Introduction
For a compelling analysis of any crucial political aspect of the country, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis. Health insurance is a controversial issue with different views and positions. It is known that the two powerful political forces in the US are the Democrats, with more liberal views, and the Republicans, with more conservative views. The chosen policy issue is whether health insurance should be free. The purpose of this paper is to analyze this issue and demonstrate how the relationship between Democrats and Republicans differs. Points such as key points, sub-issues, and ideological and political positions related to the issue will be analyzed.
Discussion
It is worth mentioning that the US healthcare system is a complex system and a leader in terms of the resources concentrated in it. Moreover, healthcare in the country is one of the leaders in terms of scientific research and adequate provision of services for patients (Buchbinder et al., 2019). However, there is a significant problem for which the US healthcare system is often criticized. Namely, the fact that a lot of the population cannot afford health insurance due to a significant increase in prices. Part of the population does not have health insurance, and others do not receive services in full. In this regard, the issue of free medical insurance is relevant and has many aspects for discussion.
Speaking about the positions of Democrats and Republicans on this issue, it is worth noting that they differ significantly. Thus, the liberal point of view is formulated by the fact that health insurance should be free or inexpensive. Moreover, it should be controlled by the state, that is, the government should manage the fundamental processes of development and problem-solving (Buttice, 2019). The political position of the Democrats is built on the fact that millions of Americans cannot afford health insurance. In turn, it negatively affects their level and quality of life, which is unacceptable. Moreover, the liberal sub-issue lies in the fact that unfettered access to health services is a basic human right.
In addition, the liberal position implies some ideological narratives that emphasize the importance of this aspect for the country. For example, every American has the right to affordable and quality healthcare. Thus, the significance of this for the economy and the country’s image is emphasized since the nation’s health affects the workforce. In addition, the health care system and the population’s opinion about it usually demonstrate the country’s degree of development. Further, the liberal position implies the thesis that the government should provide several items related to these aspects. The most crucial point is that the population should be granted equal benefits for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Thus, this position emphasizes the campaign for equal rights, which is a solid political factor.
In turn, the conservative point of view consists of opposite aspects. Certainly, it does not negate the importance of the health care system for the country and its accessibility to society. However, it takes a different approach, which is more pragmatic and of a different nature. Thus, the position of the Republicans on this issue is that the state should maintain a competitive healthcare system (Uslu et al., 2020). In turn, it can be achieved through the fact that the state and enterprises will take as a basis a market approach in terms of the health care system. In other words, the position emphasizes the importance of this for the country’s economy and considers healthcare as a business model that can improve or worsen the financial situation of the state.
It is worth noting that the conservative position also takes as a basis the thesis that every American has the right to health care. However, the main point is the economic factor, namely, who should pay for medical services and insurance. The central thesis about free medical care and insurance is the fact that it will lead to higher costs. That is, social medicine is not an effective method since it provides equally low-quality services for the population. Thus, Republicans believe that the health care system should remain privatized. Moreover, the problem of a large number of uninsured people should be solved within the framework of a market-based healthcare system. The conservative point of view does not consider free insurance effective and insists that the state should not control it.
Conclusion
To conclude, after analyzing the liberal and conservative positions on free health insurance, one can notice their differences. The central thesis of the Democrats is the fact that every American should have equal conditions in the medical aspect, regardless of social status. In turn, the Republicans insist that free insurance would be inefficient for the country’s economy and that the health care system should have a market nature. Given all the facts and arguments, my position is average but has some bias toward the liberal approach. That is, medical insurance should not be completely free, however, it should not always be covered by a citizen. Thus, for people with financial problems, it should be covered by special funds that government must create in advance.
References
Buchbinder, S. B., Shanks, N. H., & Kite, B. J. (2019). Introduction to health care management. (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Buttice, C. (2019). Universal health care. ABC-CLIO.
Uslu, D., Dincer, Y., & Serhat, D. Y. (2020). Multidimensional perspectives and global analysis of universal health coverage. IGI Global.