For Profit Healthcare Is Immoral

Nina Turner reflects on the outpouring of anger at our for-profit health system in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing — and her concern that without radical change to our political system, political violence will continue to escalate.

By Nina Turner, Jacobin

Democracy exists to give every citizen a voice; the alternative is a consolidation of power to a handful of ultrawealthy and well-connected people. Healthy democracies, combined with conscious-minded, empathetic citizens, actively prevent oppression and political violence. That is their primary function.

Since the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the subsequent response from the American public, I have done some reflecting on the state of our country. As a humanitarian and Christian, I cannot and will not condone or encourage taking a life. This is reflected in my staunch opposition to the death penalty, even for people convicted with 100 percent certainty of the most heinous offenses. It is why I have spoken up and will continue to speak up for those in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and anywhere else injustice is happening. These values are also why I have fought tirelessly for many policies, including single-payer health care.

Columbia, South Carolina USA - October 20, 2018: Nina Turner speaks to S.C. progressives during an open to the public health care rally organized by political organization

Over the past few days, like many Americans, I have read many stories from working-class Americans about their experiences with our for-profit health care system. This is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue; it is a “do you have the money to afford getting sick or hurt” issue. In other words, it is about class.

Currently, 60 percent of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck, which means they cannot afford unexpected expenses and continue to pay their bills. The number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States is medical debt. As a single-payer advocate, I have long made the point that for-profit health care is immoral. Someone who is diabetic and needs insulin to live cannot go without it — it is either pay an outrageous amount for your insulin or die.

A Gallup poll recently showed that 62 percent of Americans believe the federal government is responsible for ensuring health care for Americans. Despite this public opinion, anytime those of us who advocate for single-payer health care speak up, we are called “radical” or “far-left” by the political establishment of both parties and even by some in the media.