Healthcare vs. Military Spending: A Tale of Priorities

The U. S. government spends a lot on both healthcare and the military. But when it comes to talking about costs, the numbers can be confusing and misleading.

Comparing Costs: A Different Perspective

One way to compare these costs is to think about what the Pentagon spends in a single day.

Experts estimate that the Pentagon spends about $5 billion every day. This is what we could call a "Pentagon Unit."

If we use this unit to measure healthcare subsidies, the numbers look different.

• Extending Obamacare subsidies for another ten years would cost about 70 Pentagon Units.

The Complex Debate Over Healthcare Subsidies

The debate over healthcare subsidies is complex.

• Letting the subsidies lapse could lead to higher premiums and more uninsured people.
• Extending the subsidies would cost a lot of money.

But when we compare these costs to what we spend on the military, it's clear that our priorities are out of whack.

The Pentagon's Spending: A Mystery

The Pentagon's spending is often unaccountable.

• In 2015, the Army reported spending $6.5 trillion, but there was no documentation to back up this claim.

Meanwhile, healthcare costs are discussed in detail, with experts analyzing every aspect of the budget.

The Bigger Picture

In the end, the debate over healthcare subsidies is about more than just numbers. It's about our values and priorities as a society.

• Do we want to invest in the health of our citizens?
• Or do we want to continue spending billions on the military?

The answer to this question will shape our future for years to come.