Implications Post

The future of health care lies in the hands of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. President Obama has already proposed his version of health care reform and now it is up to Congress to decide what lies ahead of us in our fight for a more efficient health care system. Being one of the most historic moments in congressional history the health care bill was passed in the House of representatives. But what lies ahead for the health care bill? The next step is for the Senate to pass its version of the health care bill. After this long process the bill has to go through a conference comitte in where both bills will be compiled into one. Many people believe that health care reform will never be accomplished in the United States. If the problems that are found within our current health care system remain unsolved then more and more Americans will be uninsured, leading to higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy rates.


http://activepaper.olivesoftware.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=V0JETi8yMDA5LzA2LzE2I0FyMDA2MDU=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

http://www.alternativesmagazine.com/16/bayer.html

http://chrisberryonthe.net/2008/09/08/revisiting-the-oregon-plan-the-future-of-healthcare-in-america/

http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/from-the-house-leadership-sighs-of-relief/

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/opinions/view/opinion/After-Passing-House-Whats-Next-for-Health-Care-Bill-1543

The Benefits of Universal Health Care

Sadly, universal health care would demand higher taxes and more government spending on health care, but in this case the benefits outweigh the consequences. Under universal health care every American would be guaranteed free health care. Our current health care system mainly benefits the upper class by placing a burden on the lower and middle classes. Reality is that health care is one of the most expensive necessities that American citizens have to decide whether or not to pay for. One of the many benefits that arise from universal health care is that every individual will be treated the same. Disregarding the social class one is in, anyone can see whatever doctor they wish to see. Of course doctor popularity will conflict with citizen's freedom to choose over doctor care, but in most cases every individual will be accepted into whichever clinic they desire. Doctors believe that under universal health care the medical field will be able to eliminate wasteful inefficiencies such as duplicate paper work, claim approval, and insurance submission. Also a centralized national database will be established which will make diagnosis and treatments easier for doctors. In other words, all of the unnecessary paper work that is required for first time patients in clinics will be completely eliminated. Since every patients information will be saved under a centralized database, doctors will be able to access patient information quicker and more effectively than under our current health care system. Health care is a calamity that many would rather not have to deal with. The few that have health care spend a tremendous amount of money on health care. Most people often avoid yearly physical check ups and preventive measures due to the overwhelming cost of health care.

Annotated Links Post

Here are a few of the most useful websites that I came across when researching about universal health care:

1.This website clearly points out the differences between the various arguments proposed by political actors in the health care debate. It talks about the opposing views of those that are against universal health care. It also talks about the arguments created by those that are in favor of universal health care. Overall this website helped me differentiate between the opposing sides of the health care debate clearly pointing out the different opinions centered around universal health care.

http://www.balancedpolitics.org/universal_health_care.htm



2. This website not only talked about the history of universal health care but it also analyzed the different presidential attempts in reforming health care. It talks about how throughout American history presidents like Clinton, Truman, and Roosevelt had initiated health care reform but unfortunately were not successful in doing so. But most importantly this website gives an outlook as to why universal health care has failed so many times.

http://www.pnhp.org/facts/a_brief_history_universal_health_care_efforts_in_the_us.php?page=4

3.This website provides an outline of the various myths that are thought to come out of universal health care. It points out all of the false assumptions that many mistakenly believe to be true. It also gives many shocking facts comparing the United States' quality of health to that of other nations.

http://cthealth.server101.com/the_case_for_universal_health_care_in_the_united_states.htm


4. This blog created by Robert Laszewski discusses the various arguments concerning health care reform in the United States. It discusses the different types of bills proposed by both the house and the senate. It also gives insight as to what most Americans believe the government should do in order to reform health care. This blog effectively proposes different arguments that could be helpful if one is unsure as to whether or not universal health care would work in the United States.

http://www.thehealthcareblog.com/the_health_care_blog/2008/03/a-detailed-anal.html

