The 4th of July is an American staple. It’s all about festivities and fireworks, but beyond the spectacle is the reason for the season – freedom! This day of commemoration is a celebration of the birth of America’s independence and the many freedoms we still enjoy today, such as the ones that helped to shape our healthcare system. The world of democracy and healthcare are ever changing, but forever entwined are the ideals of liberty and access to the ideals of healthcare and liberty for all.
The American Revolution itself was fueled by a desire for autonomy, a rejection of external control. When our nation was founded, there was little understanding of illness and disease, and treatment options were limited. There was no, “health insurance” and access to care was determined by one’s ability to pay. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), it was in the 1930’s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he appointed the Committee on Economic Security to address national health reform. In 1935 the Social Security Act Passes , which included grants for Maternal and Child Health, and we soon saw the emergence of Blue Shield plans, which covered physician services. It was during World War II when wage and price controls were implemented, and employers began offering health benefits to attract and retain workers, leading to the rise of employer-sponsored health insurance. The IRS ruled that the cost of employee healthcare insurance was a tax-deductible business expense. Then in 1965 came the landmark Medicare and Medicaid programs, providing health coverage for the elderly and low-income individuals, which you are hearing about in the news today.
While healthcare is now also widely available around the world, many other developed countries moved forward with universal healthcare systems, The U.S. has historically favored a market-based approach, emphasizing individual choice and responsibility. This in some ways is a direct reflection of our freedoms, we have many options and choices in our own healthcare. From choosing your own insurance companies, plans, physicians, what offices you may, or may not want to visit, Americans have a greater degree of liberty in making their own choices for care than many others around the world.
Healthcare Trivia:
- Did you know that the American Medical Association (AMA) was founded in 1847, partly to standardize medical education and practice? This was a step towards improving the quality of care, but also a reflection of the growing professionalization of medicine in the U.S.
- The first hospital in the United States was established in Philadelphia in 1751. This marked the beginning of institutionalized healthcare in the colonies.
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, aimed to expand health insurance coverage and address some of the inequities in the American healthcare system. This landmark legislation continues to shape the healthcare landscape.
The 4th of July is a celebration of freedom, and it’s a good time to reflect on how that freedom has shaped our healthcare system. Here in the NEK we can celebrate with extra excitement because we live in an area that is saturated with care from primary care options, inpatient treatment, walk-in clinics, emergency care, cardiology care, obstetrics and gynecology care, physical/occupational and speech therapies, sleep medicine, dialysis services, access to surgical procedures, dental care, eye care and so many other healthcare opportunities that many others do not have readily available in their area. While the American system has its challenges, it also offers unique opportunities for individual choice and revolution. By understanding the history and complexities of American healthcare, we can better appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and work towards a healthier future for all. Here in the NEK, one of the best ways to celebrate our healthcare is to also value our own health and healthcare opportunities! Take care of our bodies, celebrate the wins of access to care and the many people in our area who dedicate their lives to caring for others. This year when the parade passes by and the gatherings start, remember to celebrate all the wins! Let’s celebrate our freedom, fireworks and healthcare!