The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized in several international treaties and declarations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Access to healthcare remains a significant issue for many people worldwide, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured. Denying access to healthcare coverage can have serious consequences on an individual's physical and mental wellbeing, and it can also violate their basic human rights. This article will explore how denial of healthcare coverage can be considered a violation of human rights and what steps can be taken to ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical care.
What Is Healthcare Coverage?
Healthcare coverage refers to the financial protection that individuals receive from insurance providers to cover medical expenses. It can include private insurance plans offered by employers or purchased individually through the marketplace, public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare, or government-sponsored programs like veterans' benefits or military insurance. In general, healthcare coverage provides financial assistance for preventive care, diagnostic services, treatment, prescription drugs, and emergency care, among other medical services.
Why Healthcare Coverage Is Important
Having access to healthcare coverage is essential because it ensures that individuals have the means to obtain the medical attention they need when illness strikes. Without coverage, people may delay seeking medical help until they require more urgent interventions, which can lead to worsening conditions and higher costs.
Without coverage, individuals may face barriers to receiving routine checkups, vaccinations, prenatal care, or dental care, leading to more severe complications down the road. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, individuals who lack health insurance are less likely to receive regular preventative care than those with insurance, and this can result in poorer overall health outcomes over time.
Having healthcare coverage allows individuals to maintain their dignity and independence, allowing them to live full lives without worrying about financial burdens associated with medical bills.
Individuals living with chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes require ongoing monitoring and treatments that can be costly without insurance coverage.
How Denial Of Healthcare Coverage Violates Human Rights
Denying an individual access to healthcare coverage can violate their human rights in several ways:
1. Denial of Equality - All humans have equal access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
Denying someone healthcare coverage based on factors like income level or employment status goes against this principle.
2. Denial of Life - Everyone has a right to life and wellbeing. By not providing individuals with the means to access necessary medical services, they may be denied proper treatment for illnesses or injuries, resulting in premature death.
3. Denial of Liberty - When people cannot afford to pay for medical expenses, they become prisoners of their circumstances and may be forced to choose between essential needs like housing or food versus critical medical care.
4. Denial of Dignity - Without adequate medical care, individuals may suffer from painful conditions, leading to social isolation and feelings of shame or embarrassment. This can further diminish their quality of life and restrict their ability to participate fully in society.
5. Denial of Security of Person - Medical interventions are often required during emergencies; however, if an individual lacks healthcare coverage, they may delay seeking help until it is too late, endangering their safety and security.
Solutions To Ensure Access To Healthcare Coverage
Governments worldwide must take steps to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare coverage by implementing policies that provide universal access to care. Here are some potential solutions:
- Expand public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare to cover more individuals.
- Implement single-payer systems where governments pay for all healthcare costs directly.
- Encourage private insurers to offer affordable plans that cover preventive care and routine checkups.
- Provide tax credits or subsidies to low-income individuals who purchase private insurance.
- Educate the public on the importance of having health insurance to maintain good physical and mental health.
Denying someone access to healthcare coverage can have serious consequences for both their physical and mental wellbeing and violates several fundamental human rights principles. By taking steps to expand coverage and educate the public on its importance, we can create a healthier and more equitable society for all.
How does denial of healthcare coverage violate human rights?
Healthcare coverage is an essential aspect of human life that should not be denied under any circumstances. It can only lead to various negative consequences such as poor health outcomes, financial instability, and social exclusion. Therefore, denying access to quality and affordable healthcare violates the fundamental right to health recognized by international conventions and treaties.