The Dark Walls of Medicine

National Health Care Spending

In 2007, health care spending in the United States reached $2.3 trillion, and was projected to reach $4.2 trillion in 2016. (3)

Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense. (4)

In 2003, the United States spent 15.3 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on health care. It is projected that the percentage will reach 18.7 percent in 10 years. (3)

Although nearly 47 million Americans are uninsured, the United States spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and those countries provide health insurance to all their citizens. (4)

Health care spending accounted for 10.9 percent of the GDP in Switzerland, 10.7 percent in Germany, 9.7 percent in Canada and 9.5 percent in France, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. (5)

Total out-of-pocket spending on health care rose $13.7 billion, to $230 billion in 2003. (1)   

*     While admitting the United States of America is the greatest nation on the face of the earth that was founded by our forefathers and built upon strong Christian values and a constitution to help guide us, sometimes we may need to change our methods and strategies to fulfill our vision and mission to continue bringing equality and social justice to all in our pursuits. I believe in the area of health care we as the greatest nation on the face of the earth can conquer our health care crisis in this nation and provide health care to all our fellow citizens. Just how to accomplish this has been highly discussed and greatly debated. There have been discussions for and against the idea of a universal health care plan. Before sharing some of my ideas about how to bring about universal health care I would like to take a look at some of the common arguments on both sides of the discussion regarding universal health care plan.    

*     America is a great nation and has always strived to be a leader in many areas of the world.  I believe that America has always been willing to deal with the social problems of our nation.  That is why in fact certain social programs have been developed over the years for example the department of health and human services, Social security administration, Medicare and Medicaid, Department of public health, etc. I feel it is time for   America to step to the forefront and deal with the health care crisis that this nation is faced with. Americans health care system needs to be one that would address the health care needs of every citizen of this country at the least possible financial hardship. The health care system needs to be comprehensive and offer the best treatment options of our day. It needs to be a program that fosters growth and development of every health care provider to deliver the best of health care and not one that limit’s the level of care provided to someone based on some health care contract, malpractice insurance policy, or cost. President Obama has indicated “I will not rest until the dream of health care reform is achieved in the United States of America “. This nation can be the leader in health care and should strive to be the best in the world. We can do it, yes America we can do it! May God bless America in its endeavors!