The Healthcare System on United State
The healthcare system in the United State
The United States leads the world when it comes to health care spending, both per capita dollars and as a percentage of GDP. Unfortunately, its outcomes trail behind peers; according to OECD data in 2010, it had the lowest life expectancy, highest infant mortality, and most years of potential life lost (YPLL) for men and women alike.
The healthcare system in the United States
The US healthcare system is primarily private, with a mix of public payers and private insurance. The government pays for much of it through Medicare and Medicaid, while employers typically provide employee coverage through employer-sponsored plans.
Private health insurance plans differ significantly in their benefits, sources of financing and payments to medical care providers. Most offer coverage for inpatient hospital services and physician services, with some offering limited or no coverage elsewhere. Furthermore, patient cost sharing may differ based on income or employment status.
Uninsured Americans typically receive less than half the services that insured Americans with similar incomes receive. Most of the uninsured receive care through free or subsidized services as well as charitable and nonprofit organizations dedicated to caring for them.
Universal Coverage
The American College of Physicians suggests that the US transition to a system which provides universal coverage with essential benefits and lower administrative costs. Two options could be pursued to reach this objective: either a single-payer approach or offering publicly financed coverage options alongside regulated private insurance.
Choice & Affordability
Healthcare in the US is increasingly expensive, leading to high utilization and subpar quality care. While many people have insurance, there are substantial obstacles that make it difficult or impossible for some people to access it. Even those with coverage often face high deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket expenses which can be overwhelming to manage.
In the US, there is a strong emphasis on managing costs rather than providing quality care. This has created an expensive and fragmented healthcare system where patients receive treatment in various settings with little or no coordination of care. Duplication of services and higher costs occur as physicians may prescribe medicines with dangerous interactions or repeat blood tests that were done elsewhere without knowing why they were done.
Furthermore, the US has one of the world’s largest populations, meaning many individuals must travel here for medical attention. This can present a challenge for those needing complex or emergency care that is unavailable back home.
Despite the high cost of healthcare, Americans enjoy access to some of the world’s best physicians and hospitals. While not alone in having this advantage, it has proven particularly successful. Many prestigious healthcare institutions around the globe have satellite campuses that provide care to citizens from other countries who cannot afford it otherwise.
