UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE

Universal Healthcare

Universal Healthcare

Introduction

A universal single-payer healthcare system would be a mistake of known proportion, as witnessed in other similar models; It is the opposite of everything that has driven this country's prosperity, making us economically the stronjjest nation in the world today. The debate necessarily encompasses political and humanistic ideologies as well as consideration of economic impact. In the study of an issue, there are various tools one should use to formulate an opinion. It is important to look at the ideologies of the proposition, current similar models of what is being proposed, as well as historic events and trends.

The basic tenets of those subscribing to governmental intervention through entitlement programs are that you, the individual, are not smart enough to know what is in your best interest, and do not possess the skills or drive needed to live your life successfully. Furthermore, given the opportunity and free choice, you likely will not do what we, the government, know is in your best interest. Therefore, we will have to take care of you through all your failures. So, why not just mandate now what we know is best for you and your future? Universal single payer healthcare system would be a mistake of known proportion, as witnessed in similar models.

Discussion & Analyses

The New Deal In 1935, as part of the New Deal, FDR introduced Social Security and Unemployment. This legislation was introduced during the depression to provide income to persons unable to find jobs. At the same time, it prodded individuals to retire, thereby freeing up jobs for others. As with almost every government program, it was never abolished after the country emerged from depression and unemployment returned to a nominal rate (Devore, 2008). In 1965, LBJ introduces Medicare as part of his Great Society vision. Since this time, dozens of entitlement programs have been integrated into our society. Partly or wholly funded by the federal government, programs such as Medicaid, Medigap, Disability, SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Plan) and Supplemental Security Income (introduced by President Carter in 1975), exist to theoretically assist individuals through almost any adversity that one can imagine. Now on the table, we have universal healthcare.

Before considering what is involved in the implementation of a single-payer universal healthcare system, we have to figure out how to pay for it. Let's look at what we have currently and how we pay for that. The United States Social Security Act created the largest government program in the world, today costing taxpayers over $625 billion annually (McCarty, 2007). It is funded through another act called the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA), also known as payroll taxes. Combined, these taxes total 15.3% of the payroll. Fifty percent is paid by the employer and S0% by the employee. Even if you are not a proponent of the Robin Hood concept of a governmental function, on the surface this scheme might make sense.

Also, consider that the benefits you pay in as an employer or employee are not necessarily a guaranteed future ...