Shouldnt health care be a basic human right and not a privilege?

Question

kinda like freedom of speech?

Answer 1

I don't think I would characterize it as a "right" but I absolutely agree that in one of the wealthiest nation in the world, every single American citizen should have medical coverage. For whatever they need - if they have pancreatic cancer or lung cancer or bad teeth or whatever.

What's the point of being an American if you're deprived of quality medical coverage? I know lots of people who work hard at regular 9-5 jobs that are NOT covered by insurance, and they do NOT make the wages that would be necessary to pay full insurance premiums if they bought their own policies.

That's not right.

Answer 2

Essentially, yes, health care should be a right - certainly not a "privilege" just for those who can afford it under the present system. But when treatments start running into the millions, well, that right encounters certain practical limits, just like the right to free speech: we can't yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater, and we can't expect the system to bankrupt iteself for a few unfortunate people. I'm for universal health care, and I'm also for a system that can remain solvent.

Answer 3

Yes. Healthcare for all benefits everyone in a society so it's logical to organize it through solidarity and treat it is as a basic human right

Answer 4

YES!

I'm sure there are ways to manage the money wisely enough to cut back on a few things and give all citizens this basic need.

Answer 5

So where do you draw the line? You could make a stronger argument that food and lodging is a basic human right. After all you won't survive more than a few weeks without food, but could go indefinitely without health care. So just what do you expect from the government... to provide for all your needs? I thought that was what WE are supposed to do as human beings.

Now I'm not saying BASIC health care, food, and lodging shouldn't be available to those truly in need... But it ALREADY is. You can get emergency care at any hospital. You can get acute care at free clinics. You can get food at food kitchens. There is public housing and shelters. That's BASIC. The government CANNOT provide for all your needs. That is impossible and will simply destroy the economy.

The health care system definitely needs reform. But there is no FREE LUNCH... Nor is there any such thing as FREE HEALTH CARE.

Wake up, folks.

Answer 6

of course. I mean if other countries can manage so should all the other.

Answer 7

And just who will run this basic right health care?

You want the Federal Government to be involved in your health care too?

Name just one thing that the Government does well and you'll have your answer!

BTW, there is nothing about health care that is privileged. Name one thing that you can't go to any hospital emergency room and be seen for. See? you have health care!