U.S. Health Care Reform Response

Although I have not been following the health policy debate that closely, I still believe that identity plays a big role in how these discussions are framed. Since the central issue is how the government is going to dispense healthcare to Americans, this debate probably revolves around different identities because of the different ways this legislation would impact specific identity groups in America.

Health-care costs are a more serious concern for the elderly then for young students (who worry more about the costs of education) and so they might be more vocal on their views about this policy change. Although it is true that any changes in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will affect young people when they grow older, the effects of the legislation would be felt immediately by older Americans. Older Americans also do not have the option of adapting their incomes, ways of life, etc. in response to the legislation like younger Americans can, which is another reason why they will try to influence the debate more.

The Health-care debate is also probably affected by the disparity of wealth in this country. For example, those that have significant sources of income or money are not going to be worried about government insurance programs because they can afford their own private insurance. For poorer Americans living pay check to pay check this might not be the case, which probably gives them more of impetus to speak out on these issues. Since wealth in this country can also be traced along ethnic or racial lines, the health care debate can also be seen as affecting these areas of identity. Since a higher proportion of African-Americans live below the poverty line in the United States, this health care debate will most likely affect them more and so they might lobby their congressmen to support their views. On the other hand, Asian-Americans, who make (on average) some of the highest incomes in America, might be more apathetic towards this legislation because of their financial security.