Universal health care has been a constant debate for the last few decades. Millions of Americans are not covered by health insurance, the reason for this is that many can’t afford the cost of insurance and some employers can’t offer coverage due to the high costs, especially for small businesses. The individuals, who are on the lower end of the socioeconomic bracket, are the ones working in the service industry, providing us with our daily needs.

They deserve to have health care available to them because they are the ones that help us live comfortably from day to day. Citizens of the middle class have problems as well. If one spouse in a household were to lose their job, financial problems would naturally arise, which may result in the loss of healthcare. There should be other available options for families who

History & Facts

“It is unconscionable that we ration health care by the ability to pay....

your heart breaks. Health care should be a given.”

-Kathryn Anastos

Universal

Healthcare

By: Jordan

Health insurance statistics in the United StatesThe United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a

universal health care system.

In 2006, the percentage of Americans without health insurance was 15.8%, or approximately 47 million uninsured people.

Among the 84.2% with health insurance in 2006, coverage was provided through an employer 59.7%, purchased individually 9.1%, and 27.0% was government funded (Medicare, Medicaid, Military).

The primary reason given for lack of health insurance coverage in 2005 was cost (more than 50%), lost job or a change in employment (24%), Medicaid benefits stopped (10%), ineligibility for family insurance coverage due to age or leaving school (8%).

More than 40 million adults stated that they needed but did not receive one or more of these health services (medical care, prescription medicines, mental health care, dental care, or eyeglasses) in 2005 because they could not afford it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is universal healthcare?

Universal healthcare is defined as a system that will provide a basic level of healthcare to all people.

What is covered under a universal system?

All citizens will have access to family physicians services, surgical services, hospitalization, rehabilitative services, long term care and prescriptions. Services such as eye care, dental care and home care would be provided through employment benefits or by a private insurance company.

How is a universal system funded?

In the United States everyone would probably be taxed. It is conceivable that we would be taxed as a percentage of income, instead of a flat rate.