Assessment Description Review the media piece "Peer Review Using Rubrics” found within the list of Topic 6 resources (to the right). Follow the directions outlined in the media piece to complete this

Universal Health Care in America

Khuspreet Patel

Grand Canyon University

PHI-105-O505 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

6/1/2025

Universal Health Care in America

A society where no one has to choose between paying rent or seeking medical treatment would be a great advancement to the well being of the citizens of the United States, this is the reality that universal health care aims to bring. In one of the world’s most developed nations, access to consistent, affordable medical care remains an ongoing struggle for millions. Unlike other industrialized countries, the U.S. continues to rely on a fragmented, employer-based system that leaves countless citizens uninsured or underinsured. This results in massive financial burdens and limited care, especially for vulnerable populations. Universal health care, which guarantees coverage for all regardless of income or employment status, presents a transformative solution. By implementing universal health care in the United States, the nation can ensure equal medical access, alleviate the financial strain on patients, and shift the focus toward preventative care to promote long-term wellness.

Ensuring equal access to medical care is a fundamental benefit of implementing universal health care in the United States. In the current system, access to health care is often tied to employment or income, leaving unemployed, underemployed, and low-income individuals with limited options. Universal health care eliminates this disparity by removing the financial and structural barriers that prevent people from receiving necessary medical attention. Research shows that “out-of-pocket spending in countries with universal health care is half of that of their peers in the United States,” and more than half of overdue debt on American credit reports is due to medical bills (Alspaugh, Lanshaw, Kriebs, & Van Hoover, 2021). This striking data highlights the extent to which the lack of access to care is linked directly to economic status in the U.S. Furthermore, universal health care ensures that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with chronic illnesses are not left behind. It offers a safety net for those most in need, guaranteeing treatment based on medical necessity rather than financial ability. In areas lacking adequate medical infrastructure, a universal system can also establish standardized levels of care, reducing disparities in treatment quality between urban and rural communities. Through equity-based policies, universal health care transforms access to health care into a basic human right rather than a privilege.

Universal health care significantly reduces the financial burden on patients by lowering medical costs and preventing medical debt. One of the most pressing concerns under the current system is the unpredictable and often exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, which include deductibles, copayments, and bills not covered by insurance. For many families, a single medical emergency can lead to financial devastation. According to Jones and Kantarjian (2019), expenses in private and employer-based insurance plans have increased substantially over the past five years, accounting for as much as 25% of the total cost of care. Deductibles alone have quadrupled over the past 12 years, leaving insured patients financially vulnerable. By contrast, universal health care models reduce or eliminate these costs by funding health care through taxes and public programs, spreading the financial risk across the population. This system ensures that individuals receive the care they need without the fear of crippling debt. Additionally, universal coverage minimizes the chances that people will delay or avoid essential treatments due to affordability concerns. Skipping care often leads to worsening conditions, ultimately resulting in more expensive emergency interventions. With universal health care, early and affordable treatment becomes the norm, reducing both personal and systemic financial strain.

Shifting the health care system’s emphasis toward preventative care through universal health care can improve overall public health and reduce costly emergency treatments. In the United States’ current model, preventive services such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and early interventions are frequently overlooked due to cost barriers or lack of insurance. This reactive approach leads to a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses, advanced disease stages, and increased hospital admissions—all of which come with higher treatment costs. Preventative care, by contrast, detects illness in its early stages, enabling more effective and less expensive treatments. Zieff, Kerr, Moore, and Stoner (2020) note that universal healthcare can “facilitate and encourage sustainable, preventive health practices” which ultimately benefit public health and the economy alike. With routine and preventive services made readily available to everyone, the healthcare system can catch issues early, often before symptoms emerge. Regular vaccinations and health checks reduce the spread and severity of diseases, improving overall longevity and quality of life for the population. Additionally, by keeping people healthy and out of emergency rooms, the system becomes more efficient and cost-effective. A preventative approach not only preserves individual well-being but also helps stabilize and improve the national health landscape.

Critics of universal health care often argue that such systems may lead to increased government spending and longer wait times for services. These concerns, while not unfounded, are frequently overstated and lack a broader understanding of how universal systems function globally. Many countries with universal health care manage to spend less per capita on health while achieving better outcomes and higher life expectancies than the U.S. The shift to universal coverage often results in savings due to streamlined administration and an emphasis on preventive care, which reduces the need for costly emergency interventions. Furthermore, long wait times are typically a symptom of poor resource planning, not a direct result of universal coverage. With proper funding, staffing, and technological investments, wait times can be managed efficiently. Ultimately, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Universal health care promotes a healthier, more equitable society by removing barriers that keep people from seeking timely treatment. In doing so, it supports not only individual health but also the economic productivity and social cohesion of the nation.

In conclusion, adopting a universal health care system is a vital step toward addressing deep-rooted inequities in the American health system. By ensuring equal access to medical services, reducing the financial burden on patients, and promoting preventative care, universal health care stands as a comprehensive solution to many of the nation’s current health crises. While there are valid concerns about implementation, international models show that it is both feasible and beneficial. The shift requires political will and public support, but the outcome of a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable healthcare system is well worth the effort. Ultimately, the United States has an opportunity to redefine what it means to care for its people. It’s time to prioritize health not as a commodity, but as a universal right.

References

Alspaugh, A., Lanshaw, N., Kriebs, J., & 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.

Jones, G., & Kantarjian, H. (2019). The many roads to universal health care in the USA. *The Lancet Oncology, 20*(10), e601–e605. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30517-0

Zieff, G., Kerr, Z. Y., Moore, J. B., & Stoner, L. (2020). Universal healthcare in the United States of America: A healthy debate. *Medicina, 56*(11), 580. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56110580