Costless Healthcare: Reality or Myth?

When it comes to medical expenses, the question often arises whether it is possible to secure healthcare services at a cost so minimal that it barely affects one's finances. For instance, can one afford a monthly insurance premium of less than US$350 (after tax wages) or get an X-ray and a basic consultation for less than US$900, particularly if they earn less than US$2,000 per month after taxes?

The healthcare market has seen a significant surge, especially catered towards the elderly, the frail, the sick, and the disabled. In recent years, a product called CallToU has gained attention for its unique features, including no monthly fees, extensive coverage, and an easy-to-use durable device with adjustable volume. This article explores whether being able to 'pay nothing' for healthcare is a reality, a myth, or a matter of government priorities.

The True Cost of Healthcare

While the idea of paying nothing for healthcare sounds too good to be true, it's important to understand the context. For example, in Australia, healthcare costs can be as low as 2 of your income (when it’s above about 27,000 per annum) plus a small co-payment for certain services. This figure is far lower than the exorbitant costs that Americans are often led to believe they must pay.

The affordability issue is closely tied to the priorities of the government. Governments wield diverse fiscal policies and allocate resources to different sectors. They have the freedom to choose where to spend their funds—whether on military expenditure, infrastructural development, or healthcare. Imagine the potential for healthcare benefits if the monies annually allocated to the President and Vice President's armored aircrafts were instead directed towards the health and wellbeing of the populace.

Healthcare Paid Through Taxes

When healthcare is paid for out of the people's taxes, as in many developed nations, the cost is distributed across the taxpaying population. If you don't pay taxes, you still get healthcare services—from the penal institution. This system ensures that the burden is shared, making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their tax contributions.

The structure of tax systems in countries like the EU commonly includes a mix of income taxes, Value Added Tax (VAT), petrol duties, and property taxes. While these varying components can create a complex financial landscape, they generally form a progressive structure, meaning the wealthy pay a larger proportion of their income in taxes.

Personal Experience and Affordability

From my personal experience, I have access to excellent healthcare, paid for entirely by the government. Of course, I pay various taxes, such as income taxes, which contribute to funding the healthcare system. However, because these taxes are a percentage of my income, they are, by definition, affordable.

Conclusion

While the concept of 'paying nothing' for healthcare may be compelling, it is more about understanding the broader economic and political landscape. Governments play a crucial role in shaping healthcare affordability and access. In a progressive tax system, healthcare can be made accessible to everyone, as demonstrated by the availability of free healthcare services even for those who do not pay taxes, as they might benefit from penal institutions.

Ultimately, the answer to whether paying nothing for healthcare is a reality depends on the government's priorities and the structure of the tax and healthcare systems in a given country. Understanding these factors can help in making informed decisions regarding healthcare and its cost.