A progressively funded healthcare system could improve health equity and outcomes, lower overall healthcare costs, and produce a more productive workforce and stronger economy. TAI’s mission is to help make this goal a reality.

High costs and limited access disproportionately affect low-income families, minorities, and rural communities. However, this isn't just their struggle; it impacts nearly all of us. Our 2022 survey found that two-thirds of insured Kentucky respondents had to go without medical care or medications because of cost. The 2024 survey is now in progress.

TAI is working to create demand for change so that healthcare decisions are based on need and in collaboration between patients and their providers.

You often hear that universal healthcare is socialized medicine... but it’s not. It’s a public service that would provide coverage to all, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, employment, or other arbitrary demographic factors. Along with 75% of Kentuckians surveyed, we believe in the fundamental right to health care for everyone. So, how did the quest for universal healthcare become thought of as socialized medicine?

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman wanted to create a National Health Act to give health insurance to all Americans, like in some European countries. But Congress didn’t agree. This plan was similar to today’s Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Doctors and the American Medical Association (AMA) opposed it because it would limit how much doctors could charge. The AMA started a campaign to make people afraid of the idea, calling it “socialized medicine” to make it sound like communism.Their ads and articles in newspapers scared people, and the plan failed.

Today, the term “socialized medicine” is still used to make people dislike the idea of universal healthcare. But many rich countries, such as the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan provide health care for everyone, and they have better health outcomes and more doctors per person than the U.S. Some say the UK has true socialized medicine because the government owns hospitals and employs doctors. Other countries use private insurance and independent doctors.

Socialized medicine isn’t the same as socialism or communism. The U.S. already has public services like schools, parks, and libraries, which doesn’t make it a socialist country. For many years, people have been convinced that health care coverage should come from employers. But imagine if schools or parks were only available through jobs – many people would miss out on activities that add value to quality of life. In a way, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) already provides a form of socialized medicine where veterans get free healthcare from government-employed doctors.

So, don’t be scared by the term “socialized medicine.” More coverage for more people means a healthier USA.

How much do you really know about your health care coverage? Test your knowledge by taking one of our interactive quizzes.

Get the most out of your coverage. Check out our online toolkit that helps you understand healthcare costs, why health care coverage is so important, and how you can save money on your medical expenses.

Save the Date

Mark your calendar for Give for Good Louisville, happening Thursday, September 12th. TAI is thrilled to be taking part for a second year.

Give for Good Louisville is the biggest day of local giving. Last year, nearly $10 million was raised to help nonprofits across Metro Louisville.

We are grateful for the TAI supporters who generously donated more than $5,000 to advance our mission of transforming healthcare coverage financing in the U.S. so that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare from birth until death, and we hope you will join us on September 12th.

The Asclepius Initiative is also part of Kroger’s Community Rewards program. Select TAI as the charity of choice and a portion of the receipt will be donated to TAI each time the Kroger Plus Card is used. Signing up is quick and only has to be done once.

1. Go to KrogerCommunityRewards.com

2. Sign into using current login information or the number on the back of the card

3. Select TAI as the organization: search for us by name or by using our code, DG163

Help us continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date health care coverage information.