are going in the right direction, we actually are. We just need to expand existing programs to cover everyone. Fortunately the additional funding necessary to expand coverage is not that great as there will be significant savings by eliminating the existing system overhead administrative and marketing costs. report abuse
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written by Daniel McGraw , December 15, 2008 I think my title says it all. I can not find one instance where a country with socialized medicine has returned to a free market insurance controlled medicine like the U.S. has. Can it be that the citizens of the countries with socialized medicine actually like it? report abuse
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written by anonymous , December 14, 2008 There will always be greedy, corrupted, power hungry people out there who will emphasize the cons of everything to stay in power. report abuse
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written by Jordan , December 13, 2008 I want you all to look at countries like Costa Rica, Italy, and the UK. All 3 have great universal health care systems that work. Do a little bit more research and then you can get on your soap box and complain about a universal health care system. However, I think you will find that you will actually be on the other side of the argument. report abuse
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written by Bob , December 11, 2008 CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! report abuse
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written by john smith , December 02, 2008 this is one of the most retartedideas ever report abuse
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written by Austin , December 01, 2008 Give me one government program that has effectively worked. Abuse of the system, rationing, and long waiting lists will surely take place. The idea of government bureaucrats having control over my health doesnt exactly feel all that great. Also, if we get a government-run health care system, where will all the Canadians and Brits go for their healthcare? Whatever happened to the notion of individuals taking care of themselves and instead relying on the clowns in Congress which have given them nothing, over and over again? As an 18 year old, I cant wait to see the politicians experiment their proposed health care plans upon us. report abuse
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written by Matt G. , November 25, 2008 How do you people expect the government to be able to run a complex system like health care? When was the last time you went to the DMV? I know when most people go into the DMV just to take a picture it takes half an hour. What do you think the healthcare system will be like. Too many people already abuse the healthcare system, when it becomes available for all, all will abuse it. The people that abuse healthcare outweigh the people that do not seek medical treatment. I know I want to pay an extra few grand to see some people abuse government spending and my money. Instead of all these people spending their money on useless stuff, tell them to plan ahead for a couple of years and you will be fine. Get a job, and support yourself. Man up, and stop living on other's expenses. report abuse
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written by sami , November 21, 2008 I am all for the universal health care system for the U.S. It's ridiculous how some people avoid going to the doctors even when they are in serious conditions. You shouldn't be worried to get treatment because you cannot afford the fees. Health care should be available to all american citizens. A single payer universal health care system would not be considered socialized medicine. I think this is not hard to decide. It hurts when you hear about people that are sick and dying just because they don't want to be paying off medical fees from 5 years ago or more. report abuse
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written by Kathy , November 20, 2008 I work in a small hospital that mainly provids health care to the needy. Even though most of these patients can afford their alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, they can not afford health insurance. Most do not work - per their choice. They use the emergency doctors as if they are their family doctor. Excuses I hear are many. They get great peronsonal care, free tests, free meds - of course they are upset when it is not a narcotic. Some are very demanding and threatening to the staff. We have many illegal immigrants who come in and often forget what name they gave when walking in the door. They receive free hospitalization. Funny that most claim they can not speak english but yet forgets when talking with a american friend. Hmmmm I wonder how this univeral healthcare is really going to work. We already have abusers of the services already provided. So I am wondering if this program is really going to be beneficial for those who have a responsible, moral, life. As for the insurance companies charging huge fees, I can honestly say that it is a rip off. I am paying for insurance that the majority of I will never use. For example: I do no plan are having anymore babies. So, why can't I just pay for insurance that I would use? That is formed just for me. The $300 dollars I pay per month I could use. So if Universal Insurance will be for everyone, why not! report abuse
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written by Sara , November 20, 2008 I think it's pretty ridiculous how people are dying every day just because they don't have enough money. People are avoiding going to the hospital when they don't think that they can afford it, and I think our government needs to step up and help the people of the United States. People need to go to the doctor for regular check-ups, and it's just wrong when it gets to the point where people can't even afford to do that anymore report abuse
