When you get sick, you go to the doctor, right? It’s a simple expectation, one that many take for granted, but for millions in the U.S., healthcare is anything but guaranteed. It shouldn’t be a surprise to most Americans that our nation holds some serious systemic problems relating to healthcare. Yet, despite billions in essential coverage over the years from Medicare, a federal health insurance program for disabled and elderly persons over the age of 65, its limitations are representative of more national flaws. With increased expenses, accessibility, and minimal doctor reimbursement, the U.S. Healthcare system is a failure; however, making Medicare available to all persons is the best way to ensure affordable, accessible care for all.
Naturally, when political issues here in the United States become divided, we look to other nations around the world to see how they have handled it. Per usual, we’re alone on this issue, as the U.S. is the only developed country out of 37 to not have some form of universal healthcare. Politicians view this dilemma as a political issue to bicker about, rather than a human right.
Theology teacher, Matthew Fisher stated, “Our Catholic social tradition says that we as a society should make an intentional effort to ensure everyone’s fundamental health needs are met.”
As a member of the Loyola community, Dr. Fisher argues Medicare for all aligns with our values as men for and with others. The country should be focused on helping others and not worried about profit, a mindset that is not shared by private healthcare companies who try to make as much money off of people’s suffering as possible. When the nation politicizes issues that directly impact human health, such as access to life-saving operations, severe consequences follow.
Without universal healthcare funded through government taxes, Americans are forced to navigate a system where medical bills become overwhelming, insurance remains out of reach for many, and necessary care is often avoided due to cost. As a result, health outcomes deteriorate, individuals fall into crippling debt and, most dystopian of all, medical bankruptcy becomes a grim reality, forcing people to choose between their financial stability and survival. This deepens distrust in both the government and the healthcare systems, leaving millions vulnerable to a system that prioritizes profit over human well-being.
Not too long ago, a man by the name of Luigi Mangione suffered a spinal injury and violently retaliated against the healthcare system by killing the United Healthcare CEO. Of course, all forms of violence should be strongly discouraged; however, when people are denied care, they’re bound to react. Loyola mathematics teacher, Eli Ess, stated, “There are too many people that live in fear that they will go bankrupt if they have an accident.”
The only reason America doesn’t provide universal healthcare is because there is an immense amount of money to be made in the business of people in bad health. Insurance companies and healthcare systems can get you to pay them out of fear, and they will continue that cycle for as long as they can. To create a better healthcare system, the U.S. must shift its priorities from profit-driven care to a system, such as a single-payer system of Medicare for all, that ensures every person gets the treatment they need without financial ruin. Until then, millions will continue to suffer in a system that values money over human well-being.