Why Universal Health Care is Not the Answer

During his presidential campaign Obama offered a plan for universal health care. I know that many are in support of this plan but I believe that everyone should know the disadvantages that come along with universal health care before they make a decision on it.

The notion that this is free or low cost coverage for all is very misleading because actually we will have raised taxes to pay for it. Also, as with other countries who have this in place, an end of the year amount will be paid to cover the care. The care can also be covered by making budget cuts to many other areas that need the money such as education. Also many will see their physician much more often adding even more money to taxes and end of the year payments. Higher taxes will be placed on cigarettes etc. Which will anger many. Also it is most likely that they will pass restrictions on cigarettes, alcohol, fast food etc. which will tamper with personal freedoms.

This will only cover basic care. Surgeries, certain tests, and other practices will have to be paid out of pocket. This includes services to those with cancer, tumors, and many other ailments.The quality of care is also more likely to be cut down. Malpractice suits are likely to increase.

The amount of people being seen, will increase to the extent that the care, prescriptions, and practices will have to be rationed. Many who are addicted to prescription drugs will see physicians much more often. People who are healthy may not want to pay for those who are ill due to smoking or obesity. If you look around, how many neighbors do you know who are willing to pay for your health care? This is ultimately what the universal health care system will come to. Everyone will have to pay for everyone. Just because some are willing to pay for those who see their physicians because of their lifestyle choices(such as Hepatitis, HIV, AIDS, obesity, lung cancer due to drugs,sex etc.) does not mean that others are likely to.

The amount of people being seen will also lead to longer waits. This can be from six months up to years. This is for everything from the basic care to life saving surgeries.It also includes the time you have to wait in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices which is already a frustrating length of time.

There is also, as we know, a shortage in health care workers. Health care workers will suffer a great cut in their salaries. Most physicians go to college for more than ten years. I highly doubt that these aspiring physicians will want to go to school for ten years, get backed up on loans, only to make half (if that) of what physicians are being paid now. Unless someone has a true passion for the health care industry, I doubt they will want to go to school that long when they can go for a few years to become something that will make more or the same amount of  money.Also, since many procedures must be done by specialists, which will not be covered by the plan(which means less will see one), I imagine many will not go the extra mile to become a specialist. This will lead to a greater shortage of our health care staff.

The health care system will be in full control of the government, which as you can imagine will create several problems including breaches in patient confidentiality and tighter control over people.

Do not get me wrong, I feel that everyone deserves health care when needed, however with all of this in mind, I do not feel that universal health  care is the answer. There are many more solutions that I believe can be found. Also, there are already many agencies who assist those in need of care.

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