Health National Politics

Health Care Still a Key Political Issue as Trends Show Rise in Degenerative Diseases not Only Among Seniors

Health Care plans of Democratic aspirants for the 2020 presidential nomination is being highlighted, as the issue of medical care still poses as the most important consideration among voters. Degenerative disorders occurring in the spine now account as one of the leading medical issues, to which a great part of Medicare benefits have been used in recent years.

However, the Medicare system in the U.S. is applicable only to senior citizens aged 65 and above; leaving many older adults outside of the Medicare benefits. Notwithstanding that the current trend in the prevalence of degenerative spinal disorders among Americans, also affects those in the prime stage of their work age.

Inasmuch as this article delves mainly on the health care programs being promised by those aiming to replace Donald Trump, readers can proceed to the CTSI website where they can find comprehensive information about degenerative spinal conditions and their treatments.

The glaring reality revealed by recent health care research is that to date, almost 30 million Americans lack, or do not have health insurance at all. Those that do have private insurance policies, are saddled with prohibitive costs not included in their coverage.

Many consider the U.S. healthcare system as problematic, which is why majority of the voters are looking for solutions. This was evidenced by the results of the recent Gallup poll, which showed that health care plans of political candidates were rated as either “extremely” or “very important” in their voting decision.

That being the case, this article takes a cursory look at what the Democratic presidential candidates have so far, put forward as health care promise. After all, this particular issue may prove crucial in unseating incumbent U.S. president Donald Trump:

Health Care Plans of Top Democratic Presidential Aspirants

Medicare-for-all is a popular rallying cry among the Democratic candidates. Except for Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has not been vocal about health care programs as an agenda in her political campaign. Nonetheless, since Senator Warren has co-sponsored Senator Bernie Sanders’ Medicare-for-all proposal, it is presumed that Ms Warren will endorse such bill during her presidency, if ever.

Former Vice President Joe Biden as well, has not mentioned health care plans as extensively as his opponents have been doing. Still, his view of health care reform for the U.S,. is to let everyone have a choice of buying a private insurance coverage, or of buying a Medicare-like plan.

Senator Bernie Sanders presents himself as the staunchest supporter of the Medicare-for-all plan, being the principal author of a bill proposing it as health care reform. He made it clear that his proposal will totally eliminate private insurance, because all eligible U.S. residents will be enrolled in a government-administered health care program. Specifically, Senator Sanders says,

“People who have healthcare under Medicare-for-all will have no premiums, no copayments, no deductibles, and no out-of-pocket expenses.” “Although they will pay more in taxes, they will have to pay less in healthcare for what they get,”

Senator Kamala Harris is also co-sponsor to Senator Sanders’ Medicare-for-all plan, but also suggests including private insurance as supplementary coverage. Ms. Harris’ stance though is viewed as middle ground, since she has co-sponsored other health care reforms, including proposals of buying into Medicaid and to lowering Medicare eligibility age to 50 years old.

Southbend Mayor Pete Buttigieg voiced his support for the Medicare-for-all proposal, whilst also stating that his preference for a public option that places private insurance, only as a supplemental choice.