From Exploitation to Liberation: Why Private Health Insurance Must Fall
The capitalist system thrives on exploitation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of private health insurance. For decades, this system has drained the life and resources of the working class, funneling them into the coffers of the bourgeois elite. As a Marxist, I reject the legitimacy of private health insurance. It is a parasitic institution that must be destroyed to pave the way for a just and equitable healthcare system.
The Injustice of Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is not designed to heal—it is designed to profit. Under this system, health becomes a commodity, and life itself is reduced to a balance sheet. Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of the people they claim to serve. They deny coverage, impose exorbitant premiums, and force workers to bear the brunt of medical expenses, all while raking in billions in profits.
This injustice disproportionately impacts the working class, who cannot afford the premiums, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses required to access quality care. Meanwhile, the wealthy elite, shielded by their privilege, enjoy the best healthcare money can buy. This two-tiered system is a glaring example of the inequalities perpetuated by capitalism.
The Revolutionary Catalyst: The Case of Luigi Mangione
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by my comrade Luigi Mangione was not an act of random violence—it was an act of resistance. Mangione, a dedicated Marxist, understood that the fight against capitalism requires bold action. His act was a direct challenge to the oppressive system of private health insurance and a call to arms for the working class.
On social media, Marxists and revolutionaries worldwide rallied in support of Mangione. His actions were celebrated as a necessary step toward dismantling a system that profits from suffering. Critics labeled this support as extremist, but I ask: who are the real extremists? Those who celebrate resistance, or those who exploit human suffering for financial gain?
Marx and Lenin’s Teachings on the Healthcare Struggle
Karl Marx taught us that the institutions of capitalism must be dismantled for the proletariat to achieve liberation. Lenin expanded on this, emphasizing that civil society’s structures must be destroyed to pave the way for socialism. Private health insurance is one such structure—a cornerstone of capitalist exploitation that must be eradicated.
Lenin’s vision of dismantling oppressive institutions aligns with our fight against private health insurance. This system exists not to serve the people but to enrich the few at the expense of the many. By targeting this institution, we strike at the heart of capitalist oppression and lay the groundwork for a socialist healthcare model.
Social Media and the Revolution
Social media has become a powerful tool in the fight against private health insurance. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have amplified revolutionary voices, exposing the injustices of the current system and rallying support for radical change. After Mangione’s act, social media became a battleground for ideas, with Marxists highlighting the systemic failures of private health insurance and calling for its abolition.
This digital revolution has proven that the working class is not alone. Across the globe, people are waking up to the realities of capitalist exploitation and demanding change. Mangione’s actions, though polarizing, have galvanized this movement, sparking discussions and mobilizing support.
A Socialist Vision for Healthcare
The abolition of private health insurance is not the end—it is the beginning of a new era. Under socialism, healthcare would be a universal right, free at the point of use and accessible to all. Resources would be allocated based on need, not profit, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve.
This vision is not a utopia—it is a necessity. Countries with universal healthcare systems have demonstrated that it is possible to prioritize health over wealth. The United States, with its for-profit model, lags far behind in health outcomes, proving the failure of private health insurance.
Organizing for Change
The fight against private health insurance requires collective action. Workers must unite to challenge the system, using strikes, protests, and political engagement to demand change. Education is key to this movement—workers need to understand how private health insurance exploits them and why socialism offers a better alternative.
By building a broad coalition of workers, activists, and allies, we can challenge the status quo and create a healthcare system that serves everyone. This struggle is not just about healthcare—it is about justice, equality, and the right to live with dignity.
Conclusion: A Call to Revolution
The destruction of private health insurance is essential for the liberation of the working class. Luigi Mangione’s actions, though controversial, have exposed the brutal realities of this system and inspired a movement for change.
As Marxists, we must continue this fight. The road to liberation is not easy, but it is necessary. Together, we can dismantle the structures of capitalism, abolish private health insurance, and build a healthcare system that prioritizes people over profit. The revolution has begun—let us see it through.
