Are you in favor of a national single-payer health insurance program in the United States? Support your answer with reasons why or why not

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Answers will vary. Students may make arguments similar to the following:
Yes; everyone should have access to affordable health care as a basic human right. Many other countries have successful programs that are cost effective. Currently, uninsured individuals increase system-wide costs by waiting to seek care until they are critically ill and foregoing expensive prescription drugs that they cannot afford. At the same time, insured individuals end up paying higher prices for health care since the industry tries to offset costs incurred by treating uninsured or underinsured individuals. Moreover, considerable savings would be achieved by reducing administrative costs currently incurred by the thousands of different health insurance plans, as well as office costs for providers who must bill a variety of insurance companies, payments, etc.
No; health care is not a right, but an individual responsibility. Many individuals do not take care of their health. Moreover, many individuals can afford health coverage but choose—and have a right—to decline it. A single-payer system would have to be funded through higher taxes. The oversight of the health care system should be left up to the free market.