Should America have free health care for everyone?

Question

for the record america IS THE ONLY DEVELOPED COUNTRY NOT TO OFFER FREE HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE.

Answer 1

EVERY COUNTRY SHOULD, WHY DO WE PAY ALL THAT TAXES FOR!

Answer 2

I am sorry to have to say this, but your question shows a complete ignorance of economics. But that's OK. Ignorance can be corrected for those willing to learn.
There is not now, nor has there ever been any such thing as free health care. The only issue is WHO pays for it. Before insurance companies came along and offered their 'health plans', it was up to the person who needed the service that paid for it (that is, the sick person). If he/she could not afford it at the time the service was rendered, it was between them and their physician as to how the bill would be paid. When insurance companies got involved all of a sudden the resources of many people were 'taken' and pooled together to pay for the needs of individuals at any particular time. This was taken further with 'company provided' healthcare. One's employer shopped around for a package to offer to attract workers. It became considered part of an employer's benefits package. This does NOT mean however that the company 'paid' for it. It simply meant that the employee's monetary compensation (salary) was reduced to the same extent the benefit cost. Unfortunately, this also led to widespread abuse by some employees who figured that since they weren't having to pay directly for their health maintenance, they would go to the Dr. for minor annoyances.
Now the hue and cry is for 'government' providing health care. Again, this is a misnomer. Whatever services the government offers, it has to take resources form the productive members of society to finance through taxes. If there are not enough tax revenues, then the government goes into deficit financing which involves 'borrowing' from some future to pay for the promises of today. This government has been involved in this shenanigan for the last nearly half-century. The last time the federal budget was balanced was during JFK's administration. At some point, there can NEVER be enough revenue to pay back that which has already been borrowed. I argue that America is there already.
I hope I haven't bored you. This is just one of those 'soapbox' issues for me.

Answer 3

On the contrary even in countries like Canada you pay $300.00 a month for the nationally run plan. And in countries that don't have a monthly premium you pay huge income taxes. I personally know people who have immigrated here from Canada and tell me that it is the worst system ever. They also say that you don't know taxes until you've live in Canada. Well over 50% of personal income goes to pay taxes in that country. There is no such thing as free health care or free anything for that matter. Somebody pays somewhere along the line its simple economics friend. Unless you believe that doctors should make nothing and live off air only.

Answer 4

I think so! Or not make people with no health insurance pay MORE like they do here in Oregon. And the state aid doesn't help too many people here since a lot of Doctors offices don't take it. It's sad because I think it REALLY affects the kids a LOT.

Answer 5

Absolutely! I've been fortunate enough to have had health coverage all my life. However, I know some wonderful people who have had to live without it.

One of my best friends was a waitress and we worked together for five years. The restaurant didn't provide health insurance back then (many did not) and Shirley ended up with cancer. She couldn't get help from the state, because she earned "too much" money, and because her condition was pre-existing, she couldn't even buy insurance.

Within one year, my dear friend lost her battle with cancer. I was furious! She was one of my greatest motivators to quit waitressing and go back to college! Have a great day! Annie

Answer 6

We have to do something. The cost of healthcare in the U.S. is outrageous. There are too many people without it, because they can't afford it and eat too.It's a shame. I'd rather pay a little bit higher taxes and everyone have decent health insurance.

Answer 7

Not only america, all the underdeveloped countries should have this possibility. But for northamericans, i think it's time that the government begin taking care of their poor people.
Because what people from other countries sees is that everything is ok, and beautiful.

Answer 8

i think America should have free health care because if you hurt yourself then you call 911 and an ambulance comes you will have to give them the money on the spot or they wont help .

Answer 9

Universal Healthcare would be great. However, countries like Canada and Germany have ran into financial and timely treatment issues. We can learn from their mistakes, and combined with our wealth, it should be feasible.

Answer 10

Yes and also I think it would be nice for a set price on things!!
These Hospitals charge way too much for even the simplest things!!!

Answer 11

No. Look at Canada and the UK. It takes for ever to see a specialist. Granted the US needs to do something, but socialized medicine isn't it.
-MM