The recent assassination of a health care CEO has highlighted deep-seated discontent with the US health insurance system, which remains unique globally for its reliance on private companies and employer-provided coverage.
Luigi Mangione, the suspected assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will plead not guilty in an upcoming trial. Yet, his actions have sparked a nationwide reflection on the persisting issues within the American health insurance system, a scheme that stands out in the developed world for squeezing profits from patients while leaving many underserved.
CNN’s Tami Luhby reported various distressing cases from readers, including a young woman battling cancer and facing a $13,000 monthly copay for critical medication. Instances like these contribute to the significant number of Americans caught in medical debt, underscoring the system’s inadequacies and prompting calls for reform.
Recent data from Gallup reveals a notable shift in public opinion regarding the role of the federal government in health care. A majority, 62%, now believe it’s the government’s duty to ensure universal health coverage, reversing trends from a decade ago. This change in perspective is largely attributed to Democratic support, though Republican views have also shifted slightly.
Despite these evolving opinions, efforts to increase government involvement in health care face formidable political resistance, reminiscent of the challenges encountered during the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. Although the ACA has gained popularity, marking a 62% approval in a recent KFF poll, it has not fully addressed the affordability of health care.
Public satisfaction with the quality of the US health care system has declined. Once at 54% in 2013, satisfaction now stands at 44%. This dissatisfaction extends to health coverage, which remains the lowest in over twenty years, reflecting ongoing struggles since the extensive reforms under Obamacare.
Unlike other wealthy countries, the US continues to depend heavily on employer-based health coverage, a model not mirrored elsewhere. Other nations either implement government-run systems or ensure nearly universal coverage through affordable private insurance options.
Studies consistently show that the US spends more on health care relative to GDP than other developed nations, yet achieves lower life expectancies. This paradox is complicated by factors such as gun violence and substance abuse, yet it highlights systemic inefficiencies like high administrative costs driven by a fragmented insurer landscape.
While the US government supports health care through programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and subsidizes employer-provided coverage through tax breaks, these measures have not sufficed to cover all citizens. The rise of privately managed Medicare Advantage plans, which may ultimately cost the government more, signifies potential pitfalls in privatization efforts.
Interestingly, even government-run systems abroad face challenges. The UK’s National Health Service, once enjoying high satisfaction, has seen approval ratings plummet amid calls for reform to reduce service wait times rather than overhaul the entire system.
In the US political arena, despite health care being a significant concern, it remains a subdued topic. The recent presidential campaign saw minimal substantial proposals, with debates not prioritizing the health care crisis. Although the Biden administration made strides in negotiating drug prices, the new administration’s plans remain uncertain.
The fervor surrounding the assassination of a health care executive has reignited discussions about the US health insurance system’s viability. Public sentiment increasingly favors government responsibility in ensuring health coverage, though political and systemic hurdles persist. As the nation grapples with these issues, the call for meaningful reform grows stronger.
Source: CNN