5. This news article discusses the problems that are found within our current health care system. These problems including the lack of quality health care, inefficient private insurance companies, and the fact that 47 million Americans are uninsured. This website brings attention to the idea that something needs to be done within our current health care system in order for Americans to be happy.

http://dbaron.org/views/health.html

6. This website talks about the Canadian health care system. It compares the Canadian health care system, a single payer health care system, to that of the United States. It also argues that the United States should follow the Canadian model and provide their citizens with free medical health care. This website also informs readers about the many benefits Canadians enjoy due to the universal health care coverage that is provided by the government.

http://www.medhunters.com/articles/healthcareInCanada.html

The Other Side of the Debate

Many argue that there has not been a single government agency capable of successfully managing a national organization. American citizens fear that under a universal health care system the government will waste taxpayers money. Others argue that universal health care is not really free because citizens must pay for it under higher taxes. According to some if universal health care were to be passed then doctors will have no incentive in pursuing a career in the medical field. Anti-universal health care sentiments include the idea that a government controlled health care system would lead to a decrease in patient flexibility. Usually government workers earn a lower salary than private company workers, people are concerned that under a health care system controlled by the government doctor salaries will decrease to the point that many doctors will decide to leave the medical field. Under universal health care, the government is most likely to pass mandated procedures that in the long run will reduce doctor flexibility and lead to poor patient care. Another problem posed by a single payer health care system is that healthy people will have to pay for the burden of those who smoke and are obese. Healthy Americans are opposed to universal health care because they take preventive measures unlike those who willingly choose to harm themselves by smoking or eating excessive amounts of food. Economists fear that universal health care will lead to a decrease in jobs in the private insurance industry since most private insurance companies will go bankrupt. Other concerns include the assumption that malpractice lawsuits will increase tremendously due to the fact that the government is the richest organization in the nation. Therefore those who file malpractice lawsuits are likely to earn twice as much as if they were to sue a private insurance company. Even though many arguments have been proposed against a government controlled health care system, most Americans are in favor of universal health care.

Universal Health Care: Socialism?

We are under the assumption that private insurance companies are established for the in order to provide quality health care for patients, but I have come to the conclusion that insurance has transformed into pre-paid health care. In order to receive health care a person must be covered by either a private insurance company or by Medicare or Medicaid. Employees who believe that there companies "cover" their insurance costs are sadly mistaken. Businesses deduct money from employees' pay checks in order to pay for their insurance. People argue that the United States does not need a system in where the government has total control over health care. They believe that eventually this single payer health care system will lead to socialism. Socialism is a system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution in the community as a whole. People fear that as a result of universal health care the government will socialize every type of privately owned corporations, including banks, small businesses, etc. Socialism brings with it a negative connotation due to the fact that socialism is widely viewed down upon in American political culture. Socialized medicine refers to the idea that the government will be the only organization responsible for the distribution of health care. The debate of whether or not universal health care would lead to socialism is one that has brought controversy among many political advocates. Personally, I believe that universal health care will not lead to socialism, especially in the United States. Due to the complexity found within our government, socialism is most likely never going to have an effect within our lives.

Analysis Post

Coming into this project I had a small understanding of what my topic was about. After visiting blogs centered on health care reform and after doing research concerning my topic, I realized that my understanding towards health care reform was slightly skewed. At first I thought universal health care would be a brilliant idea, but then I came to the conclusion that health care reform is a more complex problem than I had imagined. There are many arguments that are presented towards health care reform in America. Some of these arguments are in favor of health care reform, while others are against it. After taking into consideration all of the arguments that political actors were making in the health care debate, I realized that health care is a problem that will take many years to reform.

Throughout this project, I realized that instead of being preoccupied with grammar usage and paragraph transitions, I mainly focused on the argument I was trying to convey. Blogging has made me realize how important research is in order to establish a well supported and thought out argument. Without facts it is hard to convince people that the argument you are making is correct. I not only learned about the arguments centered around the health care debate but I also learned how to efficiently argue about my opinions. Most people that commented on my blog were clearly biased as to whether or not the American government should approve of universal health care. At times peoples' bias challenged my own opinions and ways of thinking towards the topic, but this hurdle made me realize how important it is for people to back up ones arguments with facts.

