The Compulsory Health Insurance Debate: Why US Citizens Are Forced to Ensure Medical Costs
The Obamacare has a provision that compels citizens to purchase health insurance, even if they can afford the costs of medical bills. This mandate was introduced to counteract the negative impacts of prohibiting pre-existing condition exclusions. The intention was to prevent individuals who acquire a diagnosis after going without coverage from then purchasing insurance to pay for treatment. It's a similar analogy to buying car insurance after an accident to cover the resulting expenses.
Problems with the Obamacare System
One of the critical issues with Obamacare is that the provisions promoting its popularity actually render it ineffective, while the unpopular parts ensure the system’s functionality. The insurance mandate itself is a controversial aspect, as it forces individuals to buy insurance even if they can afford to cover medical expenses on their own. The idea is that the premiums paid by the majority help to subsidize the costs for those in need.
Americans Who Can Afford Medical Costs
A tiny minority of Americans who can afford to pay out-of-pocket for full healthcare coverage are intelligent enough to buy insurance. However, finding a fabulously wealthy individual who does not have health insurance would be difficult. The reality is that even affluent individuals recognize the importance of insurance.
The Myth of Financial Independence in Healthcare
Underlying the concern of some individuals is the notion that those who can afford healthcare will never need to use it. Unfortunately, this worldview is misplaced. American healthcare is renowned for being expensive, technologically advanced, and highly effective. To utilize such care, individuals must either be part of a large insurance pool to spread the financial risk or belong to the 1% who can easily afford whatever medical expenses they incur. If you are among the 1%, you can choose not to buy insurance. However, you can pay for healthcare as needed.
It's worth noting that even the 1% often buy health insurance; they prefer to avoid paying the retail price for services. The 1% would benefit from the negotiated rates provided by insurers, which can be significantly lower than what they would face individually.
Emergency Healthcare Access and the EMTLA Law
American healthcare emergency access is protected by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which was passed under President Ronald Reagan. This law mandates that emergency rooms treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. Some individuals are wealthy enough to self-insure and pay for healthcare afterwards. However, the vast majority cannot afford this and resort to seeking emergency care and then shifting the costs to other patients' insurance plans. These individuals are often referred to as free-loaders.
In a grocery store, such behavior would be considered shop-lifting. Hence, the principle is the same: People should not expect others to cover their medical expenses. Americans have a deep desire for the best possible healthcare, but they also want others to pay for it. This phenomenon is succinctly summed up by the phrase "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" (TANSTAFL).
Conclusion: The healthcare system in the United States is complex and controversial. While the insurance mandate of Obamacare aims to provide a safety net for those in need, it also forces individuals who can afford it to purchase coverage. Understanding the nuances of the system and its implications is crucial for both policymakers and the general public.