The US spends more on healthcare than any other nation, we spend
more money on healthcare for Americans aged 65 and over than it
spent for the entire population of any other nation. (Vladeck, 2003),
This high cost in healthcare is not due to higher utilization but the
higher cost in care prices. These high-cost prices are due to inflates
drug prices, higher administration costs, higher salaries for medical
professionals, and higher processes for medical services.
Why is the US resistant to universal healthcare? As a culture, many
Americans are individualistic and prefer the ability to make their own
choices. Government involvement and interest groups do not
support universal healthcare. Any attempt at comprehensive national
health insurance ever be made, lobbyists would certainly mobilize to
prevent its implementation. (Callaghan, 2016)
Many dislike universal healthcare due to the inconvenience of the
healthcare model. There are long wait times to see providers, higher
taxes, changes to the infrastructure, and technological advancement
of services. Implementing universal health coverage can affect the
quality of care that is being provided along with delays in health
prognosis. Government agencies increasing taxes for healthcare
coverage and not receiving care at the appropriate time is not ideal
for many Americans with universal healthcare. People rather pay for
private insurance and have the luxury to choose their providers and
seek care when it's convenient for them.
Reference:
Callaghan, T. (2016) Three reasons the US doesn't have
universal health coverage
Website:#https://theconversation.com/three-reasons-the-us-
doesnt-have-universal-health-coverage-67292
Vladeck,B, (2003) Universal Health Insurance in the United States:
Reflections on the Past, the Present, and the Future
Website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447
684/