For example, I did not know that there are 47 million Americans uninsured. That compared to other countries the United States is ranked 37th in providing adequate quality of health care. After researching more in depth about why so many Americans are uninsured, I realized that our current health care system needs a lot of help. Learning more about the topic helped me understand the arguments scattered within the scope of health care reform. Even though I am still unsure about which solution is the best towards reforming health care, I am optimistic that in the future changes will be made towards our current health care system.


http://healthcare.change.org/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386032/plotsummary

http://healthpolicyandmarket.blogspot.com/

http://healthcare-economist.com/

http://www.healthreform.gov/

http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/health_care_reform_obama.fortune/index.htm

http://www.newsweek.com/id/214254

http://weakonomics.com/2009/06/08/the-pros-and-cons-of-universal-health-care-in-the-united-states%C2%A0/

http://www.racewire.org/archives/2009/08/in_healthcare_debate_dispellin.html

http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/23/health-care-reform-lifestyle-health-universal-health-care.html

http://www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/national_health_care.HTM

France's Health Care System: Why Can't We Be Like The French?

Many people prefer the luxurious amenities found within the American health care system, but when it comes to cheaper prices and quality health care many turn to the french for health care. France enjoys universal health care, in other words french citizens enjoy free health care everywhere in France. The health care system in American is too expensive for many and the quality of health care is not the best. The french government's total expenditure on health insurance covers 80% of all the costs. The rest is paid by consumers and employers through supplemental pocket expenses and immigrants from other countries that receive health care in France.

Differently from the American health care system, the french health care system covers the costs for patients who have chronic illnesses and need medical attention. Everyone who has lived in France for more than three months is considered a citizen, therefore they can enjoy the benefits of universal health care. A recent study shows that compared to the American population, the french live longer and suffer less heart attacks. Many believe this is due to the fact that France has more doctors and hospital beds. In France patients are free to navigate within public hospitals and are still guaranteed a reimbursement by the government. Overall, statistics show that France provides better quality health care than the United States. The french National Health Insurance, NHI, covers costs which include hospital care, outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental care, and even nursing home care. Public opinion towards whether or not the United States should mimic the french health care system is evenly divided. About half of the nation believes that the United States should have universal health care, while the other half believes it should not.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/051709dnbusfrance.40cc221.html

Class-links Post

Abortion is an issue that affects many young woman in the United States. As a result the topic has been one of much debate over the past few decades. In order to raise abortion awareness I believe it is beneficial to provide alternatives for abortion. That is why I believe that the blog on "Reducing Abortion" is beneficial because it brings attention to other alternatives other than abortion. The blog discusses the many types of contraceptive methods that can be used in order to reduce the risks of pregnancy. This blog is very useful to those who are not aware of the potential risks abortion could have towards their own body and to society as well.

http://can-i-live-abortion.blogspot.com/


Our way of living is constantly changing and as discussed in iGreen, global warming is finally taking its toll in our environment. I find this blog very informative, providing readers with helpful tips. For example, I find it beneficial in knowing that unplugging phone chargers and hair dryers helps against global warming. Who would have thought that such a small deed that takes a couple of seconds to do could decrease the amount of harmful gases that go into our environment? The most practical benefit found within the iGreen blog is that it raises awareness and points out many ways in how the community as a whole can help the transmission of gases into our environment.

http://igreen13.blogspot.com/

The legalization of marijuana is a topic that intrigues many young people. Personally, I find it interesting because I know people that smoke up almost every day. Knowing both the negative and positive effects that the legalization of marijuana could have within our economy and lives is worthy for all. As discussed in the blog, the legalization of marijuana could bring jobs to the American economy. Even though most people are against the legalization of marijuana, I predict that it will most likely be legalized in the future.

