Americans Pay More to Live Less
Reginald D. Williams II
Vice President, International Health Policy & Practice Innovations, The Commonwealth Fund | Co-Lead, Behavioral Health, The Commonwealth Fund | Driving Organization Transformation | Leading Health Care Innovations
The Commonwealth Fund 's latest international comparative study reveals a stark reality: the U.S. health system ranks last among 10 nations on key measures of health equity, access to care, and outcomes. Despite spending the most on health care, Americans die the youngest and live the sickest lives.
Key Findings:
Worst Overall Performance: The U.S. health system is the worst-performing overall, with Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK leading the pack. (Yes, even the UK, and recent lapses have led to a national conversation on making things better!!!)
Health Inequities: Low-income Americans face significant barriers to accessing quality care. Discrimination and unfair treatment are reported at alarmingly high rates.
Life Expectancy: The U.S. ranks last in life expectancy and avoidable deaths.
A Silver Lining: The U.S. ranks second in “care process,” which includes health prevention, safety, coordination, and patient engagement. This improvement is attributed to changes in Medicare payment and other practices that prioritize patient safety and preventive services.
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Policy Recommendations:
Affordable Care: Extend coverage to the uninsured and reform insurance to limit out-of-pocket expenses.
Primary Care Investment: Improve payment and support for primary care providers.
Health Equity: Eliminate disparities in health care delivery for marginalized groups.
Market Consolidation: Address the consolidation of health care systems that drive up prices.
Social Interventions: Invest in addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, homelessness, and gun violence.
The Time to Act is Now: The findings of this report are a wake-up call. Immediate and bold reforms are essential to safeguard the health and well-being of all Americans. We cannot afford to wait. The health of our nation depends on it.
We have a choice: Maintain a failing status quo or continue to make bold changes to improve our health system and keep all people in America healthy.
Career Development and Employment Partnerships
5 个月https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tnQzHAibuEds4sPjREYsr?si=1DZtu4NYQJW3w-wveT_vRg UCLA Health , Mendell Briggs, UCLA’s Ronald Reagan emergency room, and their mental health department engage in clear medical extortion and for-profit referral systems. Be aware.
Executive Leader | Board Member | Advisor | Investor in Leading Digital Health, Healthcare AI, and Value-Based Care Ventures
5 个月Thanks for bringing attention to this crucial issue, Reginald. We must push together for meaningful reforms that can turn these statistics around.
Thanks for bringing awareness to this important topic, Reginald. We must work collaboratively to address these issues, advocate for systemic change, and ensure that quality care is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background.
Director
5 个月Perhaps larger investments in public health would be one helpful step. Public health systems in the US are incredibly underfunded.
Global Healthcare Research Patient Partner
5 个月When we focus on the good, the bad loses its grip. It looks like the US has a lot to teach its neighbours with regards to patient safety, and the rewards that it returns.