The U.S. Healthcare System

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Imagine if you broke your arm, went to the hospital, and then received a bill for $10,000! For many people in the United States, that is not an exaggeration. One accident or illness could leave a family deeply in debt due to medical bills. While many people refer to the healthcare system in the United States as one of the most advanced, when you consider the price and magnitude of complexities, it becomes clear that the United States also has the most expensive and complex healthcare system in the world. Even though the United States has many skilled physicians, great hospitals, and incredible medical technology, the system is inequitable and emotionally difficult for many families to navigate.

One of the biggest problems that exists within the U.S. healthcare system is that of high expenses. Doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medication, and insurance can all be very costly. Even those who are insured often find that they must pay a great deal of money out of pocket, through copays and deductibles. People should not have to worry about paying when they’re ill or injured. No one should avoid visiting a doctor out of concern that they cannot pay the bill.

Across the globe, the U.S. has the highest annual spending per capita on healthcare. Government records substantiate that while American taxpayers are contributing massive amounts to healthcare, compared to  many other high-income countries, the problem is that federal legislation has failed to guarantee equal access for every citizen in the country. The United States has very few government-financed programs compared to other countries. Most of the healthcare services that are provided in the U.S. are provided by private companies whose primary objective is to profit rather than provide a basic right of care to the citizens of this Country. Most countries in the world have an established government healthcare system guaranteeing coverage to all of their citizens. In the U.S., however, access to healthcare is mostly determined by either one’s income or employment (and more often than not, both). Though implementing a publicly funded solution, or a universal healthcare system, would be an incredibly challenging process, the system is in dire need of reform.

Furthermore, the system creates a great deal of confusion. Health insurance plans have many rules and complicated terminology. Surprisingly, most people don’t know what’s covered until they get a bill later on. Dealing with paperwork and phone calls can get in the way of getting better.

The primary concern in healthcare for many families has been the healthcare costs, which provides additional stress for many families due to their concerns about how much it will cost to take their children to the doctor for little things. Some adults delay their regular check-ups and treatments until their conditions become more severe and/or expensive to fix. 

Another consideration of healthcare is the impact healthcare has on mental health issues. Mental health counseling and therapy can also be very costly, and many insurance policies will not cover them. Mental health should be treated the same as physical health. When individuals cannot afford help, health issues tend to worsen over time.

In addition to the many negative aspects of the American healthcare system, there are also positive aspects as well. The United States leads the world in medical research and medical advances. For example, the United States created the vaccines for the COVID-19 virus through the research of firms such as Pfizer. In the United States, numerous hospitals and universities often act as the sponsors of a significant number of clinical trials, leading to numerous breakthroughs for patients extending globally.

While many of America’s healthcare system offers great services, it is also plagued by many serious flaws that affect the well-being of millions of individuals. Cost and complications associated with insurance, coupled with limited access to care, lead to a lack of security for many in America regarding their healthcare. Health care should focus on providing care to those who require it rather than generating profits. Therefore, it is essential to make improvements to the current system of America’s healthcare system so that individuals have access to the services they need when they need them without fear of incurring prohibitive costs. When people receive quality healthcare, they are able to maintain their health and well-being, which will positively impact the entire national economy.