Debate Topic
Negative
My partner and I negate the resolution: “Resolved: The U.S. government should not require its citizens to have health insurance.”
Before we begin, we would like to make the following observation:
The government’s intention in implementing this requirement would be to benefit the citizenry and the nation as a whole. Con may win the round if it can prove that a mandate would benefit citizens as a whole.
1st Contention: The Affordable Care Act Benefits the Private Sector
Sub Point A: Increased Productivity
Countries that have implemented Universal Health Coverage usually enjoy an increase in productivity and an overall boost to GDP because there is a healthier work force and longer life expectancy. A study carried out by the consultancy firm KPMG looks at the effects of universal health insurance on the economy of South Africa. This study showed a 4% per capita GDP increase in one year. International studies in other nations showed an increase in productivity from 25 to 40% [1]. A study conducted by the Leigh Bureau estimated that the average minimum wage worker will work seven more hours per year due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act [2].
Sub Point B: Small Business Tax Credits
Under Obamacare, small businesses that provide their employees with health insurance are eligible for tax credits. An estimated 96% of small businesses will enjoy these tax credits [3]. According to Forbes.com, “By providing healthcare to employees, there are between 1.4 and 4 million businesses with fewer than25 employees and average salaries of $50,000 or less that are already eligible for tax credits of up to 35 percent. After January 1, 2014, the credit increases to 50 percent and will be available for any two consecutive years.”[4] These tax credits will offset the costs of providing employees with insurance which is a problem that small businesses have always dealt with.
2nd Contention Employment Related Benefits
The Affordable Care Act has four major
My partner and I negate the resolution: “Resolved: The U.S. government should not require its citizens to have health insurance.”
Before we begin, we would like to make the following observation:
The government’s intention in implementing this requirement would be to benefit the citizenry and the nation as a whole. Con may win the round if it can prove that a mandate would benefit citizens as a whole.
1st Contention: The Affordable Care Act Benefits the Private Sector
Sub Point A: Increased Productivity
Countries that have implemented Universal Health Coverage usually enjoy an increase in productivity and an overall boost to GDP because there is a healthier work force and longer life expectancy. A study carried out by the consultancy firm KPMG looks at the effects of universal health insurance on the economy of South Africa. This study showed a 4% per capita GDP increase in one year. International studies in other nations showed an increase in productivity from 25 to 40% [1]. A study conducted by the Leigh Bureau estimated that the average minimum wage worker will work seven more hours per year due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act [2].
Sub Point B: Small Business Tax Credits
Under Obamacare, small businesses that provide their employees with health insurance are eligible for tax credits. An estimated 96% of small businesses will enjoy these tax credits [3]. According to Forbes.com, “By providing healthcare to employees, there are between 1.4 and 4 million businesses with fewer than25 employees and average salaries of $50,000 or less that are already eligible for tax credits of up to 35 percent. After January 1, 2014, the credit increases to 50 percent and will be available for any two consecutive years.”[4] These tax credits will offset the costs of providing employees with insurance which is a problem that small businesses have always dealt with.
2nd Contention Employment Related Benefits
The Affordable Care Act has four major