What is so bad about universal healthcare in the U.S. and why are Republicans so against it?
The Root of the Issue: Corporate Influence
The opposition to universal healthcare from the Republican party is deeply rooted in the influence of Big Pharma and the insurance industry, which stands to benefit massively from the current fragmented and expensive healthcare system in the United States.
Medicare: A Decades-Old Solution
Universal healthcare in the United States is not a novel concept; Medicare, a system of single-payer health insurance, has actually been in place for nearly six decades. Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965, and went into effect on July 1, 1966, covering the oldest and sickest Americans.
Many Republicans were vocal against Medicare during its legislative process. A notable example is former President Ronald Reagan, who, as a project of labor leader George Meany's AFL-CIO, gave a speech opposing Medicare. In the speech, Reagan stated, “future generations of Americans will wistfully look back at the days before their freedoms were lost to this socialism called Medicare.”
The Impact of Medicare: Longer, Healthier Lives
Since its inception in 1966, Medicare has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans. One of the most significant effects has been the increase in life expectancy at age 65. In 1965, the combined average life expectancy for men and women at age 65 was 71, while in 2023, it has risen to 81, with men living to 78 and women to 84.
The expansion of healthcare facilities and services since 1966 is also noteworthy. The economic benefits to medical practices and hospitals are substantial, with a majority of their patients being Medicare recipients. Not only have seniors lived longer, but they are also living healthier and more active lives compared to previous generations.
Rising Costs and Uneven Benefits
The Republican party's opposition to universal healthcare can also be attributed to the belief that it would lead to higher costs and unequal distribution of health benefits. The current healthcare system places a heavy burden on American citizens, with high costs not always equaling equitable health care.
A clear example of this is the pricing of prescription drugs. According to a report, the cost of a name-brand drug like Ozympic is significantly higher in the United States compared to countries with government-negotiated prices. In the United States, an Ozympic monthly prescription costs over $1,000, while in Canada, it costs less than half that amount for the same drug from the same manufacturer.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022 with no Republican support, is a step towards addressing these issues. This act authorized Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies for the price of prescription drugs under Part B and Part D. The first list of ten brand-name drugs has been released, and the negotiated prices are considerably lower than the retail prices in the U.S.
Conclusion: Unveiling the True Reasons for Opposition
The true motivation behind the Republican party's opposition to universal healthcare lies in the corporate interests of Big Pharma and insurance companies. These companies benefit from the current system, which keeps healthcare costs unreasonably high and provides uneven benefits to Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act is a significant step towards ensuring that Medicare can negotiate fair prices, but much work remains to be done to ensure universal access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Americans.