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written by sara , November 16, 2008 I agree that universal health care should come into effect. i believe our medicine system and cost of treatment are over hyped.Most of the insurance companies and hospital systems take over 3-4 times the real cost of treatment from the insured patients anyway, firstly to make profit and to offset the loses from uninsured and homeless people. so who is paying extra ! We the people who are insured. second point-why should the hard working class suffer when an unxpected event like cancer etc leads them to disability when most of their life they were making the country grow. should we give an example to the world that america is a great country for only for the rich or healthy or young peolpe who are active. lastly we should acheive universal health care by bringing the over hyped cost of the health care system down and at the same time work on decresing the so called possible long wait for physician down close to our current system and take the good of all health care systems in the world. SOunds idealistic but not impossible report abuse
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written by Tim Davis , November 04, 2008 I own my own business and I am the only employee of that business. If the work doesn't get done, no money comes in. That's the chance you take when you work for yourself. A given. In the US, when an illness strikes it can bankrupt you and your business and you lose everything you've worked for. That's what happened to me. Last December, I became mentally and physically disabled from a debilitating condition. Then name of that condition that still afflicts me is still unknown. Why? Because I have no health insurance and there is no help from the government. I saw a psychiatrist for a few months running up huge medical bills until the point where I could no longer pay. When I could no longer pay I was cut off. The doctor just gave me a medicine cocktail and changed it when it didn't work. No tests were run, just here take this medicine that costs $500 a month, which didn't work and just made things worse. After I was no longer able to see my doctor, it was recommended to go to the free health clinic where I was turned away and not allowed to see a doctor because I owned my own house and was educated and according to the social workers, I should be able to find my own resources. I was told by one social worker that they had no time for me because they were getting ready for an audit and others who had children needed more help than I did. A couple months later I attempted suicide after losing my life savings. Now I'm losing my home. I did everything from contacting my Congressmen to calling the head of the Health and Human Services for the state. There was no help for someone in my position. I am still sick and do not have the means to support myself and still there is no help. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits you have to be disabled for two years first. A person will starve to death before that happens. This is supposed to be a country where someone can work hard and get ahead. But without healthcare for everyone, it becomes a country for only the rich and insured and the middle-class is being wiped out. I am told that this is a "christian" nation, however, it doesn't act christ like. According to the bible, jesus cared for the sick, the poor and the down trodden. If this country wants to boast to be a christian nation, it needs to act accordingly. But this nation is not doing that. There is nothing christ like about this nation, but filled with hypocrites. Until there is equal healthcare for all, this nation will be filled with people who make decisions whether to pay for their prescriptions this month or pay for food. The homeless rate will continue to rise as Washington bails out the rich and let the people who fall ill, fall into bankruptcy and poverty never to return. So I tell you, if you call yourself a christian, act like it and help care for the sick and the poor. But apparently you so-called christians are too concerned for the life of a mass of tissue that isn't a person to care for the actual people who need help. I assure you I will not pay one cent of income tax in this country until there is healthcare for all and not just for the rich and the very poor, leaving out the people who built this nation - the middle class. My only chance of survival is gather enough money to leave this country and move to a country that has universal healthcare, where I can find out what's wrong with me and start treatment for whatever it is that ails me where I can return to work or re-start my business. It's either that or stay here and die in the streets. Great country eh? report abuse
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written by Melissa , November 03, 2008 Why would anyone want universal health care. Universal health care would decrease the quality of care provided to americans! Plus what incentive does that give any person to go through rigorous schooling to become a doctor or a nurse?? The government is supposed to be hands off!! Not hands on! If the governement controls health care and something goes wrong who is going to correct it. Certaintly not the government. report abuse
