free health care and paid health care essay

Read the Journal
Submit an Article

Free Healthcare in the United States: A Possible Solution to Public Health Disparities

Nov 23, 2020 | Author Hala Atassi , Public Health Policy

free health care and paid health care essay

Access to healthcare is one of the remarkable indicators that defines the quality of people’s lives. Despite the thousands of advanced technologies and countless healthcare clinics and hospitals, many people still cannot afford healthcare or health insurance. This has been a global concern for years, which many countries have resolved. However, the United States has yet to significantly progress towards making healthcare more accessible to low-income communities. There are many solutions to this problem that can be implemented today, upon which millions of suffering Americans depend.

Some studies have shown over the years that expensive health care is due to the high cost of defensive medicine, or in other words, physicians ordering expensive tests that may be unnecessary, as a way to deflect legal responsibility from themselves. Deviating from defensive medicine in the healthcare industry might impact physicians economically, but more importantly, it will help achieve affordable healthcare.

Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act of 2010) is one program that focuses on extending healthcare to Americans and reducing public health disparities. This program lays down a foundation that people under the age of 26 will receive accessible care from their parent or guardian’s health care plans. Afterward, they must pay for their health care plan. Also, the program stipulates that the government provides free healthcare to retired adults from age 55 to 64, to avoid any insurance plan complications. Essentially, Obamacare seeks to expand access to healthcare care, regardless of the scale of one’s medical diagnosis, to ultimately save lives that would have been lost due to the inability to pay expensive medical bills.

Easier access to healthcare will result in a healthier nation. The healthcare system is one of the most important components in life, as the United States’ economy cannot be fully efficient and benefit all people until everyone can access quality, affordable healthcare. Free healthcare (or at least cheaper healthcare) would be the most effective system for America, which other countries like Switzerland and Singapore have demonstrated. The money spent by citizens on their healthcare could be redirected to other social support systems in America, like expanding access to nutritious foods as well. Although free healthcare has many perks, it also has disadvantages. Most notably, overloading health services with a large number of patients would overwhelm already busy healthcare systems. Patients may overuse the perk of free healthcare, leaving not taxpayers to suffer, but rather medical professionals and healthcare systems. Even so, the perceptible advantages of affordable healthcare outweigh the disadvantages. As it is, years of attempts to ameliorate the United States healthcare system have failed the American people, and the situation remains devastating and life-threatening for low-income communities. There should be no debate though as to whether America needs to redesign the public health system, as healthcare is a human right, and nobody should be dying because they cannot afford to live, especially when the government has the economic means to take care of them.

Bibliography:

Gerisch, Mary. “Health Care As a Human Right.” American Bar Association , www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/the-state-of-healthcare-in-the-united-states/health-care-as-a-human-right/.

“Free Health Care Policies.” World Health Organization , World Health Organization, 2020, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/free-health-care-policies.

Gologorsky, Beverly. “Health Care in the US Should Be Affordable and Accessible.” The Nation , 9 May 2019, www.thenation.com/article/archive/tom-dispatch-health-care-should-be-affordable-and-accessible/.

Luhby, Tami. “Here’s How Obamacare Has Changed America.” CNN , Cable News Network, 8 July 2019, www.cnn.com/2019/07/08/politics/obamacare-how-it-has-changed-america/index.html.

Essay on Free Healthcare

Students are often asked to write an essay on Free Healthcare in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Free Healthcare

Introduction.

Free healthcare means medical services are provided without cost. It’s a system where the government pays for citizens’ health needs.

Benefits of Free Healthcare

Free healthcare ensures everyone gets medical attention, regardless of their financial status. It reduces health inequalities and promotes a healthier society.

Challenges of Free Healthcare

However, free healthcare can lead to long waiting times and may lower the quality of care. It can also put financial pressure on the government.

Despite challenges, free healthcare is essential for a fair society. It ensures everyone has access to medical care.

250 Words Essay on Free Healthcare

Free healthcare, a concept that advocates for the provision of health services without the direct charge to the patient, has been a subject of global debate. It is considered a fundamental human right by many, while others express concerns about its economic feasibility and quality.

Economic Implications

One of the primary arguments against free healthcare is the potential economic strain. Critics argue that it could lead to increased taxes and government spending, potentially destabilizing the economy. However, proponents counter this by stating that the economic benefits, such as reduced sick days and increased productivity, may outweigh the costs.

Healthcare Quality and Accessibility

Another concern is the potential decline in the quality of healthcare due to overburdened facilities and staff. However, proponents argue that free healthcare would increase accessibility, particularly for low-income individuals, leading to overall improved public health.

