The costs, both financially and socially, of healthcare
Alexis Scheel
Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: Features
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There are two options Adams describes. One is where the government pools everybody and gives them health insurance similar to Canada's and the UK's programs. The other is a mix of private and public options, but the government is still involved.
In the U.S., the government subsidizes companies to provide heath insurance by not taxing the money they spend on premiums. Plus, for those who don't have a job, the government provides insurance for them.
Adams stated that people with insurance should care because income has become stagnate due to healthcare costs. Real income has not grown, while healthcare costs have soared.
"All of the raises our employers could possible pay us has gone to healthcare costs," said Adams. "You are losing pay increases you'd otherwise receive."
Evelyn Merriett, instructor and former public health nurse, described her experience with those in low-income situations who cannot afford basic health care needs, such as preventive care. Some people wait until it's too late to get the care they need, simply because they couldn't afford to come in sooner.
She said that there are resources available, but those resources are very limited. Millions of dollars more needs to be spent just to build the centers, and millions more are needed to fund them.
Susan Hornshaw, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Division, and born in Canada, spoke to clear some myths about the Canadian healthcare program. One myth is that it's a socialist program. "It's not," she said, adding that it is by law that everyone must have universal access.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
helath insurance tips
posted 2/03/10 @ 9:44 AM CST
There are millions of American livings without health insurance, risking and suffering because health insurance companies have gotten greedy and not cared for the people they provide. (Continued…)
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posted 2/06/10 @ 7:58 PM CST
It is true this is all going to cost us more in taxes but the social costs are going to far outweigh that. We as a nation will progress further into Government dependence and this will eat away at the independent and hard working nature of our country that has brought us success in the past. (Continued…)
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