The myth about government health care

One common conservative talking point posits that a government-run health care system would lead to a rationing of care, as was suggested in an editorial in Investors Business Daily, which used world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking as “proof” of their point:

People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn’t have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.

The notion that an individual like Stephen Hawking would be deemed worthless under a British-style national health care system is laughable and completely false, but don’t just take my word for it – read what Stephen Hawking himself had to say about government-run health care:

“I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the NHS,” he said. “I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived.”

It’s worth noting individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis typically live 3-5 years after being diagnosed with the disease, and Stephen Hawking has lived 30+ years following his diagnosis, no doubt thanks to the quality health care he has received through the British National Health System.