Universal Human Right

Advocates for free healthcare often cite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has a right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being. They argue that free healthcare is a moral obligation of societies to ensure the well-being of all their members.

In conclusion, free healthcare is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. It requires careful consideration of economic implications, healthcare quality, and moral obligations. As future leaders, it is important for us to continue this discussion with empathy and critical thinking.

500 Words Essay on Free Healthcare

The idea of free healthcare has been a contentious topic for decades, stirring debates among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and citizens alike. In essence, free healthcare implies that the government provides medical services without charging the end-users. The concept is rooted in the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right, irrespective of one’s financial standing. However, while the idea may seem ideal on the surface, it is critical to delve into its implications, advantages, and challenges.

Advantages of Free Healthcare

Undoubtedly, the most significant advantage of free healthcare is the universal access it provides. It ensures that every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status, has the right to receive necessary medical attention. This can lead to a healthier society, as people are more likely to seek preventative care and treatment for illnesses when cost is not a barrier.

Furthermore, free healthcare can alleviate financial stress associated with medical costs. In many countries, medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy. Free healthcare can eliminate this burden, allowing individuals to allocate their resources to other essential areas such as education or housing.

Despite its potential benefits, free healthcare also presents significant challenges. The most prominent is the financial strain on the government. Funding free healthcare requires substantial public expenditure, which can lead to increased taxes or cuts in other public services.

Moreover, free healthcare may lead to longer wait times for procedures and treatments due to increased demand. This could potentially result in a lower standard of care if the system becomes overwhelmed. Additionally, there’s a risk of overuse or misuse of services since they are freely accessible, leading to inefficiencies in the system.

Free Healthcare: A Balancing Act

Given the advantages and challenges, implementing free healthcare requires a delicate balancing act. Policymakers must ensure that the provision of free healthcare does not compromise the quality of care or place an undue financial burden on the state.

One potential solution could be a hybrid healthcare system, where basic healthcare is provided for free, while additional services are charged. This could strike a balance between ensuring universal access to healthcare and maintaining the sustainability of the system.

In conclusion, free healthcare is a complex issue that necessitates careful consideration of its potential benefits and drawbacks. While it promises universal access and financial relief, it also poses significant challenges in terms of funding and service delivery. As such, a nuanced approach, potentially incorporating elements of both free and paid healthcare, may offer the most viable solution for achieving health equity and fiscal responsibility. The debate surrounding free healthcare underscores the broader question of how societies choose to prioritize and allocate resources, highlighting the interplay between economics, ethics, and public policy.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Free Education
Essay on Free College Education
Essay on Frankenstein

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Free Health Care

What would the world be like if no one was denied access to medical health due to their financial status? So many people in the world cannot access quality health care because they cannot afford it. It is heart-wrenching to see both the young and old die because they have finances to cater for their treatment. This universal issue should be dealt with because it affects us all. Public health is a collective responsibility, and everyone should ensure that healthcare is accessible. Healthcare should be free because it helps promote social equity, reduce financial burdens, improve public health, and promote economic stability. This essay elaborates on each benefit and explains why we should have free health care.

Free health care promotes social equity. The financial ability of people in the community is different, so the quality of healthcare people receive differs based on their finances. For instance, people from the high social class have a higher chance of getting quality health care than those in the low social class. There are expensive medical treatments, and only the rich can afford them, while the poor end up dying. This is different from how it should be. Everyone should be given a chance to get treatment. Public health is not something that should be dependent on the social class of people. Everyone, regardless of their type, deserves quality healthcare. The World Health Organization is encouraging countries to adopt universal health coverage to help ensure that all people and communities receive quality health services without having to go through financial constraints (Fisher et al., 2022). In countries that use universal medical coverage, there has been a reduction in the impact of diseases and health inequities in general.

Free health care will help reduce the financial burden. When health care is free, people will not have to carry the burden of seeking medical treatment. Illness is not something that is planned for; it just happens. Most of the time, people have to go into their pockets to pay for all the treatment costs, especially those without medical insurance, which can be draining. The families that do not have the financial capability end up losing their loved ones because they cannot pay for their treatment. Others end up going into debt while paying for medical treatment, which can be prevented by making health care accessible. According to the World Health Organization 2023, protecting people from the financial consequences of paying for health services out of their pockets is essential.

Free health care improves public health. As it is popularly said, a healthy population is a healthy nation. This will only be possible when access to health care is not limited to anyone. It will help people access treatment for various diseases and preventive care, which will help reduce chronic illnesses (John & Shah, 2011). Through this, people can go on with their daily work and build the country’s economy. Free healthcare will also help ensure that all diseases are continuously monitored, and intervention methods to prevent them are implemented.

