Health care for all

You know that health fee you pay for every time you enroll each semester at Rio Hondo College? Well, that goes to the Student Health Center and for your Student Health Insurance.

After you pay your health fee, you can get free access to most of the services offered in the Student Health Services Center. You can come in anytime during the office hours and make appointments with the nurses or the doctor. They also have psychologists, psychology interns, and other health staff that are trained to assist students with their health problems. You can also do walk-ins as well, but you may have to wait awhile.

Your wait time depends on how busy they are and how many people are in front of you. I walked in for a swollen finger, no appointment necessary. After waiting patiently, I finally saw the doctor and the nurse. They were very professional and my finger got treated. I can say despite the wait, it was a comfortable experience.

I wondered how many students took advantage of what the Student Health Center has to offer. I also came to realize that every student pays the same health fees, meaning all are able to receive health care regardless, so every student at Rio Hondo College has access to the same health care services, provided they pay the flat fees.

Why isn't it like this outside of school, like say in a real hospital? Oh, I know why. The health care in this country is severely screwed up. America seriously needs health care reform.

The good news regarding this issue is that President Obama has made health care reform one of his top priorities. Health care reform has been an arch nemesis for many American presidents, such was the case when President Clinton tried to reform health care, industry leaders fought back, eliminating it before it even when to the White House.

Fast forward to today, many people in the health industry are looking forward to discussions about health care reform with President Obama and his administration. There's debate on whether there should be a government mandated health care system which President Obama is open to.

This issue about health care reform got me thinking, why don't we have universal health care? Apparently, The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system.

28 other countries have this kind of health care system and they are living longer than we are. I guess the corporations can buy the politicians and control the media by telling the American people that the private medical care sector is the best option. But I won't go down that path. I'm going to take the higher road and say that medical care should be a right or an entitlement from the government.

The reason is because it's morally right and there are many supporters who believe this way, but of course, there are critics that say otherwise.

Opponents for universal health care say that it would result in increased wait times, having less competition on the free market, evidence such as controlling costs and other nations using a universal health system ranking higher than the U.S. in health care is false because the data is biased and inconclusive.

They say it will also raise taxes but I think the corporations don't want to lose any money. Universal health care will save a lot of paperwork and money in the long run. Plus you'll still have the option of having private health insurance if you like. From studies and polls show most Americans want a universal health care system and I think it's time we had one.