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written by Alaina , October 24, 2008 In the U.S., we already have socialized services: the police, fire department, public schooling, and others. I rarely hear people complain that their tax dollars are being spent on these services. It would be atrocious if someone were to say "well I don't want MY tax dollars being spent to help put a fire out at someone ELSE'S home. How is it helping ME?" We would immediatly excuse them as socially insensitive. So why is this okay to say when one's tax dollars are being spent to help alleviate someone's cancer, prevent childhood obesity, and save lives? It is simply a selfish way to view the healthcare system, and it absolutely aggrevates me. report abuse
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written by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. , October 20, 2008 Thanks Megan. It's good to get the views from people that use the system. report abuse
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written by Megan , October 18, 2008 I have done so much research on this topic, it's kind of ridiculous! As an American, I would NOT ever vote to have universal healthcare! Along with the research I've done to come to this conclusion, I have many friends that live and have lived in Canada, where we all know UHC is implemented. Not one of them is a fan. In fact, 4 of these people have moved to the US to get away from the system. I guess when they're sick, they actually like to be seen in a timely manner instead of being miserable for months. Who knew? Great Aritcle! Thanks! report abuse
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written by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H, , September 11, 2008 Thanks for the comments and perspective, Christine. Glad you like the website. report abuse
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written by Christine , September 10, 2008 Given the option to trade our Canadian system for the American system...my answer would be a resounding NO! Seriously...I don't know what everybody is afraid of down south of the border. Also...don't you know about the propensity of Canadians to whine? BTW...Great website! report abuse
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written by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. , August 28, 2008 Many people have those same fears, Nell. I hope the "powers" can get together to find a good, acceptable solution, that does not cause additional problems. Thanks for the comments. report abuse
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written by Nell , August 28, 2008 There needs to be an overhaul of the insurance companies - no doubt about it. But I don't believe that socialized health care is where we should start. Heck, I'm insured through my husband and it doesn't mean we could afford all the costs of a health crisis simply because we have insurance. report abuse
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written by Lea , June 29, 2008 For the perspective of a man who was a physician throughout the period of the NHS in the UK and who is appalled that this public service is being "privatized" to enrich (primarily foreign) buinessmen at the expense of the UK and its public's health, please see The Political Economy of Healthcare: A Clinical Perspective, by Julian Tudor Hart. The current and past level of debate about universal healthcare is bogeyman talk, meant to scare children into blind acceptance of the industrialization of healthcare. Healthcare costs what it costs, and it costs more when 30% overhead is required to administer it profitably. I have to take issue with this statement: "Compared to the private sector, government programs are inefficient and the higher costs have to be paid for with higher taxes or spending cuts in other areas such as defense, education, or even medical research and development. This is a tradeoff that most Americans would not be willing to make." From the book cited above, citing data from the OECD, Western European systems that cover everyone spend 8-9% of GDP on healthcare, while the US was spending 15% to *not* cover everyone (back then, and I understand that we're passing 16% now). This is the trade-off that Americans actually are making. Respectfully, Dr. O'Shea, "adequately informed assessment by individual patients and their providers about the value of services in a particular clinical situation" would be great, but isn't any more likely to happen now (when a physician has to see a half-dozen or more patients per hour to break even) than it would be in an NHS-type system. I agree, however, that coverage does not equal access. Providing everyone with health insurance will just make the health insurance companies richer, despite their cries of "don't throw me into the briar patch." We need to provide everyone with health care itself. report abuse
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 written by Leigh Ann , April 24, 2008 Thanks, Sandy. Glad you liked the article! We're always interested in what readers want to see debated, as well, so please suggest away if you'd like! (Our current issue covers on-demand C-sections, and we have two abortion debates planned.) Thanks so much for commenting. To Your Health, Leigh Ann Hubbard Managing Editor James Hubbard's My Family Doctor report abuse
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written by Sandy Richardson , April 21, 2008 Thanks for this article and your website. I'ts too bad we get such little detail in the presidential debates to really understand these important issues as voters. I like this format also and hope that others will reply to this type of discussion with thier opinions and other relevant facts. report abuse
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One of the top issues on your mind this year is likely to be health care. Buzz word: universal.
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