Additionally, free health care promotes economic stability. When the people of a nation are healthy, they are more productive. Most people worldwide need help to meet their primary healthcare needs, and some neglect these needs (World Bank, 2022). Over time, some illnesses that could have been controlled in the early stages progress and affect their productivity. When this happens, people cannot work, and the country’s economy becomes unstable. When people have access to free health care, they can work and be productive, improving the economic stability of their country.

In conclusion, free health care should promote social equity, reduce financial burden, improve public health, and promote economic stability. People do much work trying to make ends meet, and lack of health care should not be among their everyday struggles. The World Health Organization’s move to implement universal health care in all countries should be implemented so that people no longer struggle to access health care regardless of their social class or financial status.

Fisher, M., Freeman, T., Mackean, T., Friel, S., & Baum, F. (2022). Universal health coverage for health equity: From principle to practice; A response to the recent commentaries. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9808346/

John, T. J., & Shah, N. K. (2011). Universal Healthcare & Nationwide Public Health: A tale of two declarations from one city. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193703/#:~:text=It%20also%20protects%20health%20by,a%20threat%20to%20people’s%20health.

World Bank. (2022, 6). Universal health coverage. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/universalhealthcoverage#:~:text=Supporting%20health%20represents%20a%20foundational,the%20majority%20held%20by%20women

World Health Organization. (2023, October 5). Universal health coverage (UHC). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(UHC)#:~:text=Protecting%20people%20from%20the%20financial,destroying%20their%20futures%20and%20often

Cite This Work

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Related Essays

The role of anthropology in cross-cultural psychiatry, american dream essay, social isolation among the elderly, how communication skills affect building connections in organizations, universal health coverage in the u.s, socioemotional and moral development: a case study analysis of angela, popular essay topics.

American Dream
Artificial Intelligence
Black Lives Matter
Bullying Essay
Career Goals Essay
Causes of the Civil War
Child Abusing
Civil Rights Movement
Community Service
Cultural Identity
Cyber Bullying
Death Penalty
Depression Essay
Domestic Violence
Freedom of Speech
Global Warming
Gun Control
Human Trafficking
I Believe Essay
Immigration
Importance of Education
Israel and Palestine Conflict
Leadership Essay
Legalizing Marijuanas
Mental Health
National Honor Society
Police Brutality
Pollution Essay
Racism Essay
Romeo and Juliet
Same Sex Marriages
Social Media
The Great Gatsby
The Yellow Wallpaper
Time Management
To Kill a Mockingbird
Violent Video Games
What Makes You Unique
Why I Want to Be a Nurse
Send us an e-mail

Health care for all Essay

It is the government’s responsibility to provide healthcare for everyone. Whether communism, capitalism or otherwise, access to quality healthcare is an inalienable right for every citizen, regardless of age, economic status or race. Despite the fact that many people are covered under government funded programs such as Medicare, there are millions of citizens who do not have access to this right, due to the shortcomings of these government funded programs.

Most first world countries have single payer programs. In these programs, the government is the single payer where the amount of premium is concurrent with the salaries. As such, despite the fact that every citizen pays own health insurance premium, they spend far much less and are guaranteed access to quality healthcare.

Contrary to popular belief, universal health care is not an expensive project. Many analysts fear that it would add to government expenditure on healthcare, yet economic experts argues that with discipline and diligent political leadership, it is a plan that cannot only save government billions of dollar but also increase profit for private healthcare providers and insurers.

So real is this assumption that, private healthcare providers as well as healthcare insurance companies are willing to negotiate with the government on the possibility of universal healthcare. Although health care cost is soaring, the government needs to actualize universal healthcare plan to improve healthcare provision as well as consolidate other gains.

There are alarming statistics that the United States government is currently spending more than any other country on healthcare per person. So much is the spending that health care budget has surpassed the amount of money that the country spends on food.

This reality has two implications: that health care is important to a countries economy and that there is need for the government to think of ways to provide universal health care. Despite the fact that the government spends about $2 trillion on health care annually, the huge budget is not because the country is saddled with diseases.

A reports by research firm, MGI indicates that the ever increasing cost of health care is as a result of not harmonizing payout of health care by the government, employers and insurances to a single payout system (McKinsey & Co paras 1, 2). McKinsey & Co continues to argue that there is a vey high demand and supply for health care, but that most of the citizens do not have access to quality services (para 3).

This is despite the huge amounts spent every year in health care provision. MGI conclude that a single payout system has a number of advantages to the health care consumer as it will provide necessary regulations to streamline health care into a properly managed industry. It will also provide further incentives for growth. This acts as a major opportunity for health care cost efficiency and improvement. Overall, quality health care is brought closer to all citizens (McKinsey & Co para 4).

