CMST&220 Persuasive Speech

Summary

The speaker advocates for the reformation of the US healthcare system, highlighting its ranking of 29th in life expectancy and the high costs of medical treatment. They compare capitalist and socialist healthcare, pointing out the US's lack of universal healthcare and the issue of price gouging on medications. The script suggests contacting local government, voting for healthcare reform advocates, and voicing complaints to healthcare providers as ways to enact change, aiming for a more affordable and accessible healthcare future.

Takeaways

• 📊 The United States ranks 29th in life expectancy among other countries.
• 🏥 The speaker advocates for the reformation of the US healthcare system, viewing healthcare as a human right.
• 💸 The US healthcare system is criticized for its high costs and price gouging, which can lead to financial hardship for patients.
• 🌐 Capitalist healthcare systems have shorter ER wait times but are less affordable without insurance.
• 💼 The US healthcare spending reached 4.5 trillion in 2022, averaging about $3,493 per person, which is significantly higher than other wealthy countries.
• 💊 The lack of a cap on prescription drug costs in the US leads to Americans spending 50% more on medications compared to other countries.
• 🏛️ The US is the only industrialized country without a universal Single Payer healthcare system, which affects healthcare affordability.
• 🏢 Hospitals and private companies in the US are accused of price gouging on medications, impacting those who need life-saving drugs.
• 🌎 Socialist healthcare systems provide free healthcare, reducing financial burdens for illnesses and injuries, but may have longer wait times.
• 🗳️ The speaker suggests contacting local government offices, voting for healthcare reform advocates, and voicing concerns to healthcare providers as ways to effect change.

Q & A

What is the speaker's position on the US healthcare system?

The speaker is in favor of reforming the US healthcare system.

What is the United States' ranking in life expectancy compared to other countries?

The United States is ranked 29th in life expectancy when compared to other countries.

What course inspired the speaker to discuss healthcare?

The speaker was inspired by a college course called 'Social Problems and Diversity'.

What is the issue with the cost of medical bills in the US according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that medical bills in the US are expensive and can lead to crippling debt.

What is the average healthcare spending per person in the US according to the script?

The average healthcare spending per person in the US is about $3,493.

How does the speaker describe capitalist healthcare?

Capitalist healthcare is described as having less wait times in ER visits due to fewer people being able to afford them, and it is also one of the best healthcare systems in the world due to resources and money from price gouging.

What are the downsides of capitalist healthcare as mentioned in the script?

The downsides include it not being affordable without insurance, and many people cannot afford insurance, especially in the current economy.

What is the main advantage of socialist healthcare as per the script?

The main advantage is that it is free, which means injuries and illnesses do not become a complete financial burden.

What is one of the challenges faced by socialist healthcare systems?

One challenge is longer wait times in ERs due to higher numbers of people using the service.

Why are medications expensive in the US according to the script?

Medications are expensive in the US because there is no cap on the cost of prescription drugs, and Americans spend 50% more on them compared to people in other countries.

What can individuals do to contribute to systemic change in the US healthcare system?

Individuals can contact their local government offices with concerns, vote for representatives who support better healthcare, and voice complaints to hospitals and medication companies about pricing.