Will universal health care mean longer waits for doctor visits and other medical services? Duh! If people who can't afford proper health care now are given access to it in the future, yes, they will add to the lines and increase the wait time. At least, that is true initially.
The people most opposed to universal health care are people who already have insurance provided for them or who can afford to pay their medical expenses out of pocket. They don't want to see their wait times expanded by others who are not so privileged. That is certainly understandable, but it is also selfish.
Conversely, those who most want universal health care are people who don't currently have access to the quality care they need. Or they are people who have a close association with others in this predicament. Some would say that they have their own selfish reasons for wanting universal health care. The poor just want to inconvenience the rich to benefit their own health. Disgusting? I think not.
It takes time for supply to adjust to sudden increases in demand. If we were to suddenly get universal health coverage in the United States, there would be a definite immediate increase in demand for services. It would put a strain on the system. I firmly believe the health care system can and will adjust given time. But, I also believe the adjustment will not happen before the strain. Any body builder will tell you that you have to stress a muscle to make it grow.
Passage of legislation to bring about universal health care in America requires appealing to our higher natures, our more altruistic selves. The task is complicated. There are far reaching ramifications to every action. But, the the need is urgent and is not going to become less while we sit and analyze.
That's my two cents.
Wade Houston
September 17, 2007
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