Should All Americans Have The Right To Health Care ?

     Health care is the largest industry in the United States today, employing more than 14 million citizens.  We are said to be one of very few nations that does not ensure health care insurance to its citizens.  The question that seems to be asked very frequently is should all Americans have the right to health care.

     Health care is a human right and all Americans should have this right as a citizen of the United States. Ensuring that all Americans have the right to health care will decrease health care costs and is also good for economic productivity. It will also promote equal opportunities for those who have economic disadvantages such as bad health.  When people have access to health care, they can live healthier and longer lives. 

     According to the US Census Bureau, 46.3 million people were uninsured in 2008. Health care enpenditures totaled about $2.2 trillion, about 16% of the US economy.   The cost of health care has become unaffordable for many working-class families.  Studies show that 62% of all US bankruptcies in 2007 were related to medical expenses.  Since 2000, health care premiums have risen three times faster than wages.

This ties into our class discussions because we've talked about Obama's view on health care and how he plans to change it.