Now is the time for universal healthcare.

During a recent speech at the University of New England, Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized that the United States has the most expensive health care system in the world, but does not have the best outcomes. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the social and economic costs of not providing care and recognizing our responsibility to address the basic health care needs of all individuals.

The consequences of not providing care are immeasurable. Quality prenatal and postnatal care have been proven to reduce child abuse, increase vaccination rates, and ensure that children reach their developmental milestones. Access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for parents is crucial for the overall health of the family. The negative effects of substance abuse or chronic homelessness can often be attributed to a lack of access to treatment.

Universal access to primary care would lower long-term costs by preventing conditions like prediabetes from progressing to diabetes, controlling blood pressure before a stroke occurs, or managing kidney disease in its early stages. Preventative care and early treatment are much more cost-effective than dealing with a full-blown medical crisis.

Research conducted at Yale indicates that a universal health care plan like Senator Sanders’ Medicare for All could reduce national health care expenditures by 13.1%, or $458 billion annually, compared to the current system. These savings do not even account for the social costs of not providing care, as outlined in the speech. Universal health care is a feasible option and should be implemented now.

Susan Henderson, a registered nurse from South Portland, delivered this powerful message urging the importance of universal health care.