The Problem of Health Insurance - Assignment Example

In the recent past, the country has witnessed a drastic increase in health care expenditure. Compounding this is the increase in health insurance premiums in the past few years (Rosenau and Lako, 2008). This has led to an increase in the number of uninsured citizens. In the present time, a huge percentage of the population is underinsured meaning that they lack enough protection from health costs as well as financial protection. This problem particularly affects those in the low-income and middle-class groups. Additionally, the economic status in the country has worsened making it increasingly difficult for employers to fully pay for health insurance for their workforce. Recent statistics have shown that the number of companies that pay for insurance for their workforce declined between 2005 and 2010 (Adams et al., 2011). The decrease in employer-funded insurance has been somewhat contributed by the current health care program. This goes a long way in proving that an effective universal health insurance scheme is critical the solving the problem of health care access to the citizens.

Universal health insurance should cater for the unconditional provision of health care as it results in improved health across the population (Gunnar, 2008). As a result, the members of the population can access preventive treatment including screening for cancer and other chronic illnesses. Such services are expensive for the larger part of the population and this explains why universal health care providers should cover all medical costs. Universal health insurance ensures that individuals that suffer from major injuries can be admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) without preconditions which will save lives (Adams et al., 2011). Finally, with universal care, individuals from minority communities can access health care from a universal health care system.

Various issues should be considered in the debate on universal health care. First, the moral facet of the issue should be considered. A universal insurance program is as well a moral issue and aims at benefiting all individuals. The second issue that should be considered entails the ethics surrounding the universal health care system. Thirdly, the economic viability of the system should be taken into account and the government should ensure that it has enough funds to maintain the initiative (Adams et al., 2011). However, these concerns should be addressed by the government in collaboration with other stakeholders in the health care sector to ensure the provision of health insurance to uninsured citizens.