The US healthcare system is a complex one indeed, however, we will make it as comprehensible as possible.
Healthcare facilities are mostly operated by private-sector businesses. About 58% of community hospitals in the United States are non-profit, 21% are government-owned, and 21% are for-profit.
Furthermore, healthcare coverage is provided through a combination of private health insurance and public health coverage as will be explained later in this article.
Introduction to the US healthcare system
The United States does not have a universal healthcare program, unlike most other advanced nations in the world.
U.S. Healthcare System at a Glance
- Premium medical care
- No universal healthcare
- Healthcare is expensive
- Availability of insurance
- Adequate resources
The United States healthcare system is arguably the most complex of all health systems globally, and this has slowed down the sector’s development over the years. The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 marked the most critical shift in U.S. healthcare service.
To address the fragmentation of the sector, there’s a need for a comprehensive reform, which the Government isn’t ready for at the moment.
Healthcare relies on a more direct-free system, unlike the many Western countries that operate national models of health insurance. Those living in America have private health insurance plans.
If you’re accessing healthcare in America, you must be prepared beforehand to pay for any medical fees the insurance doesn’t cover. This is one of the reasons behind the continued discussion about healthcare reformation in the States. Citizens continue to demand universal health care.
US healthcare system pros and cons
Below, we will look at some of the advantages and challenges of this healthcare system which looks controversial when debated;
Pros of U.S. Healthcare System
Here are some of the benefits of the U.S. healthcare system:
Premium Medical Care
If you’ve got the money to pay for a premium health insurance package in America, trust me, you’d appreciate every bit of your visitation at any America’s hospital.
Hospitals offer one of the best services in terms of medical treatment. The facilities are always top-notch with state-of-the-art equipment that simplifies doctors’ work.
Healthcare costs vary based on your age and the state you live in. This year, the average cost of a monthly health insurance premium in the U.S. is about $495 per month.
The average annual deductible is $5,940. In some places, the cost varies greatly from the national average.
Age is another determining factor when it comes to the costs of health insurance. Take a look at this breakdown by age for the average monthly healthcare premium without subsidies.
The doctors are always experts with a ton of experience practicing in renowned medical centers around the world.
These professionals are always ready to work with the patients and their families to ensure optimal healthcare delivery.
Yes, the costs of accessing medical care is on the high side in the States, but this has made it possible for the clinics to have specialized machines that can always make the difference.
For instance, conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction can be treated in hospitals in the U.S., provided you’re ready to spend the money.
Availability of Different Medicare Options
One of the good things about the U.S. healthcare system is the ability to choose any medication option that best describes your needs.
There are medical advantages plans for people who want to travel abroad or require extra benefits like prescription coverage.
Note that if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The coverage will continue being billed directly through Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plans are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D). In most cases, you’ll need to use healthcare providers who participate in the plan’s network. These plans set a limit on what you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services.
Some plans offer non-emergency coverage out of network, but typically at a higher cost. Remember, you must use the card from your Medicare Advantage Plan to get your Medicare-covered services.
Reduced Waiting Lists for Major Procedures
Don’t worry U.S. healthcare system won’t make you wait several hours just to see a surgeon or a specialist attend to your needs. A recent study shows that 23% wait longer before they finally get to see an expert.
If you are accessing America’s healthcare system, the process is quite simple, and within a couple of hours, you’ll see a doctor who will take care of all your needs compared to some other countries where you will spend several weeks to achieve this.
Sufficient Resources
You can take solace in the fact that the U.S. healthcare system has the facilities that make the work easier and more efficient. Unlike in some countries where you’ll have to contend with their old facilities and all, the level of investment in facilities in the U.S. is remarkable and laudable.
If you are a patient with health insurance, the Government has got you covered as you can easily access premium healthcare services at any point and anywhere.
Cons of U.S. Healthcare System
Here are a few of the U.S. healthcare system’s challenges:
Expensive Services
The most prominent reason why many people complain about America’s healthcare system is its expensive nature.
If you are yet to get insurance or you are currently underinsured, you’ll have to pay fees from your pocket to sort your healthcare service. Don’t be surprised that people with no insurance will have access to reduced services.
Though this situation of things in the U.S. medical space in the U.S. is medical debt as it is one of the major factors to bankruptcy. It’s important to also note that the standard Medicare coverage many people always jump on isn’t going to sort every treatment and procedure.
Price Transparency
One of the common diseases in the U.S. today with regard to medical services is price transparency. It’s not easy for people to shop around to know their best budget.
There’s a need for an improved healthcare system, which can be brought about by price transparency for medical services.
Many people don’t know the cost of visiting a hospital, so there’s a need to do due diligence on how much the hospitals collect to perform these surgical operations.
Interestingly, just 12% of Americans oppose price transparency. But the hospitals have said prices aren’t always revealed because of the ability to offer discounts to insurance policies.
Limited Insurance Coverage
Many people in the U.S. today get insurance through their employers. What this means is that if the individual loses his job, the coverage automatically goes out of the window. This is the case because a person without a job cannot continue to pay for insurance.
Final thoughts
The U.S. healthcare system is currently struggling and needs reformation sooner or later. Despite some of the challenges the system is still faced with, there are many benefits of the system, such as the availability of innovative equipment and medical experts to conduct surgical procedures.
Trust me; America is where effective treatments can be made available to the rarest of any diseases be it cystic fibrosis, meige syndrome, or Temporomandibular disorders.
It’s saddening that some people who will be underinsured or those who don’t have insurance can’t receive treatment for most medical conditions. Money shouldn’t be the deciding factor regarding access to quality healthcare and hopefully, this is going to be solved soonest.
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