Some people are not allowed to buy private insurance, even if they can afford it. This is because insurance companies can turn away people who have preexisting conditions that would make them expensive to insure. A universal system would guarantee that everyone could receive health care regardless of preexisting conditions. Consequently, more people would be able to seek preventative services, such as yearly checkups, to maintain good health and detect problems early. Even for insured people, copays and insurance premiums are too high to afford. Too frequently, people avoid taking preventative health measures until something is “really wrong.” By then, it is often too late.

Question

Briefly summarize the author’s main points for how a universal system would solve this problem.

Answer 1

The author argues that a universal health care system would ensure that everyone has access to health care, regardless of preexisting conditions, thereby preventing insurance companies from denying coverage based on health status. This system would encourage more individuals to seek preventative services, such as yearly checkups, allowing for early detection and maintenance of good health. Additionally, by eliminating high copays and insurance premiums, a universal system would alleviate financial barriers that often lead people to postpone necessary health measures until their conditions worsen.

Answer 2

Check any that you included in your response.

Everyone could get insurance.

Everyone could get preventative care.

People would not wait until it was “too late.”

Answer 3

I included the following points in my response:

• Everyone could get insurance.
• Everyone could get preventative care.
• People would not wait until it was “too late.”

All three points were effectively summarized in my previous response.

Answer 4

Explain how the editorial in favor of universal health care effectively uses argumentation and rhetorical appeals. Include the extent to which you think it relies on factual evidence over emotions.

Answer 5

The editorial in favor of universal health care effectively uses argumentation and rhetorical appeals by employing a logical structure that highlights the inherent flaws in the current health care system and contrasting them with the benefits of universal coverage. The appeal to logic (logos) is evident in the way it outlines the problems with private insurance, such as the denial of coverage for preexisting conditions and the financial barriers posed by high copays and premiums. By presenting these facts, the argument builds a rational case for why a universal health care system would lead to better health outcomes.

Additionally, the editorial incorporates emotional appeals (pathos) by highlighting the frustrating reality that many individuals avoid necessary medical care until their conditions worsen ("too late"). This evokes empathy from the reader, prompting them to consider the personal impact of the current system on people's lives and health.

While the editorial relies on both factual evidence and emotional appeals, it appears to strike a balance between the two. It presents concrete issues with the existing health care model, which is grounded in facts, while also engaging readers’ emotions by portraying the consequences of inaccessibility to care. This combination enhances its persuasiveness, as it appeals to both the rational mind and the emotional heart of the audience, ultimately fostering a compelling argument for the adoption of a universal health care system.