Understanding the High Cost of Healthcare in the United States

The healthcare system in the United States is often scrutinized for its exorbitant costs, which have a direct impact on the lives of millions of Americans. Despite being a developed nation, why does the US struggle with such high medical expenses when other countries like Germany and the UK have had universal healthcare for decades?

The Expensive Path to Medical School

The journey to becoming a healthcare professional in the US is financially overwhelming, as exemplified by the experiences of individuals like the author's brother who graduated from medical school with an 8000 outstanding loan. Additionally, the pursuit of specialized skills, such as learning eye surgery in San Francisco from renowned experts, further escalates the overall cost. This high educational burden is just the beginning of the costly journey in healthcare in the US.

Universal Healthcare in Other Nations

Compare this with nations that have embraced universal healthcare systems, such as Canada. Countries like Canada do not have to contend with the greed of corporations like UnitedHealth Group (UHG), which means their citizens receive comprehensive treatment, and the government's health and social services cover the costs.

The Role of Insurance and Pharmaceutical Industries

The high cost of US healthcare can be largely attributed to the profits demanded by the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical companies. Insurance companies offer over 5000 different policies that change annually, requiring a significant amount of administrative resources. This complexity adds to the overall healthcare costs.

The pharmaceutical industry is another factor, as drug companies can charge whatever they wish for medications. Furthermore, the insurance and pharmaceutical industries heavily lobby Congress to maintain these practices, as evidenced by their substantial financial investments in such activities.

The healthcare system in the US is more akin to a profitable illness industry than a genuine healthcare system. The insurance industry and pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over the well-being of patients, often at the expense of profits.

Exposing the Insurance Industry: The Siphon of Healthcare Funds

The insurance industry is criticized for acting as a middleman, siphoning off subscriber payments to shareholders and a few top executives who can siphon off millions through deftly managing the system to deny benefits. It is not a question of capitalism; it is rooted in greed, and there is a clear lack of focus on the healthcare consumer.

Conclusion: The Priority of Profit Over Health

In the US healthcare system, profit takes precedence over human life, leading to a situation where healthcare is not accessible to all who need it. This is why Americans often discuss the need for a transition from the current system to one that prioritizes the health and well-being of the public.

It is crucial to continue advocating for change and promoting policies that ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, emphasizing the inherent value of healthcare as a basic human right.