Insurance is what makes U.S. health-care prices so high. The sheer profit margins of insurance companies are staggering. They extract a significant portion of every healthcare dollar spent, far exceeding the administrative costs of government programs like Medicare. This stark contrast undermines the frequent claim that private corporations are inherently more efficient than government.
Insurance is what makes U.S. health-care prices so high because the system incentivizes cost inflation. Regulations like the Affordable Care Act’s 80/20 rule, while intending to control costs, inadvertently contribute to the problem. The rule mandates that insurers spend at least 80% of premiums on healthcare; however, the remaining 20% – allocated for administrative costs, overhead, and marketing – also includes profits.… Continue reading
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah’s denial of coverage for the FDA-approved cancer drug Perjeta, prescribed by a specialist for a patient’s breast cancer treatment, exemplifies a critical flaw in the healthcare system. This denial contradicts established clinical guidelines and expert consensus, forcing the family to potentially shoulder over $160,000 in out-of-pocket costs. This case highlights how insurance companies obstruct access to necessary life-saving treatments, leaving patients in a precarious situation. The urgent need for systemic reform, including universal healthcare, is underscored by this and countless similar experiences.
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Following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Bernie Sanders used the opportunity during an NBC News interview to advocate for universal healthcare in the US. He decried the violence as unacceptable while highlighting the public’s anger towards a healthcare system that prioritizes profit over people’s needs. Sanders emphasized the US’s uniquely low life expectancy and high healthcare costs compared to other developed nations as reasons to implement a system guaranteeing healthcare for all. He reiterated his longstanding support for universal healthcare, citing the recently introduced Medicare for All Act as a potential solution.
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The recent murder is unequivocally condemned; however, the resulting online anger highlights the deeply flawed and cruel American healthcare system. This system leads to preventable deaths (60,000 annually) and significant life expectancy disparities based on socioeconomic status. Fundamental change requires a political movement prioritizing healthcare as a human right, achievable through eliminating waste and administrative bloat within the current system, not necessarily increasing overall spending. This would allow quality care for all citizens, mirroring systems in other developed nations.
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A Gallup poll reveals that 62 percent of Americans—the highest percentage since 2007—believe the federal government should guarantee health coverage for all citizens. This surge in support, exceeding even that seen during the 2007 presidential election, is driven by rising healthcare costs and increasing dissatisfaction with the current system. The narrow margin between those favoring a government-run system (46 percent) and those preferring a private system (49 percent) highlights a shifting public opinion, even among Republicans. This comes as the U.S. remains the only wealthy nation without universal healthcare, resulting in significantly worse health outcomes and higher costs than peer countries.
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A recent Gallup poll reveals that 62% of Americans—the highest in over a decade—believe the government should guarantee healthcare coverage, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the for-profit system. This surge in support follows the murder of a healthcare executive, allegedly by an individual with an anti-insurance manifesto, and public outcry over insurer actions like Anthem’s coverage cuts. While Republican support for government-guaranteed healthcare has increased, the incoming administration plans to further privatize Medicare, contrasting sharply with calls for “Medicare for All.” The dissatisfaction is underscored by another poll showing Americans’ opinion of healthcare quality at its lowest point in decades.
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Rep. Ro Khanna advocates for a shift towards Medicare for All in the United States, believing it’s crucial for addressing widespread healthcare inequities. He envisions this as a significant step toward a more just and equitable society, where access to quality healthcare is no longer a privilege determined by socioeconomic status.
The current healthcare system leaves many Americans struggling to afford necessary medical care, forcing difficult choices between health and financial stability. A universal healthcare system like Medicare for All would alleviate this burden, providing a safety net for everyone regardless of their income or employment situation.
While some argue that a complete transition to Medicare for All is unrealistic in the near future, Khanna’s perspective emphasizes the importance of moving progressively toward this goal.… Continue reading
As a Canadian, I am elated to hear the news that the government has passed a bill to cover the costs of birth control and diabetes drugs for all citizens. This is a monumental step towards ensuring that essential healthcare needs are met for all Canadians, regardless of their financial situation. The fact that paying for prevention is far cheaper than treating illness from a budgetary standpoint is a crucial point to consider. By covering these costs upfront, the government is not only promoting public health but also potentially saving money in the long run.
It is heartwarming to see a piece of news that aligns with our national values and makes us feel proud to be Canadian.… Continue reading
Well, well, well, it seems like President Trump has made an interesting statement regarding Kamala Harris and healthcare. The idea of everyone having access to healthcare seems to be presented as a warning rather than a promise by Trump, which is quite intriguing, to say the least. In his address, he mentioned that if Kamala Harris were to win, everybody would get health care. And to that, I say, sign me up!
It’s quite amusing to see the fear-mongering tactics being used here. The thought that quality of life could actually improve for everyone seems to be a point of contention for some.… Continue reading
Amidst a cacophony of sarcastic remarks and disbelief, the news of Kamala Harris potentially providing healthcare for all seems to have struck a nerve with a certain individual. They are appalled at the mere thought of everyone, including the poor, having access to healthcare. The idea of abolishing private health insurance is met with skepticism, as the individual expresses dissatisfaction with their own subpar coverage. It seems that for this person, the status quo is preferable to the possibility of a more inclusive healthcare system.
The individual’s reaction reflects a sentiment often seen in certain circles where universal healthcare is equated with socialism or communism.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker