The Right to Stay Alive
The phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” originates from the United States Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. The specific passage that contains the phrase reads:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These words have become iconic as the building blocks to individual rights and freedoms in America.
It declares that everyone has certain rights, given by their Creator, that no one can take away. These include the right to live, to be free, and to chase happiness. But how can anyone fully enjoy these rights without access to healthcare?
Healthcare is a basic human need, yet in America, the right to health is often treated as a privilege. It’s tragic that we even have to debate whether people deserve healthcare. The fact that some people say things like, “I worked hard for my healthcare,” shows how deeply society has been misled. These ideas feed into the belief that only some people are “worthy” of care while others are left to suffer. It’s a cruel and unnecessary division.
In some states, the government spends billions of dollars on systems that force Medicaid recipients to prove they’re working or actively searching for a job. These programs are not only dehumanizing but also inefficient. The cost of running these systems often exceeds the cost of simply providing healthcare to those in need. This obsession with making people “earn” healthcare ignores the reality that everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves to be healthy and cared for.
Medical expenses are far removed from the actual cost of treatment. The healthcare industry is profiting from people’s poor health. Families with children to stash away in flexible spending accounts, from each paycheck to prepare for potential hospitalizations. No one should live in fear that an accident could lead to unsolvable debt. The ability to access healthcare should not be determined by income. Healthcare should not unfairly burden those with limited incomes or discourage them from seeking vital medical treatment.
Health insurance in the U.S. began in the 1920s when hospitals created prepayment plans to cover care. During World War II, employers started offering health benefits to attract workers because wage freezes prevented them from increasing salaries. Over time, this employer-based system became the standard, leaving out those without steady jobs or those working part-time. Private insurance companies quickly took over, turning healthcare into a massive for-profit industry. Unlike countries with universal healthcare, where the government ensures everyone has access, the U.S. system has left millions uninsured or underinsured, creating a cycle of inequality and debt.
We are responsible as a community to fulfill the “life” aspect of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” by advocating for everyone to have access to essential medical care and services without barriers.
Universal healthcare ensures that everyone can see a doctor, get medication, and receive treatment without going bankrupt. It eliminates the fear of losing your health insurance if you lose your job or can’t afford a premium.
In countries with universal healthcare, people don’t have to choose between paying rent and getting medical care. They can focus on staying healthy and addressing problems early, which reduces costs in the long run. For example, preventive care — like vaccinations and routine checkups — can stop small issues from becoming major, expensive emergencies.
In the U.S., however, medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. This doesn’t happen in countries where universal healthcare exists. These systems create a foundation of equality, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or background, has access to care.
The opposition to universal healthcare often comes from misinformation and greed. Some people believe it would lead to higher taxes or lower-quality care. But in reality, the money saved from eliminating private insurance premiums and reducing medical debt would far outweigh any tax increase.
Others argue, “Why should I pay for someone else’s healthcare?” without realizing that the current system already does that — just inefficiently.
Have you ever been to the emergency room? The dynamic of the emergency room is a perfect example of a failing healthcare system.
The patient did everything right, but the healthcare system did them wrong. They call their PCP, but can’t get an appointment. So they turn to the ER. They call their specialist, but the call line (automated, no human to respond) says go to the ER. They try to pick up their new medicine, but can’t afford it … so they turn to the ER to get a dose of medicine. They try to get their imaging done, but can’t get the prior auth approved. So they come to the ER to get it. Their employer won’t let them take a sick day without a work note (and the ER is the only thing open they can get into TODAY). They need to see their doctor in the clinic, but can’t afford to take time off work to go, much less arrange childcare, and the ER is the only thing open when all those conditions sync up. They lost their job and now have no insurance and can’t see their doctors anyway. So they come to the ER.
The list goes on and on and on…
Emergency rooms are overrun with people who can’t afford preventive care, driving up costs for everyone. And many Americans pay taxes to subsidize healthcare for others through programs like Medicaid, even though these programs could be expanded to help more people.
Some of the strongest resistance comes from powerful industries and lobbyists. Private insurance companies that profit from premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and universal healthcare would drastically reduce their earnings. Pharmaceutical companies that rely on the ability to set sky-high drug prices, which universal healthcare systems often regulate.
Hospitals and healthcare networks that benefit from charging inflated prices for procedures, knowing insurers will pay. Groups like the American Medical Association (AMA) and pharmaceutical trade associations spend millions lobbying against healthcare reform to protect their profits.
These groups spread misinformation, convincing people that universal healthcare is harmful, even though it would help the vast majority of Americans.
What we have now does not work, so there is no harm in trying to fix it.
The idea that healthcare must be “earned” is rooted in a lie — that some people deserve to suffer because they aren’t working or paying enough. This belief has been carefully cultivated by corporations and lobbyists who profit from the current system. But healthcare is not a luxury; it is a basic human right.
Universal healthcare offers a chance to create a fairer, healthier society. It would eliminate the financial and emotional burden of medical bills, allowing people to focus on their well-being. Countries around the world have shown that this system works, providing high-quality care for all while keeping costs under control.
We already know the current system is broken. It’s time to reject the lies and fight for a future where no one has to prove they’re “worthy” of care. Healthcare is about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — and everyone deserves a chance at all three.
