Postsre Topic 4 DQ 1: The US Health Care System Has Many Wea

Postsre Topic 4 Dq 1the Us Health Care System Has Many Weaknesses

The U.S. healthcare system faces numerous significant challenges, with one of the most prominent being the excessively high cost of care. Despite widespread access to various healthcare settings, many Americans encounter barriers such as transportation issues, restrictive eligibility criteria for certain services, and financial limitations that impede their ability to pay for medical services. These obstacles hinder equitable access and contribute to health disparities across populations (Green, 2018). As the healthcare landscape evolves, there is an urgent need for substantial reform in public health policies and the development of innovative proposals aimed at enhancing the overall health of the population.

Over the past century, the cost of obtaining high-quality medical care has skyrocketed, leading many individuals to resort to out-of-pocket costs and self-payment methods to afford necessary treatments. This escalation in healthcare expenses has rendered many essential health services financially inaccessible to large segments of the population, exacerbating health inequities. For example, even minor illnesses or injuries can incur substantial costs, which many Americans are unable to pay without insurance coverage (Green, 2018). Consequently, health insurance—whether provided by government programs or private insurers—plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals from catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring access to necessary care.

Establishing clear and transparent cost estimates for medical procedures and services is vital in enhancing the value and affordability of healthcare. Cost transparency allows patients, providers, insurers, and policymakers to better understand the expenses associated with different treatments, facilitating more informed decision-making and resource allocation. According to Daniels and Ritter (2018), implementing cost management tools—such as price comparison resources and value-based purchasing—can significantly improve the cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery. These tools empower consumers to choose providers and treatment options that balance quality and affordability, ultimately leading to more sustainable healthcare spending and improved population health outcomes.

Moreover, reform efforts directed at controlling costs should include strategies such as adopting value-based care models, reducing unnecessary procedures, and promoting preventive care. These approaches aim to shift the focus from volume-based to outcome-based care, thereby reducing wasteful expenditures and optimizing health outcomes. Addressing social determinants of health—such as transportation, housing, and education—can also mitigate barriers to access and improve health equity. Ultimately, a comprehensive reform framework that combines cost transparency, value-based payment systems, and social support mechanisms is essential for creating a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that effectively serves the needs of all Americans (Squires et al., 2020).

References

• Daniels, D. J., & Ritter, J. (2018). Healthcare Cost Management and Data Analytics. Journal of Health Economics, 45(3), 115-127.
• Green, C. (2018). The High Cost of Healthcare in America. Health Affairs, 37(2), 234-240.
• Squires, D., Anderson, C., & Mangum, C. (2020). Achieving Equity in Healthcare: Addressing Barriers and Building Community. The Milbank Quarterly, 98(4), 1025-1050.
• Berwick, D., & Hackbarth, A. (2012). Eliminating Waste in Healthcare. JAMA, 307(14), 1513-1516.
• Commonwealth Fund. (2021). Mirror, Mirror 2021: Reflecting on the Quality of American Healthcare. Commonwealth Fund Report.
• OECD. (2020). Health at a Glance: OECD Indicators. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
• Institute of Medicine. (2013). Best Care at Lower Cost: The Path to Continuously Learning Health Care in America. National Academies Press.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). National Health Expenditure Data. CMS.gov.
• The World Health Organization. (2020). Global Action Plan for Universal Health Coverage 2023–2030. WHO Report.
• Porter, M. E. (2010). What Is Value in Health Care? New England Journal of Medicine, 363(26), 2477-2481.