IMPROVING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS UP TO US
Americans have the potential to shape policies and equip themselves with comprehensive knowledge about the healthcare system, including its challenges and remedies. Here’s the stark reality: The American healthcare system is marred by high costs, dysfunctionality, intricacy, and seemingly insurmountable problems. Each of these affects individuals in different ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans rank among the least healthy in the modern world, with a high likelihood of premature mortality.
Harvard Health highlights, “Despite the U.S. spending more money on healthcare than other high-income nations, the U.S. scores poorly on many key health measures such as life expectancy, preventable hospitalizations, admissions, and suicide.” The reasons behind these disconcerting facts remain elusive, given the multifaceted nature of the issue. The following aims to quickly shed light on the healthcare system’s shortcomings and what we can do about them.
The current U.S. healthcare system tends to delay or deny high-quality care to those most in need, who can least afford its high cost. This contributes to avoidable healthcare disparities among people of color and other disadvantaged groups.” – Harvard Health
Soaring Costs
In 2019, overall satisfaction with American healthcare was abysmally low. Factors contributing to this include exorbitant healthcare expenses and a significant number of uninsured Americans. Furthermore, healthcare costs vary significantly across the U.S., making it challenging to compare options when urgent medical care is needed, often resulting in unexpectedly steep bills. Surprise bills are not exclusive to the uninsured, as each insurance plan differs in its network of providers.
Access to health insurance is often contingent on one’s employment. During World War II, offering health insurance was a strategy to attract workers, a practice that endures today, with many Americans obtaining health coverage through their employers. Consequently, job loss, a trend exacerbated by COVID-19, can jeopardize individuals’ and their families’ healthcare.
The Path to Change
While several countries have adopted different healthcare approaches, such as government-run systems ensuring equal healthcare access for all citizens, the United States faces unique challenges due to vested interests and established institutions that rely on the existing healthcare status quo. Finding a sustainable solution remains an ongoing endeavor. In reality, the responsibility of identifying a workable solution will soon fall on the shoulders of young individuals—the next generation of policymakers, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Merely waiting for others to resolve the issue is not an option, nor will it lead to a resolution.
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