5 Ways Medicare for All will Improve Children's Lives
America's kids deserve to be healthy.
(Pxhere)

Should the United States adopt a universal healthcare system? While the debate can get heated, it's difficult to argue that a single-payer system wouldn't save countless lives and would be a huge help to families all over the country.

Medicare for All would be administered at the federal level. It would be comprehensive, free at the point of service, and cover every US resident. The transition to a single-payer system would also include help for current industry employees. This way, those working in the current system won't have to worry about their jobs.

Medicare for All is especially important if we want to improve children’s lives. Here’s why:

Children will be covered before they’re even born

Prenatal care is extremely important to pregnancy. Screenings and check-ups can help to care for an unborn baby. Single-payer healthcare would allow expectant mothers to access these services and they'd be able to do so without worrying about whether or not they’re worth the cost. This would ensure that any issues during pregnancy could be taken care of so babies' good health is ensured from before day one.

Children will be given a better start in life

Even just giving birth can cost thousands of dollars. Less debt will mean more money for parents to spend on necessities. Medicare for All would start children out with the care they deserve taken care of, financially.

A single-payer system will help to prevent health problems

Many US parents have to think about money even when faced with life-or-death situations, such as a decision whether or not to take an ambulance in an emergency, as doing so could put them into debt. Even a simple hospital visit could set parents back a serious amount of money.

Under Medicare for All, kids will be able to be checked out by a doctor before a situation worsens. This will prevent unnecessary complications – or even death.

Disparities in healthcare will be reduced

It’s well-documented that people of color suffer the most under the current healthcare system. Disparities in healthcare are worsened further by the difficulties involved in obtaining insurance.

Infant mortality rate is an especially large problem among racial minorities. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016 found that infant mortality rates were higher amongst minority infants when compared to non-minority infants. Statistics also show that the infant mortality rate is rising. There’s no easy solution, but fair coverage will certainly help the problem.

Under a single-payer system, the infant mortality rate ought to drop. Parents will be able to take their children to any specialists they need to see. Their children will receive equal care throughout their childhoods. This will have an impact on their opportunities in life.

Everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race, status, or background. Unfortunately, this just doesn’t always happen. Medicare for All is a step towards making this a reality. Low-income families will be able to thrive, as will minority families.

There’ll be less pressure on families

Raising children is stressful at the best of times. Unfortunately, it’s bound to be even more stressful with the added problem of debt. Families often spend far more than they can afford for their children’s healthcare needs. Healthcare troubles can also cause a strain on relationships and families. Under a single-payer system, this strain would be lessened. Single parents would also have fewer problems being solo providers. They would no longer have the burden of having to pay for their children's healthcare alone.

Single-payer healthcare would encourage families to stay healthy together. It would give them the option for regular check-ups. Communities and families will be able to thrive when they have access to free healthcare.

Harper Reid is a freelance writer that has penned various articles for blogs and business sites such as Tax Management NZ. When she’s not writing, Harper loves to keep up to date with world news and current events. Visit her personal blog to see more of her work.