http://allquietonthewesternblunt.blogspot.com/2009/10/marijuanas-social-effects-and-effects.html

The Theory Behind Universal Health Care

The issue of whether or not the United States should have universal health care is one that has caused a lot of debate among various interest groups and politicians. The idea of health care reform started in the early 1900's, when President Theodore Roosevelt proposed the idea of universal health care. The issue progressed from being one of the least talked about to being the center of attention in the 2008 elections. Due to the overwhelmingly large number of uninsured American citizens that are denied the right to health care each year, the issue of health care reform has caused an uproar in Congress. Both houses of Congress believe that legislative measures need to be taken in order to fix the inefficiency found within our current health care system. In order to end the conflict between universal health care and a health care system consisting of various private insurance companies, the government feels the need to provide its citizens with multiple options. Unfortunately, the solution for the health care debate is more complex than depicted. The American population should be responsible in making the ultimate decision towards the future of health care. It is a fact that most American citizens are in favor of universal health care. Those who oppose universal health care are hesitant towards the idea of having the government pay for medical services. In order to calm the fear of these groups of people, the government should have strict guidelines that they will be forced to abide by. For example, there should be laws that restrict the expansion of governmental decision making towards individuals medical preferences. Each individual citizen should be in charge in deciding whether or not they want to seek medical care. Similarly, the government should not propose laws that force citizens into having insurance plans. The only impertinent solution for ending the heated health care debate, is for the government to provide free medical health care for all of its citizens.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447684/

http://www.pnhp.org/facts/a_brief_history_universal_health_care_efforts_in_the_us.php?page=4

http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/57/6/887-a

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/05/universal-health-care-opinions-contributors-quackery.html

Canada vs. United States: Which Country Has The Most Efficient Health Care System?

According to recent studies, infant mortality rates in Canada are lower than those in the United States. Life expectancy is also higher in Canada compared to that of the United States. How is it possible that one of the most powerful countries in the world, the United States, has a lower life expectancy than third world countries like Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. Canadians enjoy the benefit of universal health care, any citizen has the opportunity of free medical care. The overall health service performance of health care in Canada is better than that of the United States. The common assumption that patients have to wait for up to six months for a medical visit is false. Waiting periods for medical care in Canada are about the same length as those in the states. American citizens in the United States are likely to wait for up to three months for a medical visit, in some cases the wait is longer. In some Canadian clinics, patients see a doctor in a matter of hours without having to make an appointment. Patients can just walk in, without having to show proof of insurance and be guaranteed free medical health care.

Even though the United States is not under universal health care, the American government spends more per capita on health care than the Canadian government. On average the United States spends $2,724 per person on health care, while Canada spends $2,120. This fact contradicts the idea that if universal health care were to be passed then the government would spend more per person. As clearly shown, the Canadian government, a single payer health care provider, spends less money on health care. Furthermore, drugs sold in Canada are less expensive than prescription drugs sold in the United States. On average a person in Canada spends $509 per year on drugs, while an American citizen spends more than $728. Due to this significant difference many Americans are willing to travel to Canada for cheaper drugs. Another shocking difference is that in a recent rating of health care system performance, Canada ranked 30th while the United States ranked 37th. In other words, Canadians enjoy a higher quality medical care than that offered by private American insurance companies, not to mention the fact that it's free. Not only this, but the overall well being of Canadians is considered to be healthier than that of the average American citizen. All of the generalizations that claim universal health care will bring negative effects into our health care system are fraudulent. Reality is that Canada's universal health care system blows the American system out of the water.

http://https//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html

Analysis: Health Care Reform in the United States

Since the beginning of the 1900's health care reform has been in the political agenda of most presidents. The beginning of universal health care reform efforts can be traced back to the progressive era. President Theodore Roosevelt supported health care insurance because he believed that in order for a government to be strong, its citizens had to be physically and mentally healthy. Due to the fact that Roosevelt's successors were conservative in nature, the management of universal health care was postponed for more than twenty years. The first committee established in hopes of reforming capitalism in the health care industry was founded in 1906. The American Association of Labor Legislation was a group of progressive activists who created a bill that provided health care for the working class and those who earned less than $1200 a year. The bill created conflict among the opposing private insurance companies and the American Federation of Labor. As a result of the anti-German fever, universal health care reform became associated with socialistic beliefs. Therefore the idea of health care reform was seen as an attempt to bring communism to the United States. This anti universal health care sentiment ended the national health debate until the 1930's.

