National Health Care Insurance

National health was first seriously considered in the 1930s when Congress was legislating the New Deal social programs. However, universal health insurance was not adopted because of the strong opposition of the American Medical Association. They did not trust government intervention in their affairs and feared that regulations would limit their discretion and their earnings. As a result, the topic of health insurance rarely came up. However, during Bill Clinton's term, he established a health care reform task and attempted to get Congress to adopt legislation adopting universal health coverage in the United States. Ultimately however, his efforts had failed. In the 2008 presidential election, Democratic candidate, Barack Obama's platform promised reform in the health care system. After he was elected, Congress signed into law the Patient protection and Affordable Care Act. After the bill was signed into law, thirteen state attorneys announced that they would sue the national government to block enforcement of the legislation. This legislation marked the first major change in national health policy since the adoption of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

Those who may argue for national provision of health insurance may think about how national health insurance is a way for the government to promote the general welfare, that large percentages of uninsured citizens negatively affected all Americans. They may also think about how national health insurance for all is a logical extension of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In the past, Medicare and Medicaid have been successful in assuring the health of older and poor Americans, so the national government should provide similar services to other Americans. In addition, they may argue that uninsured Americans increase the cost f care for all citizens. 

Those who argue  against national provision of health insurance may think about how national health insurance is inconsistent with the American value of personal responsibility. The national health insurance program can decrease individual accountability. They may also think about how health care is a power reserved to the states under the Tenth Amendment. National health insurance can be considered an enrichment on state power. States may be more able to determine the needs of their citizens than the national government. In addition, health insurance companies use precise formulas to assure thy the system will remain financially solvent. Health insurance companies may be better equipped than national government to administer health care programs.