Why Is Free Health Insurance Wrong

Since our newest President has been inaugurated, health care is something that is and has been widely debated in our country. Every day, there are hundreds of people who go into hospitals and emergency rooms for treatment and are turned away for lack of health care. The simple truth is, everyone deserves the right to free and favorable health care. One of the many reasons that free health care is the best option for this country is because it saves lives. Every single year, thousands die due to unavailable health care. In fact, “lack of health insurance is associated with as many as 44,789 deaths per year” (Wilper, McCormick, Lasser, Woolhandler 1). This statistic means up to a 40% extra risk of death for those who don’t have health care. Not only are people not getting the health care they need, but they are also dying at a much younger age due to this fact. For example, a study found that “13,000 deaths occur each year just in the 55-64-year-old age group due to lack of health insurance coverage.” (Wilper, McCormick, Lasser, Woolhandler 2).

The Constitution of the United States of America states that all Americans are entitled to "unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," To effectively pursue happiness and live life, health is required. However, if not everyone is gaining access to their health because they can’t afford health insurance, then they are losing their constitutional rights. It also states in the Constitution that it is the responsibility of the people and the government to “promote the general welfare” of all Americans. “According to former Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), as part of efforts to "promote the general welfare," health care "is a legitimate function of government."” (Kucinich). The right to free health care is not only a necessity; it is a constitutional right that all Americans