I support the thought of Universal Health Care, as I honestly believe each and every human being on the planet deserves medical attention when they need it, no matter their finances, no matter their economic condition, no matter what self-induced abuses they have indulged in that might relate toward their condition.
If I were one of those savvy "Founding Fathers", I would have found a way to make the Bill of Rights number 11, with universal health care being an established right of every American. After all, everything begins at home, right? In the instance of health care, it appears that everything does not begin at home. In the industrialized world, the USA is one of few nations that does not provide Universal Health Care.
Having said all that, I have a few concerns about Universal Health Care. Today, there are estimates that some 45 million Americans remain uninsured for health care coverage. Universal Health Care would ensure that nobody remains uninsured. However...
Nobody is really discussing the costs of covering those that are insured, and what percentages of those insured have their coverage paid for individually, or through an employer provided plan. Of those covered by their employer, how many actually have their premiums fully paid, substantially paid, or paid by the employees directly.
Today, my health insurance is paid fully by my employer. Am I one of those lucky individuals? If we had a Universal Health Care System, who would pay my premiums? Would it be me, mandated by legislation? Would it be split between my employer and myself, as is already offered by Medicare (which I and my employer pay for but don't receive benefits from)?
Before we demand Universal Health Care Coverage, I think we need to dig into the meat of the topic. Who will be responsible for covering the same. IMHO, employers must bear most of the burden of UHC. Today we see huge corporations absenting themselves from covering lifelong employees basic health needs. With Universal Health Care, just who will pay? We labor, others become wealthy. If I am not becoming wealthy as a result of my labor, others should pay to ensure my health.
I am interested in your thoughts on this topic...