Universal Coverage

Imagine living in a place where everyone, no matter their job, income, or background, could see a doctor or go to the hospital without worrying about going broke or giving up food for medicine. That’s the basic idea of universal health care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it simply: people should get the health services they need – such as check-ups, tests, and treatment– without facing financial hardship. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international group of countries that analyzes and reports on public policies, explains it as making sure all people can access quality care, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Universal health care usually addresses three key questions:

  1. Who is covered? Ideally, everyone in the population.
  2. What services are included? From preventive care to treatment and rehabilitation.
  3. How much does it cost people directly? In a strong system, very little at the point of care.

Why It Matters

According to the WHO, being healthy physically, mentally, and socially is a basic human right. Health care is more than just treating illness. It involves supports to help people lead their healthiest lives. Universal health care matters because it makes sure everyone can get the care they need, whether it’s a well-woman visit, treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes, or help with depression and anxiety,  without worrying about the cost.

Universal coverage programs make it easier to catch problems early, lower stress about medical bills, and keep communities healthier overall. When everyone has coverage, people are more likely to visit the doctor when needed, stay healthier for longer, participate in the workforce, and feel more secure. Universal health care also makes the system fairer: it doesn’t matter how much money someone earns, where they live, or what job they have. It means everyone can get the care they need,  when they need it.

What Can We Learn From Other Countries

Every few years, The Commonwealth Fund compares health systems among wealthy countries. Their 2024 Mirror, Mirror report found persistently unfavorable differences between the U.S. and its peers:

  • Even though the U.S. spends far more per person on health care than any other country, it ranked last overall. People in the U.S. live shorter lives and have more treatable and preventable deaths.
  • In other countries, more people see a doctor for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care. Some of the reasons why:
    • In the U.K., the National Health Service provides care that is free at the point of service.
    • In the Netherlands, everyone is covered, and basic services like primary and maternity care are guaranteed.
    • In Germany, families pay only small copayments, and costs are capped based on income.

Countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia achieve better health outcomes for their citizens. They also make sure health care is easy to get and fair. Everyone has coverage, so people can see a doctor, get medicine, or go to the hospital without worrying about the cost. Rather than making it harder to get care, universal access improves access and outcomes. Meanwhile, the U.S. system, with its patchwork of incomplete and inadequate coverage, has the lowest life expectancy, the greatest burden of chronic disease, and the highest maternal and infant mortality rates of its peers.

With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” an estimated 16 million Americans are going to lose their health care coverage.  This could not happen if we had the security of universal coverage.

Did You Know?

  • In 2023, the United States spent $14,570 per person on health care, accounting for 17.6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That’s more than any other wealthy country, yet the U.S. ranks last in overall performance among peer nations.
  • In contrast, countries like the U.K. and the Netherlands spend much less but consistently deliver better access, equity, and health outcomes.

Universal health care isn’t defined by one single model or system. It’s about making sure everyone can count on having access to affordable health care when they need it, without fear of losing coverage or going into debt. It reduces barriers to care. Countries that have committed to this idea show us that not only is it possible, but it costs less than the system we have now.

Learn More and Get Involved

At The Asclepius Initiative, we’re working to make this vision a reality here in Kentucky and across the country. To learn more, visit our blog for stories and resources about health care coverage. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our Get Involved page to see how you can join us in building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Further Reading and Resources