Analysts have argued that a universal health care plan has major obstacles. This assumption have been backed by high ranking politicians who argue that the plan would be too expensive for the government to carry out, that it is an unworthy political capital that would not generate desirable political returns and that private health care insurers stand to loose significantly. This assumption has several weaknesses. The assumption is not based on hard facts and furthermore, health care is not all about politics but the health of a nation.

The assumption however, is not very far from the truth but can be overcome, if there is strong, intelligent, meticulous and diligent political planning and leadership. A dedicated political leadership will see it as government concern to explain to the citizens that, even though a single payout plan does require additional revenue from tax, the extra tax spending would be significantly compensated by a huge reduction in private insurance expenditure.

The objections by healthcare private insurers are reasonably acceptable as they are fear that they will loose billions in profits every year. However, like the notion by politicians that it is not a worthy political gamble, the fear by private insurers is not founded on hard facts. Economic analyses of a single payout system conclude that having a single payout system enlarges the economic size of health care as it increases consumers as well as health care budget.

Therefore, private insurers will be informed that their fears are unfounded and that actually, a single payout system will increase their share of earnings. This conclusion is also based on the argument that as the pie gets larger, everyone gets a larger portion of the pie (Frank paras 5 to 10). Thus, the more need for the government to provide healthcare for all

In light of the new findings that there are bigger benefits for all, the role of private insurers in the provision of a single payout medical plan has come under scrutiny. Since time immemorial, private health care insurers have strongly objected to the plan.

But of late the private health care providers have accented to the reality that there needs to be radical changes in the health care sector to curtail the ever increasing cost of health care which do not necessarily lead to improved quality and quantity. Health care insurers have had a change of heart and want to be part of the single payout system.

Their softening of hearts is based on the assumptions convictions of president Barrack Obama that this plan needs to be flexible to accommodate all stakeholders and consolidate all gains from all sectors of the American health care industry. President Obama in his universal healthcare plan argues that universal health care means that all parties play a role to the success of the plan.

Quite humorously, but realistically nevertheless, president Obama called this approach the “common sense rules of the road” as universal health care plan would ensure that, among other benefits, there is no discrimination to people with preexisting condition to getting health care insurance (New York Times para 30 to 34). Following this conviction, the government thus needs to provide health care to all as it is not only practical but also necessary and beneficial.

There are more reasons why the government should provide health care for all. Under the universal health care scheme, it will become easier to provide preventative health care for a majority of people. Universal healthcare ensures that more people access health care services and as such consumers will have an increased awareness of their healthcare needs and seek prevention early enough.

This argument is based on studies which confirm that a higher percentage of people with health care insurance are aware of their health conditions than people without. With information about personal health, people will be able to seek preventative cure early enough at a lower cost and as such reducing the overall cost of healthcare (International Debate Education Association and Trapp 124).

The current health care programs, despite being backed by the government have significant shortcomings. Under such programs, only limited physicians offer services and as such patients are limited on the number of doctors they can consult. This mean that patients who buy into the programs are forced to abandon their personal doctors, if the personal doctors are not part of the plan. Furthermore, patients have to seek approval before the consult physicians under this scheme.

As such, these government sponsored program, instead of expanding healthcare, tend to limit it further. Moreover, the programs are discriminating in terms of age, economic s and employment statuses. If a person loses a job, then they also lose the health benefits (International Debate Education Association and Trapp 124). As such, there needs to be a universal healthcare for all, which guarantees access to medical services regardless of age, income and employment status.

Universal health care also has benefits to employers. Currently it is calculated that the US employers spend more than US$ 1500 for every worker in healthcare cost every year. It is also estimated that the cost of healthcare to employees goes up by at least 14 % every year. This is putting an unmanageable burden on employees.

This kind of rise in heath care cost is unsustainable. As such the government needs to come to the rescue of employers and save the American business (Sherrow 63). With such costs taken care off, the American employer will thus be able to offer more job opportunities

Universal healthcare program will also boost the economy in a variety of ways. With universal health care, the American employee will feel more secure and as scuh will not be tied to a particular employer for the fear of loosing the employer based health benefits. As such employees will be able to make more flexible career and professional choices that are not tired to health care benefits.

As such many people will gain the confidence of leaving their jobs and starting private business, without necessarily having to loose health benefits. While these encourage more flexible movement of professional, it also help boost the economy as more people will gain the confidence to move away from formal employment and to small business (Sherrow 63). This thus compels the government to provide universal healthcare.

