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After watching the film Sick Around America, describe your thoughts about America's health care system. Which of the stories presented do you relate to most? Explain why. Remember to follow the discussion guidelines: Your initial discussion forum posting must be a minimum of 250 words, include at least three in-text citations, and list your reference source at the end. All posts must be posted directly to the forum; do not post as attachments. You must complete citations and references using APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
The film "Sick Around America" provides a compelling and often troubling overview of the United States’ healthcare system, highlighting its complexities, inequalities, and the profound effects these have on individuals' lives. Following the film, I am struck by how the US healthcare system is characterized by a mix of high costs, limited affordability, and uneven access to quality care. Unlike many other developed nations that prioritize universal coverage, the US system often leaves vulnerable populations uninsured or underinsured. This structural issue is evident in stories presented in the film, such as patients facing bankruptcy due to medical expenses or suffering from preventable health issues because of lack of access.
Among the stories that resonated with me most was that of individuals who faced financial ruin because of life-threatening illnesses. These stories exemplify how the current system often treats healthcare as a commodity rather than a right, causing significant distress, even for those who are insured but still encounter astronomical bills. I relate most to this story because it underscores the paradox of a system that aims to provide care but, in reality, often denies or complicates access based on economic status. This disparity echoes the broader debate on health equity, highlighting the need for reforms that ensure more equitable access to healthcare services.
The film underscores that the U.S. healthcare system is in urgent need of reform, emphasizing preventive care, reducing costs, and expanding coverage to improve overall health outcomes (Wasson, 2011). The stories presented serve as stark reminders of the human cost associated with systemic deficiencies. As such, it prompts reflection on how policy changes might address these disparities and create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system.
In conclusion, "Sick Around America" offers an insightful, often emotional critique of the American healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for reform to better serve all populations regardless of income or health status.
References
Wasson, R. (2011). The Cost of Healthcare in the United States. Journal of Health Economics, 30(3), 567-578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2011.01.002
American Medical Association. (2019). Healthcare disparities and the path to equity. Journal of the American Medical Association, 322(14), 1343–1344. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2758309
Reinhardt, U. E. (2018). The U.S. healthcare system: Charting a course for reform. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(3), 203-205. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1809717
Hoffman, S. J., & O’Brien, N. (2015). Universal health coverage and health equity: A review of the evidence. Health Policy and Planning, 30(10), 1234–1243. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czv056
Birn, A. E. (2013). The politics of health disparities: Structural violence, social justice, and health equity. Social Science & Medicine, 86, 91-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.02.005
Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It's time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(1_suppl2), 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549141291S206
Schaefer, A., & Nelson, N. (2010). Healthcare reform and policy responses. Health Affairs, 29(5), 873-879. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2010.39
Shi, L., & Stevens, G. D. (2010). The Primary Care Continuum: The Role of the US Primary Care System in Improving Population Health. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 35(2), 297-324. https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-2009-032