Should We Be Providing Socialized Healthcare To Veterans?

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have begun to reconsider their attitudes towards socialized healthcare in America. Even amongst those who remain opposed to a general single-payer system, there is still some appetite to do more for our troops. Introducing some degree of socialized care for veterans could make a significant difference to their long-term prospects and their ability to reintegrate into civilian life.

Royalty Free Photo

Given that we are now in an election year, there has really been a better time to give the issue some serious consideration. There is little doubt that we could be doing a lot more for our veterans, and the case for introducing some form of socialized healthcare is a strong one.

Current Options

As this article for the Coalition for American Veterans explains, veterans can already access government-funded healthcare. However, there is some controversy as to whether this healthcare goes nearly far enough.

Most other American citizens are treated by the private healthcare sector and there are only a few exceptions to this. The available specifically to veterans is a rare example of socialized medicine in the US, and while it is commendable, it falls far short of the standards set by other nations around the world. The limitations of the private healthcare system become apparent when it is required to provide for complex cases like veterans suffering from PTSD.

Private Sector Options

Providing veterans with the option of socialized healthcare is vital, but it is also important that they are allowed to access private healthcare options should they so desire. There are a number of benefits both to veterans and to healthcare facilities in enabling them to access a wider range of providers.

For example, allowing veterans to obtain healthcare outside of state-run facilities when they are able to afford to do so will alleviate some of the pressures on government-run facilities. Similarly, allowing veterans more choice in how they received the health care that they need to put them back in control of their lives.

A Worthwhile Investment

Providing a comprehensive national health care system is no doubt expensive, but it is a worthwhile undertaking for any nation. A properly functioning healthcare system ultimately pays for itself many times over. When large swaths of the population are not able to access proper health care services, the likelihood of them being off sick from work and unable to contribute to the economy increases.

Some veterans will be looking for mental and physical health care to enable them to adjust to a life of disability. However, others will be looking to get back into the workplace and, therefore, need the appropriate support. Investing properly in the healthcare available to veterans means that they can ultimately return to the workforce and become productive members of society again.

Given the sacrifices that veterans make and the risks that they face in keeping our country safe, ensuring that they have access to proper healthcare should be a top priority for us as a nation. Offering quality socialized healthcare to veterans is an essential part of achieving this goal.