About a month ago, the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sparked widespread outrage in the country. But this anger is not directed at Thompson's death, but at America's health care system. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, is said to have committed the crime after his insurance refused to pay for the surgery. Since then, Americans have continued to express their dissatisfaction and concerns with the American healthcare system via the internet. Although Mangione's past does not justify his actions, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the deep flaws hidden in America's health care system.
America's healthcare industry is a corrupt, misleading, and immoral system, but it is possible to fix it. Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United States continues to leave millions of Americans uninsured.
According to the evaluation, international citizen insuranceThe United States ranks 69th in the world in healthcare. Is it an abnormally high cost? Hidden Coverage Gaps? The lack of an adequate health care system in the United States is evidenced by clear examples of people not being able to afford essential medical care.
One of the central problems in the U.S. health care system is the misleading practices of insurance companies. “Medical companies don't disclose the cost of treatment upfront, leading people to believe that treatment is included or that it's a separate cost.When the bill arrives, You end up receiving more money than you can afford, and you end up having to pay more money over time in interest.” new student Maya Leibovitz said. According to to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 100 million Americans owe more than $220 billion in medical debt.
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Many health insurance plans often advertise their coverage but lack transparency when it comes to out-of-pocket costs. These companies often hide the details of their plans in fine print, making it difficult for consumers to understand what's covered and what's not. “The insurance company is paid money upfront, but some procedures are not covered. I have to pay insurance for my pet, but some are covered and some are not. There are things,” RMS and IB biology teacher Bessie Albaugh said.
Another report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that health insurance policies often conceal hidden costs that are not directly communicated to customers. An example of this would be an out-of-network provider. If a patient visits a hospital or doctor who does not have insurance, insurance will not cover the full amount. Patients must pay the difference, which can be very expensive in the United States. This lack of communication creates an environment in which patients are helpless and do not know their costs until the bill arrives. This is the problem with the American medical industry, and the companies involved only care about making a profit. Their top priority is not customers or health, but a way to get more money and power out of something that makes people vulnerable.
There is no doubt that the medical industry is deceptive, but the backlash against companies proves there is still hope for change. If we take the time and persevere to address the problems our country faces in today's system, we can ensure adequate health care. The most optimal solution is a universal health insurance system. This system will greatly reduce the financial burden on Americans and make healthcare free for all residents. “I don't think there should be health insurance. I think health care should be free,” said freshman Shreya Shete. Countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have already implemented this model, where governments fund health care through taxes. By eliminating profit-seeking private health companies, we can ensure that all citizens have access to care.
Another solution could be for healthcare companies to be more precise and clear about their services. Current medical billing opacity is a major source of financial hardship for patients. According to National Institutes of Health Seventy percent of families reported worrying about household finances, including hospital costs, household expenses, loss of income from work, and food/lodging/transportation costs during hospitalization. It's clear that Americans fear that taking care of their health will cost them money they can't afford. Requiring insurance companies and providers to proactively inform patients of costs before services are performed will help patients make more informed decisions.
America's health care system is in dire need of change. Companies that profit from people's health issues need to take responsibility for ensuring their services are accessible and beneficial. Universal health care plans and price transparency are truly non-negotiable solutions to rebuilding this industry. Change is never easy, but it is essential for the well-being of the people who suffer from this cruel system. If lawmakers, health care professionals, and the public can work together toward these goals, the future of American health care can be one of equitable access to care.
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