US healthcare system ranks last among 10 wealthy nations: Report
The United StatesS health system has been ranked last among 10 wealthy nations, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Fund. The study found that despite Americans paying nearly double for healthcare compared to other countries, the system underperformed in areas such as health equity, access to care, and outcomes. "It's time we finally build a health system that delivers quality affordable healthcare for all Americans," said Dr Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund.
Healthcare costs dominate US voter concerns
The report comes at a time when high healthcare costs are significantly impacting American workers' salaries. However, the economy and inflation remain the primary concerns for voters. Neither Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump, the presidential candidates, has proposed significant healthcare reforms. The Democratic nominee has primarily framed healthcare as an economic issue, promising medical debt relief and emphasizing successes under the Biden administration like Medicare drug price negotiations.
US voters rank healthcare cost as top issue
When questioned about healthcare issues, American voters overwhelmingly ranked cost as their primary concern. According to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the cost of drugs, doctors, and insurance is the top issue for both Democrats (42%) and Republicans (45%). Federal government data reveals that Americans spend $4.5 trillion per year on healthcare, which equates to more than $13,000 per person annually.
US health system underperforms in international comparison
The Commonwealth Fund's report, titled "Mirror, Mirror," is the 20th in a series comparing the US health system to nine other wealthy democracies. These include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland. The report uses 70 indicators across five main sectors: access to care, health equity, care process (like reconciling medications), administrative efficiency and outcomes.
US health system lags behind in key areas
The US health system ranked last or second to last in all sectors except "care process." Reginald D Williams II, vice-president of the Commonwealth Fund, noted that most peer nations cover more of their citizens' basic needs. "Too many individuals in the US face a lifetime of inequity...it doesn't have to be this way," he said. The report suggests that improving the US health system's standing will require significant changes such as expanding insurance coverage and investing in social wellbeing.
