The Most Significant Factor Contributing to the Health Crisis in the US

Contributing Factors to the Health Crisis in the US

Health care cost is perceived to be a primary reason for the healthcare crisis in the US today. The cost of medical care in the country has grown faster for decades than the overall economy and continues to escalate at a rapid rate. The medical predicament remains irrespective of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. Although coverage has expanded, the high cost-sharing requirements make it difficult for tens of millions who have insurance to afford care, while 28 million people remain uninsured (Himmelstein et al. 28). In the wake of this crisis, experts assert that in the US today, people are in poorer health compared to the 20^th-century generation, with the situation constituting a national crisis. Therefore, the rising health care cost is the most significant factor contributing to the health crisis in the US because people skip medical care due to the bills.

Many people in the US tend to avoid attending to medical symptoms or conditions since they could not afford treatment. One out of four people chooses not to receive health care for a medical issue due to the high cost (Calfas). Many people are also worried concerning potential costs despite having a cover. For instance, while the ACA dictates coverage of various screening services without charging patients, any subsequent treatment means money out of pocket. Apart from that, 19% of Americans have postponed buying medicine due to its cost while 45% fear that a significant medical issue could send them into bankruptcy (Calfas). All in all, the high price of health leads is a barrier to accessing health services, which leads to an inability to receive preventable services, delays in getting proper care, and unmet needs.

Out-of-pocket and premium costs are progressively stressing families in the US. Many with insurance have a sharply controlled choice of hospitals and clinicians, and the medical care corporate takeover in the country is proceeding rapidly (Himmelstein et al. 28). Thus, the overall health of the people in the US suffers because they do not utilize the necessary healthcare services. In 2018, Americans borrowed nearly $88 to pay for medical care; around 23% of Americans cut out various household expenses to afford it (Calfas). Consequently, many patients attempt to curb costs by accessing care at facilities that are seemingly less pricey, such as clinics and urgent care centers. Over time, the patients who skimp health care see their conditions worsen, which leads to lifelong consequences.

There are huge variances in the quality of care, depending on how much an individual is prepared to pay. As a result, there are significant disparities in access to care by family income, education, race, and age. Compared to inequalities in income, ethnic and racial inequalities in wealth were much more extensive. The average net wealth of white family unit in 2013 was ten more compared to that of Latinos; at the same time, compared to black families it was 13 times higher (Himmelstein et al. 28). Such inequalities occur with all levels of access to care, including access to primary care, having ongoing treatment, as well as dental and health insurance. Thus, inadequate access to medical care affects the mental, social, and physical health status, as well as the overall quality of life of Americans.

In summary, the rising health care cost is the most significant factor contributing to the health crisis in the US because people skip medical care due to the bills. At present, people are in poorer health in the US compared to generations in the 20^th century. The situation constitutes a national crisis because access to health care is limited to millions of Americans. The lack of adequate insurance has made it challenging for citizens to acquire essential health care. Nonetheless, they are troubled with huge therapeutic bills when they receive treatment. In brief, considering the financial and personal effects ensuing from the intensifying medical expenses, many Americans are more likely to be diagnosed later, die prematurely, have poor health status, and less likely to obtain treatment.

Works Cited

Calfas, Jennifer. “One in Four Americans Are Skipping Medical Treatment Because They Worry About the Cost.” Money, 2 Apr. 2019, money.com/gallup-survey-americans-skipping-medical-treatment/.

Himmelstein, David U., Steffie Woolhandler, Mark Almberg, and Clare Fauke. “The U.S. Health Care Crisis Continues: A Data Snapshot.” International Journal of Health Services, vol. 48, no. 1, 2017, pp. 28–41.