In case you weren’t already aware, the United States is the wealthiest and most developed country that does not provide its citizens with universal or affordable healthcare.
Most developed nations — like Italy, Canada, France, South Korea, and New Zealand — have universal healthcare systems that typically cover essential services such as hospital care, prescription drugs, doctor visits, and reproductive healthcare. Many residents in these countries only pay small co-pays or deductibles for services like dental, eye care, mental health, and cosmetic procedures, often covered through private insurance.
Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government is actively trying to slash healthcare subsidies while defunding medical programs, research, and rural hospitals in districts represented by House GOP members. On top of that, premiums — whether through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) or private insurance — are set to skyrocket in over 30 states next year.
If our allies — countries just as developed, if not more so — are providing affordable healthcare, why are so many conservative Americans and the federal government so resistant to giving people access to necessary, even life-saving, care? Why is the idea of basic healthcare for all still considered unfit or unaffordable by the very government supposed to serve the People?
Recently, the administration released previews of next year’s ACA marketplace plans on healthcare.gov. The numbers aren’t good: rates will increase by up to 30% in states that use the federal exchange, and up to 17% in states with their own marketplaces, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). This comes when tens of millions of Americans are furloughed or without pay, and some are still waiting on SNAP-EBT benefits amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Here’s what the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reports about how these increases will hit families should premium tax credits (PTCs) expire:
- A couple earning $44,000 (208% of the poverty level) will see their monthly premium jump from $85 to $253—an annual increase of over $2,000.
- A single individual earning $22,000 (140%) will lose eligibility for a zero-premium plan and see premiums rise from $0 to $66 per month, an annual increase of about $786.
- Conversely, a single person making $32,000 could face an increase of $1,468 annually.
- A family of four earning $66,000 (about 205%) will see their monthly premium rise from $121 to $373—an extra $3,000+ per year.
These figures vary depending on state and individual circumstances: a family making $130,000 might see an increase of nearly $13,000 annually, while seniors earning around $85,000 could face a $24,000 hike.
Most American families and individuals cannot afford these rising costs — covering groceries and rent is already a struggle. Many may choose to go without insurance entirely, risking less frequent doctor visits, hospital care, and needed medications. Those with pre-existing conditions will be especially impacted, facing daunting costs for treatment and prescriptions.
As healthcare companies and politicians continue to profit, Americans are left to get sicker, with fewer options for affordable, quality care.
If allies like Canada and European nations can manage universal healthcare, why are American conservatives and the federal government still resistant to providing their people the same? Why is healthcare viewed as a privilege, instead of a right?