In the United States, healthcare primarily is focused on the market
justice theory. In this perspective of healthcare, health is viewed as a
commodity rather than a human right. Most healthcare providers
open their doors in order to make a profit. The concept of Universal
healthcare focuses on the opposite side of the spectrum which is the
social justice theory. In this theory, health is viewed as a basic human
right where all humans deserve equal care. APHA states; “Social
justice is the view that everyone deserves equal rights and
opportunities — this includes the right to good health” (APHA, para.
1, 2021). Profits are taken out of the equation, and ideally, care is
distributed equally.
Market justice theory is difficult to change as it is deeply rooted in
America’s history. Budetti states; “Market justice runs deeply in
health care in the United States. Well into the 20th century, both
buyers and sellers participated in a fully functioning market.”
(Budetti, para. 2, 2008). Implementing universal healthcare threatens
the ideas of freedom that Americans have built their country on.
Many Americans feel very strongly about keeping their markets
open, and unfortunately this has led to healthcare being viewed as an
open market. Government interventions are intended to sway this
idealism, but fall short as only certain Americans qualify for
government care.
Another reason why universal healthcare is opposed by many is the
fact that it will increase taxation on the American population. Of
course, universal health care comes with a price. “This is an
affordable cost, yet many believe that it imposes on their rights. The
cost of a universal healthcare system would depend on its structure,
benefit levels, and extent of coverage. However, most proposals
would entail increased federal taxes, at least for higher earners”. (Zief
et al., para. 7, 2020). As we have discussed before in this course,
universal healthcare for all would equate to a tax increase of $36 per
month. Some view it as too much, yet some believe the cost is worth
the benefit.
This has adverse effects on the public health of the population. The
KFF “found Half of U.S. adults say they put off or skipped some sort
of health care or dental care in the past year because of the cost.
Three in ten (29%) also report not taking their medicines as
prescribed at some point in the past year because of the cost.”
(Kearney, para. 3, 2021). Individuals who must pay for healthcare are
often unhealthier than individuals with coverage. Market theory of
healthcare directly affects health amongst American citizens, yet is
still upheld within this country.
References
APHA. (2021). Social Justice and Health. Social Justice and health.
Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.apha.org/what-is-
public-health/generation-public-health/our-work/social-
justice#:~:text=Social%20justice%20is%20the%20view,the%20right
%20to%20good%20health.&text=To%20assure%20that
%20everyone%20has,determinants%20of%20health%20AND
%20equity.
Budetti, P. (2008). Market justice and US health care - physicians for
social ... Jama.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022,
from http://action.psr.org/site/DocServer/Market_Justice.pdf?
docID=3822
Kearney A. F. T., & Harnel, L. (2021, December 14). Americans'
challenges with health care costs. KFF. Retrieved February 17, 2022,
from https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-
challenges-with-health-care-costs/