The preceding pro-universal health care president was Franklin D. Roosevelt. His first attempt in reforming health care was his proposal of the Social Security Bill of 1935. Roosevelt's plan consisted of a three part program which was comprised of an old-age welfare pension, social security benefits, and optional annuity certificates. Roosevelt's second attempt in pushing for universal health care came in the form of the Wagner Bill, also known as the National Health Act of 1939. This bill proposed a national health program in where medical care would be funded by federal grants given to states by the national government. Unfortunately, a conservative revitalization ended Roosevelt's hopes of universal health care. Despite all his efforts in reforming health care, Roosevelt failed to pass the Wagner Bill. In 1945, after Roosevelt's death, Truman became president. After a struggling 40 years filled with failed attempts in reforming the health care system in the United States, under Truman the health care debate finally moved into the political arena. Even though Truman fully supported the idea of universal health care, due to the Cold War, this idea became entangled with "socialized medicine". Citizens were starting to believe that universal health care would strengthen the national government so much, to the point where the United States would become a communist country. Truman's plan was different than Roosevelt's because Truman believed in a single payer health care system one which included all classes of society, not just the working class. Even though Truman constantly pressured congress in the passing for this bill, after the republicans took control of Congress in 1946 universal health care was blown out of the public agenda. Republicans in congress were against the bill, claiming that universal health care was part of a large socialist scheme. Ever since then, the phrase universal health care is associated with socialism. Bill Clinton is one of the most influential presidents in the movement for universal health care. According to many, Clinton's proposal would have led to more government intervention and higher taxes. It was calculated that if the Clinton bill was passed, the average American family would have spent $3,056 per year on health care. Opposing arguments were centered around the fact that universal health care would deteriorate the rights of citizens in choosing their own form of health care. Others believed that the Clinton bill would have led to a destruction of jobs and an overall increase in taxes.

The most recent attempt in reforming health care was seen by President Barack Obama. The House of Representatives introduced "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, H.R. 3200, which was Congress' first attempt in reforming health care under the Obama administration. If the bill was to be passed then it would provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending. Although H.R. 3200 would not make illegal immigrants eligible for the premium, the bill would ease overall health care costs for the low income class. But most importantly the bill would prohibit discrimination among those with pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately H.R. 3200 was not approved by the Senate. Therefore the Senate passed the "Affordable Health Choices Act" on September 17,2009. This act consists of providing Americans with affordable health care by reducing costs, while at the same time enhancing disease prevention and strengthening the health care workforce. Unfortunately both houses of Congress are still debating over the two proposed bills.

Sadly, neither H.R. 3200 nor the "Affordable Health Choices Act" introduces within its content the idea of universal health care. If universal health care was to be approved in Congress then every American citizen would be guaranteed free medical care. Many people fear the idea of universal health care because the believe its socialistic in nature. Also because they worry the government will have a monopoly over the health care industry. Some misconceptions regarding universal health care include the assumption that Americans will have longer waiting periods and that patient care will corrode. Other arguments include the idea that doctors will earn less through a single payer system, in where the government reimburses the doctors for their job.

The truth regarding universal health care is that it will be less expensive for the government to partake in a single payer system due to lower administrative costs. As of 2009, the United States ranks relatively low in health care compared to other industrialised nations, by providing its citizens with universal health care the United States would be able to improve its pathetic ranking. Even though most associate universal health care with socialism, reality is that most Americans approve of universal health care.

