Health Care Issues

There are few issues in America today that are more complicated and complex than the issue of health care. When discussing health care, one must consider not only the benefit to the citizens but also the potential costs to the taxpayer and to private companies. For many citizens, there is no source of affordable health care. Employers may not offer insurance plans, employees may not be able to afford the plans that are offered, and many people find themselves unable to join an insurance plan because of ongoing medical conditions. Those who have health insurance and fall ill may find that their co-pay and prescription costs are beyond their means.

If health care was provided for all citizens, it would have to be paid for by the American taxpayer. Wage earners would have an additional portion of their income deducted from each paycheck in addition to Social Security and Medicare. For those who do not have insurance provided by their employer, this would represent a loss of take home pay, which for many may cause hardship. For those who belong to an insurance plan provided by their employer or a private company, there may be a reduction in the amount deducted from each paycheck. Employers would no longer be able to negotiate the cost they would be required to spend on health care for employees.

Insurance companies are the group with the most interest in issues surrounding health care. Any form of government health care would likely impact their profits, which could cause job losses for many employees. However, any requirement for citizens to have health care would provide an opportunity to increase profits at the expense of Americans. Any change in the nation'?s health care system must balance the potential losses and gains of insurance companies so they can continue to provide employment to many Americans while preventing abuse by those within the company who may be more concerned with profit than providing care for citizens.