Why don't USA have an Universal Health Care service?

Question

USA don't have any nation-wide official health insurances. (Like NHS in UK, Medicare in Australia, etc)

There people have to take out a private insurance policy, which costs more than official one, and the problem is that the insurance company are hesitating to pay the money. As a result of this poor people can't afford to paying for it or being operated on.

My question is this: Should USA built NHS-like system? If no, why don't USA need it? I'd like to know the reasons.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The US has medicare, and medicaid.

Medicaid is the United States health program for individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is an entitlement program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.

Medicare is for older citizens. The only problem is the small number of people in between middle class and the poor, who don't receive health insurance from their jobs.

Lately prices have sky-rocketed, but the quality of health services in the US is one of the best in the world because it is run in the private sector. What we should do is create more competition by allowing citizens to buy insurance across state lines, which would drive down the price.

I personally believe that in the US the quality of health will be injured through universal health care. Having health care run in the private sector creates more competition, and creates better technology. The Doctor would be a less desirable occupation. This is for the US, not other countries. It may work well for others, but not for us.

Answer 2

The main reason against it is based on one's belief in the role of government -- that providing healthcare is not a job for the government.  America was founded on principles of small government, and small government and free markets has helped America grow and prosper to become the most advanced country in the world.  Remember also that the money for such programs must come from somewhere.  That money comes from taxes.  Americans value low taxes over high government spending.  

Similarly, Americans value a small, non-intrusive government.  That is because the more you rely on the government to take care of you, the more government can control you.  I personally do not want the government involved in my healthcare decisions.

Answer 3

The reason the US does not have a national health service is very simple - money.  There would be so many doctors, drugs companies and insurance companies that would loses mountains of the stuff.   When all is said and done, it's the Almighty Dollar that has the final vote, not the poor people (which most of the world don't think actually exist there).  How very, very sad.

Answer 4

Well back in the Reagan andministration he approved private insurance companies, and they all had a hand in doing it and the money. And as long as they are privately run, which means that no one can really step in and they have so much money that they can pay off anyone who does, no one(government) does anything about it. Its all about the money. You should watch the documentary Sicko by Micheal Moore.

Answer 5

That would be universally bad health care. Which most Americans do not want.

Answer 6

Do you want the government to have access to all your medical records? You wont be able to choose the doctor or the medicine you take, you will be told. The paperwork and bureaucracy alone would make it take weeks to get to see a doctor.

My parents once told me that nothing is free, someone has to pay for it. Something needs to be done, but as always the govenment isnt the solution its the problem.

Answer 7

We know this of great concern to y'all as so many things in America the answer is most of us do not want it If we did we would have it Now why don't you butt out and put you nose in your own business,trust me I've lived over the pond y'all have many things that need attention

Answer 8

The USA has the most advanced and best healthcare system in the world.

We republicans in the USA believe in buying your own private company heathcare, instead or raising our taxes, to pay for government healthcare, there is no incentive in government for advancement and efficiency, and abuse.

Tax payers in the USA already pay for illegal alien healthcare, poor and homeless healthcare, and uninsured citizen, healthcare.

I cannot think of one thing the government can do better then private business.

Answer 9

Because we do not look to the government to provide for us we like to be in control and  private enterprise beats the heck out of government control any day of the week in both quality of service and speed.  If you truly want to mess something up let the government take control of it, Social Security is a perfect example.

I don't think the US should have such a system, the poor are provided health care for free with Medicaid which is a huge program paid for by taxpayers, the elderly also have access to Medicare which is also a huge program paid for by taxpayers.   Most of the working and middle class have job provided health care opportunities, some do choose not to take it but it is available.  The wealthy of course can afford the best.  

We need to make sure that those working and middle class who want health care but do not have access to it get it at a reasonable rate and keep the government OUT of health care.

Answer 10

Because most of us don't want to pay for our own insurance and also pay (by taxes) for the health insurance for those who will undoubtedly manipulate the system for their own benefit.  I live in Illinois..believe me...its frustrating to see these social programs assist those that would otherwise have done it for themselves.  That's the way it would work here...not everyone on the same plan.  You can't take the insurance industry out at the knees without destroying a huge piece of the economy and wiping out thousands of jobs.