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.