Policy Effects on Different Groups

Policy Effects on Different Groups

Policy area

One major policy area receiving considerable attention today is that of socialized medicine or "universal health care." Universal health care means that a health care system (in a particular country or state) is organized around the principle of providing universal health coverage for everyone, equally with combined mechanisms for both service provision and health financing (WHO, 2008). The idea is that it is beneficial to everyone based on the principle that health care is a basic human need and right. Germany was the first country to go to a universal health care system in 1883 (Amnesty International, 2008). Over the course of the last century and a half, especially after World War II, many countries have followed suit with universal health systems that are both successful and popular (Amnesty International; WHO).

Every system has its own unique nuances built on the principles of universal health care. They vary along a spectrum of government involvement and insurance coverage. Some countries choose to fund their health care systems solely through taxation while others choose a combination of taxation and insurance. Some universal health care systems still involve the option of private insurance, which often excludes certain health conditions and treatments. The United States has been very behind in the movement toward universal health care but Owen (2009) says, "Health planning in the United States is rapidly approaching a fork in the policy road, with one direction leading the nation toward a universal plan with strong government involvement and the other direction strengthening existing market-based reforms and preserving a commercial health insurance industry" (p. 308).

Though Obama worked hard to begin the work to bring the United States health care system up to speed with the rest of the world, the opposition is strong. One of the biggest arguments by opposition is the idea that it is heavily unfair for those who currently possess private insurance and/or can afford their own insurance and health care. Another argument is that it drastically (and unfairly) affects health care providers.

Policy effects on stakeholders

Universal health care in the United States will benefit more than 46 million individuals and families who have either no insurance because they can't afford it or have inadequate and discontinuous health coverage (Owen, 2009). More and more small businesses and employers are unable to offer insurance to their employees and health care premiums for individuals are growing between 5.8-18% every year in the last decade. The condition of the health care system in the United States is insane and fundamental reform is necessary. Of course, fundamental reform is never easy, particularly given the partisan-polarization of politics in the United States.