Universal Health Care: An Overview and the US Exception

Out of all countries considered 'developed,' the USA is the only one that does not have some form of universal health coverage.

Most advanced nations do have universal health care, making the U.S. an outlier. As of today, 78 nations on the planet have universal health care. In these nations, if you need any form of health care, you never see a bill; you just go in and there is no insurance hassle, waiting periods, or bureaucratic nonsense.

Every Western nation except for the US has a form of universal health coverage for all of their legal residents, as do some non-Western countries. This system is particularly advantageous as it eliminates unnecessary medical costs, ensuring that everyone has access to essential healthcare services without the burden of insurance or waiting periods. Americans often find themselves paying exorbitant amounts for their for-profit healthcare system where insurance companies decide what care they do or do not receive, leading to significant healthcare disparities and personal financial burdens.

Comparing Healthcare Systems Around the World

Advantages of universal health care in developed nations are well-documented. Countries like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Japan have systems that ensure all citizens have access to healthcare without financial barriers. For instance, in Canada, where I could relate based on my experience as a middle-aged woman disabled with MS, the healthcare system provides prompt, excellent care from world-class doctors, nurses, and other highly trained medical professionals. Other than parking and medication, I have zero out-of-pocket expenses for any of it. While I do wish the province covered medication like some others, I am still not willing to complain about the overall quality of care.

The Case of the United States

The U.S. is the 'exception to the rule.' It is the wealthiest nation in the world yet struggles to provide healthcare for its citizens, a stark contrast to other developed nations. These discrepancies lead to higher costs and inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system. The U.S. system is heavily influenced by private insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, and other profit-driven entities, rendering it significantly more costly and lacking in accessibility for many individuals.

Economic Stability and Healthcare

It is important to note that all developed countries have universal healthcare, a system that ensures all their legal residents have access to healthcare services without financial barriers. Some countries, however, with less economic stability, have lower levels of healthcare provision. In these nations, the government often has limited resources to invest in healthcare infrastructure and personnel, resulting in lower quality or quantity of healthcare services.

Barriers to Universal Healthcare in the US

There is a persistent belief among some individuals in the U.S. that universal healthcare is a bad thing, which is far from the truth. A well-functioning universal healthcare system leads to a more productive, stronger, and stable society. It reduces financial stress on individuals and families, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being rather than financial strain. The main roadblocks in the U.S. include political disagreements, industry resistance, and misinformation campaigns that perpetuate the myth of universal health care being an inefficient or flawed system.

Conclusion

The U.S. stands as a unique outlier in the global community of nations, with a fragmented and expensive healthcare system that does not provide universal coverage. The majority of the world's developed nations, including most Western countries, have embraced universal health care, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced financial burdens on their citizens. Moving towards a universal healthcare system in the U.S. could lead to significant improvements in public health and economic stability.