Some folks claim caring for the sick is too heavy a burden, and unfair to the healthy. Others say the cost of health care should be borne by those who use it. Unfortunately, altruism is not as widespread as it could be, and often the burden of caring for the long-term sick falls to family members, who may have to quit working to devote themselves to care-giving.
That, however, conflicts with the second concept, that of cost. When sick people cannot work, they are unable to pay the cost of health care. And if healthy family care-givers quit work, they become unable to contribute to their own basic necessities.
Meanwhile, healthy people often tend not to purchase health insurance, because since they are healthy, they have no medical expenses, and therefore no need of insurance. This, however, only drives up the insurance premiums for those who do participate, and when that cost gets too high, they drop out.
Another argument is that those without insurance can go to hospital emergency rooms when they get sick, since hospitals are required by law to care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay or whether they have insurance. Result: These costs are passed on to others, either to those who pay directly, or through higher premiums for those who do have health insurance.
Net: Fewer people with health insurance, and higher premiums for those who do.
Consider: The purpose of any insurance is to spread the cost so all may share the benefits. And this is true whether it be health insurance, automobile accident insurance, or -- in the area where insurance began -- marine insurance, where shippers got together and contributed to a pool to cover losses if any member lost a cargo at sea.
Health care insurance is like public education. The costs are spread so all may benefit. Those without children pay a portion of school costs, partly to repay the benefits they themselves received when young, and partly as an investment for the future of society.
Think of it as social insurance.
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