As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.
This well known Christian hymn began as a poem written in 1891 by Carl Gustaf Boberg, a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament. From its original Swedish, it was subsequently translated into German, Russian and English.
Many famous singers have recorded it including Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Susan Boyle, Elvis Presley, Wynonna Judd, Dolly Parton, Yolanda Adams and Chris Jasper.
Weekend Words is a regular feature of watercress words. At the end of the work week we pause exploring strictly medical topics to consider words of faith, hope and love from the Bible and other carefully selected writings and other media.
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
The post emphasizes the U.S. healthcare system’s strengths, highlighting the significant role of government funding, accounting for 40% of healthcare expenses. It discusses major programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which together cover 30% of Americans. I suggest appreciation for healthcare workers and accountability from elected officials in promoting public welfare.
updated November 1, 2026
I believe we have one of the best healthcare systems in the world because of the people who work in healthcare, the people who devote years to education and training and work tirelessly 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to keep us well. Their commitment, compassion, dedication and competence benefits all of us and deserves our gratitude.
Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York harbor
Even though the United States does not officially have “socialized” health care, a large proportion of our medical care is funded by the federal government. Even though I know that, I was still surprised by statistics in a recent article, which stated that the federal government accounts for
40% of healthcare spending
$1.3 trillion /year
Covering 100 million individuals
Through 4 federal agencies
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Defense
Veterans Administration
Department of Homeland Security
(JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), June 21, 2016)
The United States Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 to guarantee basic health insurance to all citizens. People who oppose the ACA ,aka Obama Care, dislike or even fear government involvement in medical care; they consider it interference, control, or even nationalization of the United States healthcare system.
I think many people, even physicians, don’t realize or forget, how involved the government already is in healthcare. As far back as the American Revolution the fledgling government extended health care benefits to the soldiers and veterans of that war; that system evolved into the current military health care system which covers service members and the Veterans’ Administration system for veterans.
a Veterans Administration clinic (photo by blogger)
American soldiers serving in Afghanistan
This year marked the 50th anniversary of two other government healthcare programs- Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid provides insurance coverage for adults and children who are unemployed or low income.
Medicare covers disabled children and adults and persons 65 years and older.
The numbers are rather staggering.
Together these programs cover at least 30% of Americans.
Together they comprise 25% of all federal spending.
Together they pay 40% of total U.S. health care spending.
Disabled children and adults may qualify for Medicare.
Children may be eligible for Medicaid if their families cannot obtain health insurance for them.
You may not be eligible for either of these programs now, but chances are eventually you or someone close to you will.
Anyone can become disabled from a serious illness or freak accident.
You or your spouse may lose your job and your employer sponsored health insurance.
Your child may have a disability that will prevent them from working when they grow up.
We may all live long enough to qualify for Medicare on the basis of age alone. Your parents or grandparents are near or already at Medicare age.
Senior adults age 65 and older use Medicare.
It’s important to understand how Medicare works, since it’s not automatic; even if you qualify, you need to sign up to be covered (with a few exceptions). The rules are summarized here. Or consider an easy to understand book here.
Agencies that regulate, monitor, and support both public and private healthcare
EMTALA requires all hospitals to offer emergency treatment to any patient who arrives, regardless of ability to pay for that care
In the Declaration of Independence, the founders of the United States created a nation based on the “self-evident truths” of “Life ,Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” as well as to promote “Safety and Happiness”.
In the Constitution, they vowed to “promote the general Welfare”.
It’s up to us to make sure our elected officials live up to that promise.
Exploring the HEART of Health
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