Why does the USA, superpower that it is, not give its citizens universal healthcare?

Question

Many western democratic nations offer their nationals universal healthcare without this being economical suicide. It would seem to be a great vote-winner, allow increased consumer spending as expensive health insurance would be taken of their shoulders. The resulting boost to productivity caused by a decrease in absenteeism would also be beneficial...
So why not?

Answer 1

There's no reason why America could not do this. But, it would mean covering the cost by diverting funds from other areas to balance the budget. I'm pretty sure that the US military and NASA would not take kindly to having their funding cut to pay for health care for ordinary citizens.

Answer 2

You need to understand that behind every law in this country is money. If you have money, you make the laws. Laws are not made for the good of the people, but for the ruling class. It has always been that way, and it will always be that way.

Nationalized health care will not become a reality in this country because the health industry makes too much money for those who run it.

Also, by keeping health care unaffordable to the working poor and those without income you are effectively regulating the population.

Answer 3

The US is woe fully behind the rest of the world. We give illegal aliens free health care while 40% of its citiizens have no health care. Pete is a bit glib in his kudoes to freedom. Pretty sure he must have health insurance or is too young and ignorant of the consequences of NOT having it.
It is is single issue which might allow me to vote for another Clinton.....I can never vote for another Bush.
If she makes it an agenda I belive she could be elected president...but she got no where when Billy was in so I am undecided.
No doubt we must and will have reforms and soon....the baby boomers are hitting 60 and as with everything else in the past 60 years their impact will be significant and social changeing.

Answer 4

Most Americans want a universal healthcare system, but the United States is not a democracy because the two main parties are funded by big business to promote the interests of business.

Answer 5

Well, Americans would believe that a national healthcare service would be inferior to what they have now. There is some health service available if you're poor enough, but even then you are more likely to not get any help from them.

Answer 6

Its all a conspiracy, I wonder how much revenue they would lose out on if the health care in America went public state... I suggest a hell of alot they would be losing out doubly wouldn't they... no insurance premium tax and paying out for their people... think about it, its quiet logical!

Answer 7

I worked for a doctor from Canada that said their system was free and doctors can't make a living there, visits were $10. I don't know how true all this is, but he said even if you have heart problems or cancer or any life threaten disease you have to wait for your turn in line for health care and it may take months. Thats why rich Canadian come to USA for quick care, this is what that doctor said.

Answer 8

Probably because they have seen the british n.h.s.where every tom dick and abdul flies in for free health care at the expense of the British tax payer

Answer 9

Because Universal Health Care is a big failure in every nation that has it.
That's why the foreigners come here and pay for it instead of getting it free in their own countries.

Answer 10

Who is going to pay the bill? Do you know how hard the present DRG system that our government uses for Medicare/Medicaid has hurt the hospitals? Or do you even know what a DRG is? Maybe you better read up on it first.