The Need for Reform: Why All American Health Care Must Change

Introduction

Healthcare has always been a hot topic in American politics, with differing opinions being expressed by lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. However, there is no denying that the US healthcare system has several flaws that need to be rectified. The skyrocketing costs of healthcare, limited access to medical services for low-income individuals, and an aging population are just some of the issues faced by the current American healthcare system. In this article, we’ll explore the need for healthcare reform and why it’s essential for all Americans.

The Rising Cost of Healthcare

The cost of healthcare in the US has been on a steady rise over the past decade. A 2019 study by the Commonwealth Fund found that Americans are paying significantly higher healthcare costs than any other developed country. The same report showed that Americans spent an average of $11,172 per capita on healthcare in 2018, which is almost double the rate of spending by other countries. The high costs of healthcare are squeezing the budgets of individuals, families, and businesses.

Moreover, the high costs are not providing better healthcare outcomes. According to a 2019 report by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the US ranks last among 11 high-income nations when it comes to healthcare quality. Therefore, the need for healthcare reform is obvious to address these issues.

Access to Medical Services

Another significant problem with the US healthcare system is access to medical services, which is limited for low-income individuals, especially those who are uninsured. According to reports, in 2019, 27.5 million people in the US lacked health insurance. This is a prominent issue, as access to healthcare is essential for a healthy society.

The current health care system also favors the wealthy, as they can afford better quality healthcare and medical services. This means that low-income individuals are significantly disadvantaged, as they face substantial financial barriers when seeking medical care. This divide must be addressed through policies that ensure universal healthcare access for everyone, not just for certain sectors of society.

An Aging Population

The US Population is aging, with the number of citizens over the age of 65 set to double by 2060. This increased aging population means that the demand for medical services will become more significant than ever before, and current healthcare structures may not be able to cope with the increasing demand.

The US healthcare system must adapt to cater to the needs of the elderly population effectively. This includes offering home-based care services, telehealth, and better geriatric care in hospitals. Health care should not be a luxury, especially for those in the aging population, and the healthcare system must make it a priority to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

Conclusion

The US healthcare system has several flaws that need to be addressed to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial status. Healthcare must be treated as a basic human right, and reforms must be implemented to standardize healthcare access, quality, and cost. Policymakers must work together to find sustainable long-term solutions that will improve healthcare outcomes and lower the overall cost of care. Everyone deserves to have equal access to healthcare, and now is the time to demand changes for the betterment of the healthcare system.