My Experiences with Healthcare and Why I Oppose Single Payer

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the debate over single payer healthcare remains a contentious issue. While some advocate for a government-run system that promises universal coverage, my own experiences have led me to oppose such reforms. In this article, I will share my personal stories and the reasons behind my skepticism regarding single payer healthcare.

Bigotry and Misuse of Funding

One of the predominant reasons I oppose single payer healthcare is rooted in the bigotry that often accompanies such proposals. Some argue that tax dollars should not be used to care for 'poor people,' 'retards,' or 'colored people.' This mindset is not only discriminatory but also overlooks the sanctity of life and the inherent value of all individuals, as captured by the biblical commandment “Blessed are the poor.”

Unfortunately, this rhetoric has led to a callous attitude towards the less fortunate, with phrases like 'Fuck the poor!' being uttered. It is this kind of sentiment that I oppose, and I believe that those who hold such views should reflect on their beliefs and the impact they have on society.

Government Healthcare as a Financial Construct

Another critical reason for my opposition to single payer healthcare is its nature as a financial and governmental construct. Unlike the more on-demand and personalized healthcare models, single payer healthcare often fails to meet the needs of its citizens. The process of accessing services is often fraught with bureaucracy, delays, and a lack of empathy.

For instance, if you were to walk into a government-run healthcare office, it's highly unlikely that you would receive any form of patient care. The idea of a 'universal' healthcare system is enticing, but in practice, it often leads to barely tolerable or even substandard care. The system, designed to be efficient and bureaucratic, often prioritizes paperwork over patient welfare.

My personal experience at our local public hospital in New Zealand exemplifies this. In 2020, my mother, who was nearly 81 and had COPD, fell and required treatment. Despite our understanding that she was nearing the end of her life, the care she received was far from what we could have hoped for. She spent hours in an overcrowded emergency department, was improperly fed, and endured negligent treatment. The mental and physical stress she experienced exacerbated her condition, leading to a premature death.

Waiting Times and Poor Quality of Care

The issue of waiting times is another significant factor that my experiences have highlighted. In countries with single payer healthcare, patients often face long waits for routine and emergency care. This is due to a combination of bureaucratic inefficiency and a push to reduce costs. For example, my father, a type 2 diabetic, suffered from a lisfranc injury and endured years of delayed treatment, which ultimately delayed his recovery.

Additionally, the quality of care provided is often substandard. I have witnessed firsthand the neglect and mistreatment of patients in hospitals that prioritize quantity over quality. The lack of attention, inappropriate treatment, and poor hygiene are but a few of the issues that can arise in such settings.

My own case further highlights the challenges. After a near-fatal scare in September of the previous year, I was able to seek urgent care, but the services available through telemedicine are limited. Moreover, despite being enrolled in a primary care system, I have yet to secure an appointment. This is unacceptable and frustrating, and it raises serious questions about the efficacy and sincerity of the universal healthcare promise.

Conclusion

While the intention behind single payer healthcare is noble, my experiences have shown that the reality is far from ideal. The system often fails to deliver the care promised by its proponents, and the bureaucratic and impersonal nature of government-run healthcare can be devastating. I am not against universal access to healthcare, but I am increasingly wary of systems that fail to honor the fundamental right to quality care.

As citizens and taxpayers, we have a right to expect better. We should demand transparency and accountability from healthcare providers, whether they be government-run or not. Until we see a genuine commitment to improving the quality of care and reducing waiting times, the prospects of a truly universal and effective healthcare system remain bleak.