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Negatives of Universal Health Care

As of 2010, the United States was not among the nations offering universal health care. Due to the need for affordable health care, some politicians and citizens have advocated a universal system that provides medical coverage for all. But universal health care is not without its cons.

  1. Higher Taxes

    • Universal health care will most likely mean a higher tax burden on Americans. According to pbs.org, many European countries have universal, government-run health care programs, but these programs come at the cost of higher taxes. In a democratic system of government, one of the ways to cover the costs associated with universal health care could be to increase taxes or cut spending in other areas, such as defense and education.

    Higher Costs

    • If universal health care makes medical treatment affordable for all, patients might be more likely to utilize the benefits thus increasing the costs involved. According to Dr. Joe Paduda, when individuals first get coverage for services such as dental or vision, there is a dramatic surge in utilization and therefore cost. Dr. Paduda claims that when people get insurance, they will use the benefits more frequently. Costs will go up for the insurer, who in the case of universal health care is the government.

    Less Choice

    • According to Dr. John O'Shea, a practicing general surgeon, patients' decisions could be influenced by universal health care mandates rather than by doctors. He says medical decisions should not be influenced by universal government mandates, administered pricing systems or expenditure targets, but based on an adequately informed assessment by individual patients and their providers about the value of services in a particular clinical situation. In a universal health care system, a patient could lose his availability to choose the best health care available.

    Decreased Private Practice

    • Universal health care could make private practice less appealing. According to pbs.org, loss of private practice options and possible reduced pay could dissuade current doctors and future medical staff from pursuing the profession. An IBD/TIPP Poll at investors.com found that two out of three practicing physicians opposed the medical overhaul plan passed under the Obama administration in 2010.

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