Artiga and Ogera (2019) recently compiled data highlighting differences among various ethnic groups on factors related to health-care access.  These include uninsured rates, health screenings, obesity rates, infant-mortality rates and non-cost factors (education, transportation, lack of care providers).  Minorities represented by Blacks, Hispanics and American Indian/Alaska Natives had higher rates and in preventive screenings, lower rates.  According to Artiga and Ogera, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) narrowed the gap some but disparities continue to remain high.

The recent Corona Virus crisis further demonstrated that despite spending close to $4 Trillion, large segments of our population have limited or no access to health providers, hospitals and paying a high price in terms of both morbidity and mortality factors.  Canada and United Kingdom, have their citizens covered by a national health program, which admittedly is expensive, but so is ours.  Having coverage can lead to early detection and treatment.

In this discussion thread, compare and contrast the pros and cons of universal coverage a system that requires mandatory participation versus universal access voluntary system in which everyone can buy health insurance if they desire to do so.  As this discussion covers topics ranging from health, economics, politics as will as ethics, please be respectful of each other as you engage in your discussion.  Please make your points using reliable sources and avoid using extreme right wing leaning or left-wing leaning arguments and resources.