Addressing Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability: A Path Forward for the Nation

Healthcare in the United States is at a breaking point for many families and businesses. Rising premiums, increasing out-of-pocket expenses, and diminishing access to primary care have created a system that feels more burdensome than beneficial for the average person.

Over the past decade, health insurance companies and hospital systems have grown larger and wealthier while patients and employers face escalating costs. In 2023, the five largest health insurers, including UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health (Aetna), reported revenues in the hundreds of billions—UnitedHealth alone reached $359 billion, a threefold increase since 2010. Despite this growth, premiums for employer-sponsored family plans averaged nearly $24,000 annually, a 47% increase over the past decade. For individuals, the cost of coverage has also surged, with average premiums reaching over $8,400 in 2023.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) addressed critical access issues, such as covering pre-existing conditions and expanding essential health benefits. However, these reforms unintentionally contributed to higher baseline costs for insurers, which were passed on to consumers. Rising premiums have disproportionately impacted middle-income families, who often do not qualify for subsidies. Meanwhile, hospital consolidation and insurance market monopolies have reduced competition, driving prices higher without corresponding improvements in care quality.

At the same time, access to primary care—essential for preventing costly health crises—has declined. In 2021, the ratio of primary care physicians to the population dropped to 67.2 per 100,000 people, down from 68.4 a decade earlier. Many areas, particularly rural ones, remain medically underserved. This shift away from preventive, affordable care toward higher-cost specialty services has compounded the financial and accessibility challenges facing the healthcare system.

How Sterling Urgent Care Fills the Gaps

Sterling Urgent Care offers a unique and scalable model that addresses many of these national challenges through affordability, accessibility, and innovation:

• Affordable Membership Plans: Patients can avoid the unpredictability of high deductibles and co-pays through low-cost, flat-rate membership plans that cover most services. Individual plans are $60/mo., Family plans are $120/mo., and student plans are $150/school term.
• Hybrid Care Model: By blending urgent and preventive & primary care, Sterling reduces reliance on expensive emergency rooms and ensures routine care is accessible.
• Telemedicine Solutions: Sterling’s telemedicine services provide immediate care access, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas.
• Transparent Pricing: Sterling eliminates hidden costs, offering patients clear, upfront pricing for services and procedures. Services like Prescriptions are $15, Labs $20 and X-rays are $20.
• Employer Partnerships: Sterling works with businesses to lower healthcare and workers compensation costs while providing high-quality employee coverage, reducing strain on both employers and workers.

Sterling Urgent Care’s Vision for National Impact

As Sterling Urgent Care expands from its current 21 clinics through its innovative franchise model and corporate expansion, it is poised to deliver meaningful solutions to communities nationwide. This model allows local franchisees to replicate Sterling’s success by leveraging proven systems, including telemedicine, case management, and transparent pricing strategies.

Sterling is committed to:

• Making healthcare more affordable through membership models and cost-efficient care.
• Expanding healthcare accessibility through strategic clinic locations and telemedicine.
• Reducing financial burdens on employers and individuals by offering tailored solutions.
• Driving national impact with a scalable, sustainable approach to care delivery.

The healthcare system doesn’t need more consolidation or rising costs—it needs innovation, transparency, and patient-first solutions. Sterling Urgent Care is ready to lead the charge toward a better, more affordable healthcare future for all.

blog post: https://www.sterlingurgentcare.com/blog/addressing-healthcare-accessibility-and-affordability-a-path-forward-for-the-nation

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