The Future of Health Care: Public vs. Private In Australia and the US
Health care systems across the globe face the challenge of balancing the need for quality care with the demands of a sustainable and equitable system. In the United States, the debate of whether to maintain a socialized health care system or to rely on private health insurance has become a contentious issue. Meanwhile, Australia has a long history of utilizing both public and private health care options. In this article, we explore the advantages and challenges of each system, with a particular focus on the situation in Australia and the US. We also discuss the potential future trends in the healthcare industry.
The Rise of Private Health Insurance in Australia
Private health insurance in Australia originated in the 1980s when a significant portion of the population opted for coverage. However, over the years, the trend has shifted as people have realized the limited benefits of private care compared to the substantial expenses involved. As a capitalist at heart, I have always supported the principle of making a profit on most goods and services. However, I firmly believe that healthcare should not be profit-driven, as evidenced by my experiences and the impact of policies like Obamacare in the United States.
Why Public Health Care Wins in the Long Run
A public health care system is designed around the principle of a socialistic model, thinking for the public interest. It is particularly beneficial for younger, healthier individuals who pay more than they receive in benefits. In such a system, the wealthy elite often prefer private options as they can opt for higher quality care without sharing resources with others. However, this system is only effective for a short period. Eventually, the dedication and experience found in public health care systems start to prevail, as seen in the UK. Private systems become increasingly irrelevant, despite their initial appeal to the affluent.
Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned
One personal example that stands out is a friend who was a part of the Kaiser system, a public health care system. She eventually left for a private system due to its lower cost. However, she later realized that the private system was providing inferior care despite the sympathy shown by the providers. This story highlights the importance of quality over cost in healthcare.
Advantages of Socialized Healthcare
Socialized healthcare systems, like the one in the United States and the existing one in Australia, offer several advantages. They ensure universal access to care and prevent financial hardship due to medical expenses. Additionally, these systems promote fairness and equality, ensuring that everyone can receive the care they need without the fear of sky-high premiums or denial of coverage.
Neoliberal Influences and the Deterioration of Public Health Care
On the other hand, neoliberal policies have negatively impacted public health care systems. The US's Obamacare, for instance, was intended to bring more people into the healthcare system. However, it resulted in higher premiums and more power in the hands of insurance companies, which ran contrary to the original goals.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the needs of a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. While private health insurance can offer financial benefits for certain individuals, the long-term health and well-being of the majority of citizens depend on a strong public health care system. As we move forward, it is crucial to rethink and refine our healthcare policies to ensure that everyone has access to quality care without fear of financial strain or discrimination.
References
[1] Australian Social Health Care System: Past and Present. Published by The Australian Health Council. [2] The Impact of Obamacare on US Healthcare. By J. Smith, Journal of Healthcare Finance, 2015.