The United States of America is one of the world’s leading economies and the most powerful country in the world. One of the country’s primary concerns is its healthcare system. Healthcare is an essential part of society, and it affects every aspect of human life, including economic development. The state of the US healthcare system remains a crucial topic among policymakers and citizens, and it has been a significant part of the US political agenda for several years.
The US healthcare system is unique when compared to other developed countries. It is a mix of a public and private healthcare delivery system, and it operates under different layers of regulations and frameworks. Despite the significant achievements in healthcare, the US healthcare system has faced several challenges over the years, and it still contends with different issues. This article provides an overview of the state of the US healthcare system, its challenges, and opportunities.
Overview of US Healthcare System
The US healthcare system comprises of public healthcare programs, private healthcare insurance, and healthcare providers. Public healthcare programs include Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Private insurance, on the other hand, includes employer-sponsored insurance, individual insurance plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Healthcare providers deliver services under different settings, including hospital-based care, outpatient care, and community-based care. The majority of healthcare providers operate using a fee-for-service system, and some use a value-based approach.
The US healthcare system spends a higher percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare than any other developed country. According to the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), healthcare spending in the US accounted for 17.7% of the GDP in 2019, equivalent to $3.8 trillion. This figure outpaced the percentage spent in developed countries like Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Despite the high spending, the US healthcare system still falls short in several areas.
Challenges facing the US Healthcare System
Access to Healthcare
Access to healthcare remains a significant concern in the US healthcare system. Even with public healthcare programs like Medicaid, not everyone in the US has access to affordable healthcare services. According to the US Census Bureau’s report on health insurance coverage in 2019, 8% of the population, equivalent to 26 million people, remained uninsured. Moreover, factors like geography, income level, and patient preference limit some people’s access to healthcare.
Cost of Healthcare
The cost of healthcare in the US remains a significant challenge. Despite spending the highest percentage of GDP on healthcare as compared to other developed countries, the quality of healthcare remains static. The high cost of healthcare translates to higher insurance premiums, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. As a result, some Americans are either underinsured or uninsured, leaving them unable to pay for their medical bills. Additionally, high healthcare costs involve high administrative costs, which increase the burden on the healthcare system.
Healthcare Disparities
Healthcare disparities occur when certain groups have unequal access to healthcare. Healthcare disparities occur due to factors like racism, lack of insurance, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Disparities are widespread among different socioeconomic, geographic, and racial/ethnic groups. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Black Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to experience healthcare disparities.
Healthcare Quality
Despite the high level of healthcare spending, healthcare quality in the US remains questionable. Healthcare quality is measured using different metrics, including the rate of medical errors, patient safety, and preventive health screening. The Commonwealth Fund released a report in 2020 that ranked the US healthcare system last amongst 11 comparable high-income countries. The study reported that the US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in patient access to care, administrative inefficiencies, equity, and health outcomes.
Opportunities in US Healthcare System
Technology
Technology presents several opportunities for the US healthcare system. Innovation in digital health has revolutionized healthcare delivery by improving access to healthcare services and reducing healthcare costs. Telehealth, a mode of healthcare delivery that uses telecommunication tools like video conferencing, has gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth enables healthcare providers to deliver healthcare services to patients remotely, which reduces transmission risks and eliminates geographic barriers to healthcare.
Value-Based Care
Value-based care is a healthcare delivery model that aligns incentives for healthcare providers with patient outcomes. Value-based care aims to improve the quality of care while reducing costs. Value-based care incentivizes preventive care and health promotion, which ultimately reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
Healthcare Workforce
The healthcare workforce is a crucial component of the US healthcare system. The National Academy of Medicine’s report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” highlighted several opportunities to improve the nursing workforce. The report recommended increasing the number of nurses with bachelor’s and advanced degrees, promoting interprofessional education, and improving diversity in the nursing workforce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US healthcare system poses several challenges to policymakers and citizens. While some of these challenges have persisted over the years, healthcare innovation provides several opportunities for policymakers to improve the healthcare system’s state. There is a need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to work together to address the challenges and exploit opportunities in the US healthcare system. Ultimately, access to high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right and a vital component of economic development.