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HEALTH COVERAGE ISSUES
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Statement of Issue
Health care in the United States is a growing concern.
The United States spends $1.50 of every $10 of national income on health care, approximately double what other major industrialized countries spend per person. U.S. health care spending is expected to reach $4.2 trillion in 2016, or 20 percent of the GDP. At the same time, the amount of money the United States spends on health care does not translate into longer lives. The U.S. is toward the bottom of the list of life expectancy in developed nations.
Increasing costs are placing more financial burden on citizens, companies, and all levels of government. More than 45 million Americans (about 1 out 6) lack health insurance. And without adequate health insurance – either from their own or their spouse’s employer, or through tax-funded public programs – they cannot afford to get the care and medications they need. Companies that have long supplied health coverage to employees as part of their benefits packages are finding that they either have to reduce coverage or cut it out altogether. Some companies are being financially crippled by the health coverage they gave to retired employees as part of their pensions.
While many states are endeavoring to reform health care for its citizens with independent legislation and funds, others have proposed overhauling the system at the national level, suggesting universal health coverage. Government spending accounts for a growing portion of the medical economy, reaching 46 percent in 2006 as coverage of prescription drugs took effect.
The issue is a hot button politically. On one side are those that argue that good health care is a right, and that the government must offer some form of universal coverage – at least as a way for the uninsured to get insurance. They argue that by taking business profit out of health coverage, costs will be lower and care will be more accessible. On the other side are those that say that private insurance is the best way to ensure that costs stay low and that the best care is available. They argue that the availability of money in public health programs is responsible for the rising costs and inefficiency of the system. Also, they say that removing the ability to profit from the health care system will reduce innovation in medication, equipment, and procedures.
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Welcome to the Health section of the Futures of the U.S.!
I hope you find the information in this section to be helpful and educational. If you ever have any questions, ideas, comments, or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me ... you can send me a message me through my profile here.
Thanks!
Statement of Issue
Health care in the United States is a growing concern.
The United States spends $1.50 of every $10 of national income on health care, approximately double what other major industrialized countries spend per person. U.S. health care spending is expected to reach $4.2 trillion in 2016, or 20 percent of the GDP. At the same time, the amount of money the United States spends on health care does not translate into longer lives. The U.S. is toward the bottom of the list of life expectancy in developed nations.
Increasing costs are placing more financial burden on citizens, companies, and all levels of government. More than 45 million Americans (about 1 out 6) lack health insurance. And without adequate health insurance – either from their own or their spouse’s employer, or through tax-funded public programs – they cannot afford to get the care and medications they need. Companies that have long supplied health coverage to employees as part of their benefits packages are finding that they either have to reduce coverage or cut it out altogether. Some companies are being financially crippled by the health coverage they gave to retired employees as part of their pensions.
While many states are endeavoring to reform health care for its citizens with independent legislation and funds, others have proposed overhauling the system at the national level, suggesting universal health coverage. Government spending accounts for a growing portion of the medical economy, reaching 46 percent in 2006 as coverage of prescription drugs took effect.
The issue is a hot button politically. On one side are those that argue that good health care is a right, and that the government must offer some form of universal coverage – at least as a way for the uninsured to get insurance. They argue that by taking business profit out of health coverage, costs will be lower and care will be more accessible. On the other side are those that say that private insurance is the best way to ensure that costs stay low and that the best care is available. They argue that the availability of money in public health programs is responsible for the rising costs and inefficiency of the system. Also, they say that removing the ability to profit from the health care system will reduce innovation in medication, equipment, and procedures.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the Health section of the Futures of the U.S.!
I hope you find the information in this section to be helpful and educational. If you ever have any questions, ideas, comments, or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me ... you can send me a message me through my profile here.
Thanks!
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