Is Health Care a Right? Exploring the History, Arguments and Implications for Reform

Introduction

The question of whether health care is a right has been debated for decades in the United States. There is no single definition of what constitutes a “right to health care”, but it generally refers to the idea that everyone should have access to medical services regardless of their ability to pay. This article will explore the history of health care legislation in the United States, examine arguments for and against universal health care coverage, and look at the implications of health care as a right. It will also compare the U.S. system to other countries, discuss the current state of U.S. health care, and consider the potential effects of health care reform.

History of Health Care Legislation and its Impact

The first health care legislation in the United States was passed in the early 20th century with the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935. This law established Social Security, which provided benefits to retired and disabled individuals, as well as the precursor to Medicaid, which provided health care coverage for low-income families. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Acts into law, which provided health insurance for seniors and low-income Americans.

Since then, there have been several changes to health care legislation in the United States. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, expanded Medicaid eligibility and created health insurance marketplaces where individuals could purchase private health insurance plans. The ACA also eliminated pre-existing condition exclusions, allowing people with chronic health conditions to obtain coverage. Most recently, in 2020, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the ACA, ensuring that the law remains in effect.

These changes in health care legislation have had a significant impact on the American public. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the rate of uninsured Americans has dropped from 18% in 2013, before the ACA was implemented, to 11.7% in 2019. This decrease in uninsured rates has been particularly pronounced among lower-income individuals and communities of color, who have seen the greatest reduction in their uninsured rates since the passage of the ACA.

Arguments for and Against Universal Health Care Coverage

Proponents of universal health care coverage argue that access to health care is a fundamental human right and should be available to all citizens regardless of their ability to pay. They cite studies showing that providing health care to all citizens can reduce mortality rates, improve health outcomes, and save money in the long run. Additionally, they note that providing universal health care coverage would help to reduce health disparities between wealthy and lower-income individuals.

Opponents of universal health care coverage argue that it would be too expensive and difficult to implement. They also contend that it would lead to longer wait times for medical treatment and lower quality of care due to rationing. Additionally, some opponents argue that universal health care coverage would infringe on individual rights and lead to government control of health care decisions.

International Comparisons

In comparison to other developed countries, the United States has the most expensive and least accessible health care system. A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the U.S. spends twice as much per capita on health care than other high-income countries, yet ranks last in access, quality, and efficiency. Additionally, the U.S. has the highest rate of uninsured citizens, at 11.7%, compared to just 1% in the United Kingdom and 2.8% in Canada.

The differences in access, cost, and quality can be attributed to the different types of health care systems in each country. The U.S. has a multi-payer system, where individuals purchase private health insurance or are covered by public programs like Medicare and Medicaid. In contrast, other countries have national health care systems, where the government provides health care coverage for all citizens.

Implications of Health Care as a Right

If health care were recognized as a right, it would have a number of implications for access, cost, and quality. Firstly, it would likely increase access to care, as everyone would be able to obtain health insurance regardless of their income or employment status. Secondly, it would reduce costs, as the government could negotiate lower prices with health care providers and pharmaceutical companies. Lastly, it could potentially lead to improved quality of care, as the government could set standards for health care providers and incentivize them to provide better care.

Current State of U.S. Health Care

Despite the passage of the ACA, the U.S. still has one of the most expensive and least accessible health care systems in the world. Millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, and many cannot afford the high cost of health care. Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities continue to face disparities in access and quality of care. This lack of access to health care has led many to argue that health care should be recognized as a right.

Government Role in Providing Health Care as a Right

The government has a role to play in providing health care as a right. At the federal level, the government could pass legislation to ensure that everyone has access to health care coverage, either through a public option or through subsidies for private insurance. At the state level, governments could expand Medicaid eligibility and create their own public insurance programs. Additionally, the private sector could play a role in providing health care coverage, either through employer-sponsored plans or through consumer-directed health plans.

Potential Effects of Health Care Reform

Currently, there are several proposals for health care reform being considered by Congress. These include expanding the ACA, creating a public option, and instituting a single-payer system. Each of these proposals would have different implications for health care as a right. Expanding the ACA would likely increase access to health care coverage, while a public option or single-payer system would provide more comprehensive coverage for all Americans.

Conclusion

Whether health care is a right is a complex and controversial issue. The history of health care legislation in the United States has had a profound impact on access and cost, and debates over universal coverage have become increasingly contentious in recent years. International comparisons show that the U.S. lags behind other developed countries in terms of access, cost, and quality, highlighting the need for reform. Finally, the government has an important role to play in providing health care as a right, and any proposed reforms would have significant implications for the future of health care in the United States.