Essay Obamacare vs. Capitalism

Submitted By mfarris
Words: 795
Pages: 4

Marisa Farris
PLS 101-002 SP 13
Dr. Palacios

Capitalism vs. Obamacare

For those involved in politics, and those concerned for the future, Obamacare is an overwhelming subject for many. The issue is extremely controversial because of the effects it could have on the economy. Because this policy will be affecting millions of Americans, we the people should have the right to our opinions and votes. Especially businesses. There are two sides of this argument. Some argue that Obamacare is unconstitutional in that it is forcing Americans to obtain health insurance and raising the prices of premiums. Many of these people are business owners. Obamacare will require businesses with more than 50 employees to provide health insurance to their full-time workers who also work more than 30 hours (Kavoussi). Conservatives who are opposed to Obamacare are saying that the more government control means less capitalism, which is what our government is based on. Freedom is not longer a right.
One advocate against Obamacare is highly successful John Mackey, who is the CEO for Whole Foods. In 2009, Mackey compared Obamacare to fascism (Kavoussi). Because the majority of Whole Food’s shoppers are not opposed to Obamacare, shoppers boycotted the establishment (Kavoussi). Since then, Mackey has taken his statement back and has come out saying, “I regret using that word now because it's got so much baggage attached to it..” In a recent interview with “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren”, Mackey states that “ I believe in free enterprise capitalism, my problem with where healthcare is, is that it is very government controlled, and its becoming more government controlled, so it’s the opposite of free enterprise capitalism” (Mackey).
So what is the other side of this debate? For those who have healthcare coverage that is inadequate or none at all, Obamacare is the perfect solution. Insurance companies do not consider enough when determining costs. Obamacare will let Americans access their own healthcare and establish what they need. Preventive care was not a priority. Because of high prices for doctor visits, people are less likely diagnosed in advanced stages (Percin). With Obamacare, “Over 2.5 million seniors have saved an estimated $1.5 billion thanks to prescription drug discounts included in health care reform” (Kohn). On top of that, benefits for businesses include, allowing small businesses to claim tax deduction for providing health insurance to their employees (Kohn). Americans with pre-existing conditions that would be denied by their insurance companies, can now afford their medical bills. Obamacare is designed to help those that have been denied by their insurance companies. Women also favor Obamacare because it ensures that there are no out of pocket costs when receiving annual mammograms and other preventative health care. As for the deficit, quoting directly from obamacarefacts.com, “Obamacare doesn't increase the deficit, it is projected to cut the deficit by over Trillion dollars over the next two decades” (Obamacarefacts)
As an opinionated American myself, I am not sold on the concept of Obamacare. I feel that it makes more sense on paper that actually enacted. The issue of the deficit raising is a huge issue. With United States debt rising everyday, I don’t