Pathways to Implementing Universal Health Care: The Democratic Approach

The implementation of universal health care is a complex and multifaceted challenge for the Democratic party. While there is little appetite for bipartisan cooperation on this issue in the near future, the Democrats have several strategic avenues to explore. This article will explore these pathways and discuss the necessary steps for the Democratic party to successfully implement universal health care.

Prerequisites for Implementation

The first and foremost prerequisite for the Democrats to implement universal health care is electoral victory. Currently, the Democrats do not control any branch of the federal government and only hold power in a few states. This short-sighted prediction that demographically they would make Republicans irrelevant on a national level has not materialized. Instead, the Democrats are more limited by demographic shifts and a shift in their core constituency.

Secondly, the Democrats must come to an agreement to embrace universal health care. While some Democrats are for it, it is not universally embraced by the party. Reflecting back, then-President Obama hoped to achieve universal coverage but was unable to do so without the support of Republicans. Therefore, it is crucial for the Democrats to unify behind this issue.

The third and interconnected prerequisite is to sell universal health care to the American public. Politicians tend to believe what their electorate believes, as evidenced by the shift in opinions on gay marriage. Hence, it is essential for the Democrats to demonstrate the benefits of universal health care and win the support of the American people.

Strategic Pathways for Implementation

Given these prerequisites, there are a few strategic pathways for the Democrats to pursue in implementing universal health care.

Local Implementation: State Options and Single-Payer Plans

One pathway is to think locally, by implementing universal health care in their own states. There are proposals to make Obamacare a state option or a state single-payer plan. However, states like Colorado demonstrate that this can be challenging to sell due to public opposition.

Anathema to many Democrats, engaging with Trump may be a viable strategy. Trump has made universal healthcare and massive infrastructure spending a priority, which aligns with the Democrats' interests. Engaging with Trump in this manner can help achieve universal catastrophic coverage and preventive care, which can serve as a foundation for further expansion.

Whole Country Engagement: Economic and Social Justice

Another pathway is to engage with the entire country. Democrats have largely written off large swaths of the country and key constituents. Focusing on issues like the economy, jobs, and health care can help build a national coalition. Divisive social issues should be tackled on a national level rather than on a wedge issue basis.

Focusing on the economy, jobs, and health care can provide a stronger path to social justice. Democrats must also recognize that they need to engage more with the working class, particularly in the South and Midwest. The South and Midwest are not worth their effort, as evidenced by the electoral map overlayed with an economic map. Democrats have passed over huge swaths of struggling Americans, leading to an uneven economic landscape nationwide.

Conclusion

The Democrats need to take a holistic and strategic approach to implementing universal health care. By focusing on local implementation, engaging with the entire country, and emphasizing economic and social justice, the Democrats can move closer to achieving their goal. It is crucial for the Democrats to embrace universal health care and sell the idea to the American public, as this will be key to success.