Major Problems in Healthcare

What are the major problems (Cite at least 3) in the United States’ health care system? Why do you think it hasn’t been “fixed”? Do you believe that providing universal health care should be the policy of the United States? Why or why not? Cite at least 2 peer reviewed journal. Using APA format

Major Problems in Healthcare

Major Problems in the United States Health Care System

The United States health care system faces several significant challenges that impact the quality and accessibility of care. Three major problems include:

High Costs of Care
The United States has the highest health care costs in the world, with expenditures reaching approximately $4 trillion in 2020. These high costs are attributed to various factors, including administrative expenses, the high price of medical services and medications, and inefficiencies within the system (Papanicolas, Woskie, & Jha, 2018). Many Americans face financial burdens due to high premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses, leading to situations where individuals forgo necessary care.
Lack of Universal Coverage
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations globally, the United States lacks a universal health care system. Millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, primarily due to employment-based coverage models and the high costs associated with obtaining insurance (Rosenbaum, 2020). This lack of coverage results in significant disparities in access to health care, where marginalized communities face barriers to obtaining necessary medical services.
Health Disparities
The United States exhibits considerable health disparities influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location. These disparities are evident in health outcomes, access to care, and the quality of services received (Williams & Mohammed, 2018). Vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, often encounter systemic barriers that hinder their ability to achieve optimal health, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to their more affluent counterparts. (Health Disparities
The United States exhibits considerable health disparities influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location. These disparities are evident in health outcomes, access to care, and the quality of services received (Williams & Mohammed, 2018). Vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, often encounter systemic barriers that hinder their ability to achieve optimal health, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to their more affluent counterparts. (Health Disparities
The United States exhibits considerable health disparities influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location. These disparities are evident in health outcomes, access to care, and the quality of services received (Williams & Mohammed, 2018). Vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, often encounter systemic barriers that hinder their ability to achieve optimal health, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to their more affluent counterparts. (Major Problems in Healthcare)

Why the Health Care System Has Not Been “Fixed”

The complexities and entrenched interests within the health care system contribute to the difficulty in implementing significant reforms. Political polarization, lobbying by powerful interest groups, and the intricate web of stakeholders—including insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and health care providers—make it challenging to reach a consensus on reform measures. Additionally, the fear of change and potential unintended consequences of new policies further complicate the situation. As a result, efforts to “fix” the system often lead to incremental changes rather than comprehensive solutions.

Universal Health Care as a Policy

I believe that providing universal health care should be a policy goal for the United States. Universal health care can lead to improved health outcomes by ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary medical services without financial hardship. Research indicates that countries with universal health care systems tend to have better health metrics, including lower mortality rates and higher life expectancy (Papanicolas et al., 2018). Moreover, universal coverage could alleviate disparities in access to care and promote health equity among diverse populations.

In conclusion, the major problems in the United States health care system—including high costs, lack of universal coverage, and health disparities—highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Embracing universal health care could address these issues, fostering a healthier population and more equitable access to medical services.

(Major Problems in Healthcare)

References

Papanicolas, I., Woskie, L. R., & Jha, A. K. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. JAMA, 319(10), 1024–1039. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.1150

Rosenbaum, L. (2020). The Uninsured: A Crisis in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(14), 1283-1287. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2000910

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2018). Racism and health I: Pathways and scientific evidence. American Behavioral Scientist, 62(3), 348-357. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764218757633

Major Problems in Healthcare