Healthcare is one of the most economically pressing unresolved questions U.S. domestic policy issues. The United States spends twice as much in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on healthcare as the next biggest spender in the advanced world, and yet our average lifespan is less than most of the countries on the list.
The key point being debated in the upcoming 2020 congressional and presidential election campaigns is whether or not healthcare insurance should be provided as it is at present through a choice of employer benefit plans for those who work where this benefit is available, or through enrollment in the Affordable Care Act ACA), or a private insurance plan such as the self-employed may opt to join rather than enrolling in the ACA (Approximately 20,000,000 Americans currently are enrolled in the ACA for 2020.). A key question currently being discussed is whether the next congress in 2021 should improve on the ACA, including a public option of Medicare along with continuing to permit employer-based insurance plans where available to individuals, or whether healthcare access should be guaranteed to all through enrollment in Medicare alone.
Public polling suggests that there is no bigger public policy issue that Americans care about as much as healthcare at this point in our nation’s history.
Your initial discussion postings (250-300 or more words) should demonstrate an understanding and analysis of the assigned readings and video. It may be helpful to reference the assigned material in your response demonstrating connections between your thoughts and the course resources. In addition, you will also need to post two substantial responses (about 150-200words) to at least two of your classmates’ posts.
