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A Remedy for Equality: Urgent Call for Universal Healthcare in the U.S. Hillery Mann
College of Education, Grand Canyon University
PHI-105 Professor Santelli December 3, 2023
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A Remedy for Equality: Urgent Call for Universal Healthcare in the U.S.
Access to universal healthcare is a fundamental human right that can transform
individuals and society. Beyond being a mere policy decision, it appears as a moral obligation
capable of eradicating healthcare access and outcomes of disparities, fostering preventive health
measures, and cultivating a more equitable and resilient society. The growing and urgent call for
universal healthcare unfolds at the intersection of morality and policy, emphasizing that it is not
a luxury but an imperative that can enhance the health and well-being of all individuals,
irrespective of their socioeconomic status or background. Advocating for universal healthcare is
crucial to address the injustices inherent in the current healthcare system, worsen disparities
within healthcare, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing a universal healthcare model in
the United States. Inequities of the Current Healthcare System
Disparities persist within the current healthcare system despite concerted efforts to bridge
these gaps. Initiatives like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have made strides, but many still need
more coverage (Chin et al., 2018). Many individuals need more access to vital healthcare
services, unveiling systemic inefficiencies, particularly within the fee-for-service payment model
that prioritizes volume over the quality of care (Chin et al., 2018). The structural challenges
contribute significantly to enduring health disparities across diverse racial, ethnic, and
socioeconomic groups, underscoring the imperative for a fundamental overhaul in organizational
and funding approaches to address these inequities (Chin et al., 2018). Within the heart of these
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disparities, the recognition appears that universal healthcare is not merely an option but a
compelling necessity.
Worsening of Disparities in Health Care
Secondly, the focus shifts to worsening healthcare inequities. Alspaugh et al. (2021)
illuminate racial disparities, particularly emphasizing health insurance as a critical battleground.
The study emphasized the priority of comprehensive healthcare reform to address and rectify
these disparities effectively. While maternal mortality disparities are not the central focus, they
indirectly highlight the correlation between existing racial healthcare disparities and maternal
health outcomes, underscoring the immediate need for intervention to ensure fair healthcare for
all women (Alspaugh et al., 2021). Compounding these disparities are financial barriers, with the
economic burdens of the U.S. healthcare system disproportionately affecting different income
groups. Alspaugh et al. (2021) proposed that a universal healthcare model could alleviate these
barriers, fostering inclusivity and equity in healthcare access. In the U.S., medical debt affects
19% of households and is more prevalent among families with children. Black households
experience a disproportionately high medical debt rate of 27.9%. Educational background also
affects healthcare affordability, with some college education but no degree being a significant
factor. Healthcare reform is needed to address the pervasive impact of medical debt across
diverse demographics. The persuasive economic argument solidifies the case for implementing
universal healthcare in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). 3
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The Practicality of Implementing Universal Healthcare in the U.S.
Thirdly, the practicality of implementing universal healthcare in the United States is
explored. Critics assert that significant upfront costs and logistical complexities may impede
such a system’s organizational and financial feasibility in a geographically extensive, populated,
diverse nation like the U.S. (Zieff et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, the article suggests that
universal healthcare holds the potential to foster a healthier populace, thereby mitigating the
economic costs associated with an unhealthy nation. The prevalence of chronic diseases,
particularly among those of low socioeconomic status (SES), is emphasized, suggesting that
universal healthcare could effectively address these health disparities and contribute to long-term
economic benefits (Zieff et al., 2020). Moreover, universal healthcare proves helpful for
preventing and managing chronic diseases through value-based care, early intervention, and
broad-based preventive efforts. These measures can improve public health and reduce economic
strain (Zieff et al.,2020). Considering the practical challenges, we can better appreciate the
benefits of striving for a healthier and more economically stable nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the unfair practices in the current healthcare system, reducing
the growing disparities in healthcare, and exploring the feasibility of a universal healthcare
model in the US is crucial to promoting universal healthcare. Despite the commendable impacts
of the Affordable Care Act, the challenge of achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage in the
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United States persists (Chin et al., 2018). Structural inefficiencies, notably the fee-for-service
payment model, contributed to existing health disparities, needing a fundamental overhaul of
healthcare organizations and funding mechanisms (Chin et al., 2018). Integration of medical and
social services encounters obstacles. Critics of universal healthcare have raised concerns
regarding its cost and complexities (Zieff et al., 2020). The debate around universal healthcare
programs centers on whether the potential tax increase they require is worth the benefits they
offer. However, it is also essential to consider that universal healthcare could reduce costs,
prevent medical bankruptcy for many Americans, improve public health outcomes, and decrease
health inequalities (ProCon.org, 2023). It is important to note that universal healthcare is not a
one-size-fits-all concept and can be tailored to various countries and situations (MacGregor,
2017). Therefore, to find common ground in the universal healthcare debate, it is necessary to
acknowledge the valid concerns of both sides and strive for a balanced and practical solution that
considers all stakeholders' values and interests. Addressing the financial feasibility of such large-
scale healthcare reform demands meticulously examining funding mechanisms and their
potential success in inclusive healthcare policies (Ziefff et al., 2020). This emphasizes the need
for the United States to develop a comprehensive and sustainable universal healthcare model that
caters to public health needs.
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References
Alspaugh, A., Lanshaw, N., Kriebs, J. M., & Van Hoover, C. (2021). Universal health care for the
United States: A primer for health care providers.
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health
,
66
(4), 441–451.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13233
Chin, M. H., Clarke, A. R., & Nocon, R. S. (n.d.). A roadmap and best practices for organizations
to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care.
JGIM: Journal of General Internal Medicine
,
36
(6), 992–997.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4329-1
MacGregor, S. (2017). Universalism and health: The Battle of Ideas. In: Yi, I. (eds) Towards Universal Health Care in Emerging Economies. Social Policy in a Development Context. Palgrave Macmillan, London
. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-53377-7_3
ProCon.org. (2023, March 16). Right to health care.
Universal Healthcare pros and cons
. Retrieved From: https://healthcare.procon.org/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023, June 7).
Nineteen percent of U.S. households could not afford to pay for medical care right away
. 6
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Retrieved From: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/who-had-medical-debt-
in-united-states.html
References
Zieff, G., Kerr, Y. K., Moore, J. B., & Stoner, L. (2020). Universal healthcare in the United States
of America: A healthy debate.
Medicina, 56(580), 580. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/medicina56110580
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