Redefining Healthcare: A Call for the 28th Amendment

Introduction

Living in the United States of America, we proudly cherish our rights and freedoms, from public education to law enforcement. However, amid our pride in being a developed nation, a conspicuous absence persists: free public healthcare. As citizens of one of the wealthiest nations globally, shouldn't access to medical care be a given? Imagine the transformative effects of a nationally available healthcare system - the positive outcomes are vast. According to the 2012 US Census Bureau, a staggering 47.9 million Americans lack health insurance, rendering healthcare unattainable for many.

The solution to this pressing issue lies in the incorporation of a twenty-eighth amendment to the Constitution, solidifying the right to universal healthcare for every American.

Healthcare as a Basic Human Right

Healthcare is not merely a service; it is a fundamental human right that demands protection by our Constitution. The government, in line with the Preamble's commitment to "promote the general welfare," and the Declaration of Independence's guarantee of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," is duty-bound to ensure access to healthcare for its citizens.

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Our well-being, intricately tied to our health, plays a pivotal role in defining our quality of life, dictating our ability to enjoy these fundamental rights. Hence, universal healthcare emerges as a legitimate function of our government. Furthermore, the United States stands as one of the few developed nations without free health services. Perhaps we can draw inspiration from countries like Canada, where life-long health coverage is guaranteed at around half the cost per person compared to the United States.

The World Health Organization's 2000 report ranked the US thirty-seventh globally in terms of healthcare systems, a disappointing standing considering the nation's wealth.

Immediate and Long-term Benefits of Universal Healthcare

If the US were to implement free healthcare, the positive impacts would be substantial, both in the short and long term. Immediately, citizens would gain access to medical care previously out of reach, potentially saving countless lives and enhancing overall public health. In 2014, deaths associated with a lack of health insurance should be unacceptable. The American Journal of Public Health reveals a harrowing statistic: 45,000 deaths occur annually in the US due to a lack of health coverage. Introducing free health insurance could potentially save 225,000 lives within the first five years of its adoption. Beyond the profound impact on lives, consider the economic benefits and saved money. A healthy and happy public means fewer missed workdays, contributing more to the economy and reducing unemployment rates. A study by the Institute of Medicine reports that the United States loses between $65-$130 billion due to diminished worker productivity resulting from poor health and premature deaths among the uninsured. Additionally, medical expenses lead families to bankruptcy, with sixty-seven percent of American bankruptcies in 2007 being related to healthcare costs. Universal health coverage would significantly reduce such occurrences, allowing the American public to lead healthy and productive lives. Moreover, it would foster small and private businesses by alleviating the burden of providing employee health insurance.

Economic Impact of Universal Healthcare

Contrary to the belief that universal healthcare is financially burdensome, a 2013 study suggests that under a single-payer system, total public and private healthcare spending could be lowered by $592 billion in 2014 and up to $1.8 trillion over the next decade. This reduction is attributed to lower administrative and prescription drug costs. Implementing such a system would not only benefit society and its people but also improve the economy and ultimately decrease government spending. It is crucial to recognize that investing in the health of the population yields long-term economic benefits and financial savings.

Obstacles and Solutions

Despite the evident benefits and success stories from other nations, a formidable obstacle stands in the way of implementing universal healthcare in the United States - the influential corporations controlling the medical industry. Established health providers and facilities fear financial losses if the government takes charge of health coverage. This resistance from corporate entities makes the proposal less likely to be adopted by states. However, a viable solution exists: circumvent these corporations and instead gain support from the people. To build credibility and momentum, the media and the internet can be powerful tools. By educating the public about the benefits of a free healthcare system and highlighting the deficiencies in the current system, we can hope that the majority of people will no longer accept the status quo. With the support of the nation's public, we can then take the proposed twenty-eighth amendment to Congress, where it would need ratification by two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Conclusion

The time has arrived for the United States to align itself with the rest of the developed world and provide universal healthcare for its people. This imperative should manifest in the form of the twenty-eighth amendment to the Constitution, not only to enhance public health but to fortify the economy and cultivate a just society where everyone can receive necessary medical care. By embracing this transformative change, the United States can prioritize the well-being of its citizens, demonstrating that accessible healthcare is not a privilege but an inalienable right.