The Pros And Cons Of Universal Healthcare

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Healthcare around the world is both unique and different. The United States is no different than this statement. But does having a unique healthcare system mean a better system overall? Our health care is ranked 46th in the world on the efficiency score in healthcare. Why is this the case and how do we compare with Hong Kong (who has the highest efficiency score) and Spain (who has the best healthcare in Europe according to the same efficiency score). First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Americans spend the most per person on healthcare in the world. We spend $9,000 per person each year. Here healthcare is not cheap comparing to other countries. The second most expensive, Switzerland, spends 6,000 per person each year. This is a reason why 25% of Americans are not getting the care they need because they couldn’t afford it. Another 23% didn’t fill their prescriptions. Also, our healthcare is not convenient to access. 67% of Americans say it’s difficult …show more content…

They have a system called Universal Healthcare. It is used by many countries such as Denmark, Canada, Japan, etc. The concept is that everyone gets healthcare for free and it operates by government taxes. This approach to healthcare has many benefits. This means equal access to healthcare, no matter your income. It improves public health, stops bankruptcies due to medical related services, and it promotes healthcare as, not just a service aid, but also a human right. Hong Kong has the Food and Health Bureau who is responsible for protecting and promoting public health, providing lifelong healthcare to every citizen, and ensuring that no one is denied of any medical treatment due to lack of income or money. This is why they have a 92.6 efficiency score in healthcare. For prescriptions in Spain, one has to pay a certain percentage according to their income. Spain has a 68.3 on efficiency score. Overall Hong Kong and Spain have similar