Those who are against universal health care believe that the United States should rely on private insurance companies for medical care. Others believe that the public option is the way to go. The public option was introduced in H.R. 3200, it consists of creating a health insurance plan financed by premiums given by the federal government. This would provide non-working citizens with a chance of acquiring health care. The health care debate has proposed many solutions in solving our current health care problem. Whether it be partaking in universal health care or providing citizens with many options, the United States has still not seen a change in the struggle for a better health care system.




http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/health/policy/18talkshows.html

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Problems Within Our Current Healthcare System

Wasteful Insurance System: Health care costs in the United States are significantly higher than those in countries with similar or better health care performance. Reality is that those who pay private insurance companies for health care are not getting their money's worth. According to Gary Kaplan, president of the Mayo Clinic, more than half of the $2.3 billion dollars spent towards health care has no effect in improving health.

Caregivers Have Distorted Incentives: Private insurance companies are in the business for a profit rather than to help the sick, they are profit-seeking firms. Due to the fact that switching from one insurance company to the other is so difficult, dissatisfied consumers cannot afford to switch to other insurance providers. As consequence, the monopoly that private insurance companies have over health care have restricted our market.

Discrimination Caused By Pre-existing Conditions: Pre-existing conditions prevent individuals from receiving a health insurance policy. Due to pre-existing conditions many pay a costly premium if the coverage is even obtained. People with pre-existing conditions like sexually transmitted diseases, or even health problems are less likely to have health insurance. Private insurance companies deny tremendous amounts of applications each year due to pre-existing conditions that applicants appear to have at the time of applying for health insurance.

Medical Information Technology Is Outdated: Most medical facilities rely on outdated technology for giving patients the care they need. Since private insurance companies can not provide opportunities for freedom within the health care system, plans fail to provide the customer with adequate information, consistent policies, and up to date technology.

Lack of Transparency: Most people would agree with the fact that private insurance companies are good at hiding their profits. Private insurance companies hold a monopoly over our current health care system. Even though there are various private insurance companies, only four or five of these companies control more than 80 % of the health care industry.

Single Payer vs. Universal Coverage

As the wording suggests, universal coverage refers to a health care system where every individual has coverage. Usually in a single payer system, the government is responsible for paying health care claims. The difference between the two is very significant; without a single payer system it is impossible for a country to have universal health care. Within a single payer system the government would be responsible for providing every citizen with free medical care. Countries like Canada, France, and even England have adopted this idea of universal coverage. If the United States government were to undergo the change to universal health care then the government would be accountable for collecting all medical fees and then reimbursing each individual medical facility responsible for the care of the individual. Unlike our complex health care system, a single payer system can choose between contracting health care services from private organizations, like Canada, or by employing their own health care personnel, as seen within the United Kingdom.

Even though there are examples of successful single payer systems in the United States, people are still reluctant towards the new idea of universal coverage. A perfect example of a single payer system taking place in our health care system today is Medicare. Medicare provides health care coverage for those who are 65 years and older. This social insurance program is paid for and administered by the United States government. Universal health care would mimic the guidelines Medicare has followed all along, the only difference is that universal coverage would cover every individual citizen. Therefore people should not be afraid of universal coverage, they should be optimistic for the future of our health care system.

The 47 Million Uninsured

The Health Care debate has caused a great deal of conflict among the nation. Many interest groups have brought up many arguments that have influenced the opinion of American citizens towards the idea of universal health care. According to the U.S. census bureau as of 2008 more than 47 million Americans were uninsured. The United States is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that does not provide its citizens with free health insurance. Countries like France, Canada and England offer free medical care to all of its citizens. In the United States alone more than 20% of those that apply for medical insurance are denied coverage due to preexisting conditions, obesity, cancer, and even sexually transmitted diseases. If the United States approves universal health care every person would have the opportunity of being examined by a doctor no matter what medical condition they have. Those 47 million Americans that are uninsured will be guaranteed medical assistance whenever needed.