Universal healthcare, although a norm in most other developed countries, has been a long debated topic in American politics and often demonized as a form of “socialism”.

Even among Democrats, the American “left”, it is a controversial topic. Largely due to American capitalism, we have been ingrained with a deep sense of individualism, and therefore have developed an “every man for himself” mentality that contradicts the universal healthcare ethos.

However, universal healthcare is not a radical idea, and economically, it makes a lot of sense to implant it in developed countries like America. It is something that all Americans stand to benefit from.

Firstly, universal healthcare improves life expectancy and overall health in a country. With our current system, not all citizens can afford to get the surgeries or medicine they need, or even something as mundane as a regular check-up or teeth cleaning. Even some people who have healthcare or can afford it don’t go to the doctors when they need to because of expensive copays or risks of increased insurance rates.

We should also acknowledge that almost all other developed nations have some form of public healthcare. According to US News, America is ranked 20 in overall quality of life with nations 1-19 on the same list all offering universal healthcare. Additionally, there is far less homelessness in countries with public healthcare, and general health and happiness are greatly improved by it.

Universal healthcare could also help to close the gap between rich and poor in America and thus strengthen the middle class, which is extremely beneficial to the economy. Freeing Americans from healthcare spending means people have more money for other goods and services. A strong middle class that keeps the economy stimulated inhibits recessions.

I believe that the greatest form of patriotism is putting the good of your country before yourself. Everyone in America stands to benefit from universal healthcare; it will lead to better health and happiness and could even encourage new developments in medicine and increased budgets for hospitals.

Plenty of nations view universal healthcare for what it is: a necessity on par with other government services such as the military or highway system or public education or legal system or utilities. Yet according to the Commonwealth Fund (with research from the World Health Organization) of the world’s 11 wealthiest nations, America has the most expensive healthcare—and worst performance compared to spending.

Americans shouldn’t be swayed by buzzwords like “socialism” and should instead think of things logically. It is in every hardworking American’s best interest to implement universal healthcare. It will lead to a stronger middle class, healthier citizens, and will improve overall quality of life in America. Our health depends on it.