U.S. Healthcare – Lets Talk About It

Over the past month, I’ve noticed there are a lot of views on every article/broadcast that goes up, but no one leaves any comments. So, I thought I’d talk a bit about something that has everyone talking…healthcare reform. Regardless of your political standing or views, I just want to hear your two cents on the issue. It is very interesting to see it unfold here from Canada, where we have government funded health-care. Things are relatively peaceful here, and yet town halls across America seem to be heating up like war zones with proponents and opponents of health care reform yelling each other down.

As it stands, 47 million Americans are without insurance, and 25 million are under-insured. For many people under these circumstances, personal bankruptcy is a unfortunate reality. Aproximately 50% of all personal bankruptcies are the result of medical expenses, and health care costs will be the biggest contributing factor to the U.S. Budget deficit. Essentially, President Obama is proposing reforms to make health care more affordable for all working Americans, with a possibility of a public insurance option. This is being opposed by private insurers and other politicians, who say it will develop unfair competition and take away the freedom of selecting one’s doctor/treatments.

As a result, town halls across the nation are being filled with angry protestors, fueled by talking points and even some false rumors about the reforms. But it appears many are expressing their overall anger at the state of American politics through an issue that shouldn’t be so partisan. It is interesting to note that although many opponents of health-care reform denounce the movement as socialist and something that will cripple the nation, many of America’s closest allies in the West use some form of government funded health-care. Of course, one of the biggest trade offs is longer wait times, but personally, I don’t mind waiting a few extra weeks if my treatment is being covered.

Finally, it is interesting to note that much of this is an issue of principle. In Canada, we tend to believe that public health-care is a good thing because we are looking out for each other. The idea of leaving someone to die from their illnesses simply because they cannot afford treatment just doesn’t add up for us.

Regardless if you agree with me, or think I’m absolutely crazy and a secretly some extreme left socialist, please leave your comments below. It would be nice to get some feedback and dialogue going from our beloved viewers!