The government needs to provide universal healthcare for everyone. Health care is currently costing the government too much money yet it does not guarantee ease of access to heath care by a significant portion of American citizenry.

As such the government needs to harmonize it heath care plans and provide a comprehensive single payer system in which it is the single payer. Despite being an expensive venture, universal health care guarantees social economic as well as professional benefits. These benefits will lead to the general improvement of the standard of living as well as boost the economy.

Works Cited

Frank, Robert. A health care plan so simple, even Stephen Colbert couldn’t simplify it . 2007. Web.

International Debate Education Association and Trapp, Robert. The debatabase book: A must-have guide for successful debate. New York: IDEA. 2009. Print.

McKinsey & Co. Accounting for the cost of health care in the United States . 2011. Web.

New York Times. Health Care Reform. 2011. Web.

Sherrow, Victoria. Universal healthcare . New York: InfoBase Publishing. 2009. Print.

How Poverty Contributes to Poor Heath
Volkswagen Company’s Dividend Policy
Nina Pop and Skylar Heath: Introductory Biographies
The Role of Public Service Commission in Canada
Africa Regional Conference: Should Democracy Be Promoted in Africa?
Why did Tunisia and Egypt’s governments fall? Will they become democracies?
The Spread of Democracy
Trustee vs. Delegate Models of Representation
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, October 12). Health care for all. https://ivypanda.com/essays/health-care-for-all/

"Health care for all." IvyPanda , 12 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/health-care-for-all/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Health care for all'. 12 October.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Health care for all." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/health-care-for-all/.

1. IvyPanda . "Health care for all." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/health-care-for-all/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Health care for all." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/health-care-for-all/.

Home / Essay Samples / Health / Health Care

Essays on Health Care

Importance of cleanliness: a path to health and well-being.

Cleanliness is not just a habit; it's a way of life that has far-reaching implications for both individuals and communities. From maintaining physical health to fostering a sense of discipline, the importance of cleanliness cannot be overstated. It encompasses personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and the...

Japan Vs Us Healthcare System

The healthcare systems of different countries reflect unique approaches to providing medical services, managing costs, and ensuring access to care. Two notable examples are Japan and the United States, each representing distinct models. This essay delves into a comparative analysis of the healthcare systems in...

The Benefits of Exercise for Mental and Physical Health

When it comes to leading a healthy and fulfilling life, there is one undeniable truth - regular exercise is a cornerstone. This essay explores the myriad benefits of exercise for health. In an era where sedentary lifestyles and desk-bound jobs are increasingly prevalent, understanding and...

Universal Healthcare: Examinin the Complexities

Universal healthcare is a topic of significant debate and discussion in countries around the world. It represents a system where every citizen has access to essential medical services regardless of their financial situation. The concept of universal healthcare has both fervent supporters and vehement critics....

Arguments for Euthanasia: a Comprehensive Examination

Euthanasia, the act of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, is a deeply divisive and ethically complex issue. Proponents argue that euthanasia is a compassionate and dignified option for individuals facing unbearable pain and terminal illnesses. In this essay, we will explore the...

Why Euthanasia Should not Be Legal: a Critical Examination

Euthanasia, often described as "mercy killing" or "assisted suicide," is a highly controversial and morally complex issue. It involves the deliberate ending of a person's life, usually in cases of terminal illness or unbearable suffering, with the assistance of a physician or another individual. While...

My Trip to the Dentist: a Tale of Dental Care

A trip to the dentist is often met with mixed feelings, ranging from a sense of responsibility to a hint of anxiety. However, this routine visit is an essential part of maintaining oral health and preventing potential issues. In this essay, I will recount my...

Medical Care Should Be Free for Everybody

The provision of free medical care for all individuals is a topic that has sparked intense debates globally. This essay explores the arguments in favor of providing medical care free of charge, highlighting the potential benefits to society in terms of public health, economic well-being,...

Wealth is More Important than Health

The age-old debate about whether wealth is more important than health continues to stir discussions across societies. Both wealth and health are essential aspects of a fulfilling life, yet they are often viewed as mutually exclusive. In this essay, we will explore the nuanced relationship...

Exercise and Fitness: a Path to Health and Well-being

Exercise and fitness play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting overall well-being. In a world marked by sedentary routines and modern conveniences, the importance of physical activity cannot be overstated. This essay delves into the significance of exercise, its benefits for...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

Assisted Suicide
Physical Exercise
Nursing Home
Universal Health Care
Health Care Policy
Dental Care
Public Health
Palliative Care
Nursing Care Plan
Health Promotion
Healthcare Crisis
Mental Health

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->