HEALTHCARE IN AMERICA

Healthcare in the U.S: A Right or a Privilege?

Healthcare in the U.S: A Right or a Privilege?

Introduction

In 1948, United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration regarding human rights. According to this declaration, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one's family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care" (National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, 2011, p. 1).

This statement is one the basic principle on which our nation was founded. It remains an argument that either our government has provided the healthcare right to its citizen, or it is a privilege in the United States (National Healthcare for Homeless Council, 2011).

President Franklin Roosevelt proposed a bill “Second Bill of Rights” in 1943. The bill stated 'freedom from want' as one of four foremost liberties required for progress of America. Franklin's definition of freedom encompassed the opportunity to enjoying a healthy life and the right to sufficient healthcare'. Universal Declaration highlighted this basic right to healthcare. However, it is debatable that either U.S. has been able to turn Roosevelt's vision into a reality or not (Carmatl & Zaidi, 2006).

Key Statistics

United States spends much more per capita on healthcare services than any other developed nation. Despite this fact, America has one the poorest healthcare indicators among industrialized countries. Today, America remains the only developed country to deny universal healthcare system to its citizens (Carmatl & Zaidi, 2006). According to statistics posted by U.S. census, around 15.8% of citizens were without health insurance in 2006. By 2010, this ratio has increased to 16.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Medicare spending in estimated to be USD 465 billion and it is estimated that, by the end of 2019, Medicare spending will rise to USD 932 billion (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). These statistics get worse as we study healthcare issues in rural vicinities and for minorities.

The Human Development Index (HDI) measures the country's social development on account of three parameters. One of the Parameters is Longevity and Healthcare. The sub-parameter under the parameter of healthcare is Life Expectancy at Birth, with the goal of 85 years. In 1990, America was ranked second in HDI. By 2009, U.S. relegated to 13th place (Podgorsak, 2010).

Healthcare: A Right or a Privilege

Healthcare services are provided to citizens through three different channels. First is public, where healthcare services are financed through the government budget. Government is responsible to provide health centers' and adequate healthcare facilities. Second channel is through private insurance programs. Private firms and institutions provide healthcare insurance coverage to employees and workers. Third channel is through public-private partnership, includes healthcare programs, which are partially funded by government and private insurance programs (Podgorsak, 2010).

Healthcare Characteristics

There are five elements, which make healthcare program effective. Let's briefly discuss these important characteristics of Healthcare system before concluding the nature of U.S. healthcare system.

Quality of U.S. Healthcare System

This includes quality of facilities and healthcare personals. Quality of the healthcare system can be improved through better education of education ...