Introduction
Universal Healthcare is a system under which basic health needs can be paid by a single government payer. Basic health care needs include treatment for urgent, emergent, preventative, reconstructive, routine, and chronic care. The United States is the only wealthy and industrialized country that does not universal health care, however, does have a publicly funded government health care program for the elderly, disabled, military service, and veterans. Programs like these only cover one quarter of the U.S. population.
Universal healthcare can be thought as similar to a single-pay health care system. Single-payer health care is an American term that describes payment for doctors, hospitals and other providers for health care from a single funding source. Under the single payer system, doctors’ practices and hospital may remain private and negotiate payments with the government.
How does the System Work?
Most countries implement universal health care through legislation, regulation and taxation. Legislation and regulation direct what care must be provided, to whom, and on what basis. Usually some costs are paid by the patient but are subsidized by direct taxation and compensated to the patient to some extent either directly by the government or by some form of compulsory insurance.
Why is it Important?
It is predicted that by the year 2010 close to 52 million Americans will be without any health care coverage. As of 2004 nearly 11% of the child population was uninsured. These children come from low-income families where paying high premiums for medical coverage does not seem to be an option (Universal Health Care). Therefore, many of these people who are uninsured “delay” treatment until it is absolutely necessary for them to see a ...