Why Universal Health Care is Critical: Paying Healthcare Bills and the Future of Medicine

For over three decades, I have dedicated my professional life to acute care hospitals, witnessing countless lives saved and transformed. How can anyone argue that such places of healing, often places of both success and failure, would continue to function if patients do not pay their bills?

Imagine a world where hospitals, centers of medical advancement and patient care, would cease to exist if we fail to pay our dues. This scenario is a stark reality, but it is avoidable. The problem, as complex as it may seem, has a simple solution: universal health care.

Universal health care, a system already in place in many first-world countries, is funded through taxation and ensures that all citizens have access to medical services without financial barriers. This model not only ensures access to healthcare, but it also promotes public health and economic stability. Contrary to popular belief, under universal healthcare, citizens from America can receive emergency medical care abroad, in countries like England, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, without incurring any costs.

The Problem with Current Healthcare Systems in the USA

The reality is, if patients do not pay their healthcare bills, many providers will eventually cease to treat them. It is energy-draining and often impractical to seek treatment from a new provider each time a medical need arises. While some hospitals and clinics may offer services without immediate payment, these are typically limited to stabilizing the patient, not providing ongoing comprehensive care.

I have firsthand experience with the complex healthcare system, particularly with ongoing health issues. Being on Social Security and paying for Medicare coverage, I am aware of the challenges posed by long-term health needs. My health conditions, such as a cardiac problem and a pulmonary condition, require regular doctor visits, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Access to comprehensive medical records and continuity of care are crucial for effective treatment.

Case Study: A Hospital Without Insurance

There is a hospital in my city that specializes in treating patients without insurance. In 2005, before the pandemic, I had to bring my younger brother there due to a health emergency. Upon registration, we were directed to a waiting room filled with many seated patients. After three hours, my brother was finally seen by a doctor. This experience highlighted the stark contrast between well-insured patients and those with limited or no healthcare coverage.

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet in the USA, it remains a privilege rather than a right. This system not only creates unnecessary financial stress for individuals but also undermines public health by creating gaps in care. The introduction of universal healthcare would alleviate these pressures, ensuring that all citizens receive the medical attention they need, when they need it.

The Benefits of Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare systems have proven to be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. They reduce administrative overhead, eliminate the need for billing, and ensure that all citizens have the same level of care, regardless of their ability to pay. This approach also fosters a more equitable society, where medical care is not a luxury but a basic need.

Implementing universal healthcare doesn't rely on convincing everyone to 'pay their bills.' Instead, it ensures that the system is sustainable, efficient, and focused on patient care, not profit. Countries like England, Germany, and Sweden have demonstrated that universal healthcare can work, and it is time for the USA to follow suit.

Conclusion

The healthcare system in the USA is fundamentally flawed, and solving it is not about changing individual behaviors but about adopting a system that prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens. Universal healthcare is not just a solution; it is a necessity. By addressing the root cause of financial barriers in healthcare, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can access the medical care they need.

Let us advocate for universal healthcare and work towards a future where medical care is accessible, affordable, and equitably distributed.