[The cold-blooded assassination of a health care CEO has sparked widespread public anger towards the health insurance industry, prompting a closer examination of the system. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, is preparing for a murder trial, but the rest of the country has an opportunity to explore its frustration with the health insurance system that prioritizes profits for private companies over patients.
A Gallup poll found that 62% of Americans believe it is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that all citizens have healthcare coverage, a significant shift from 11 years ago when 42% of respondents held this view. The partisan divide is stark, with nearly all Democrats (90%) believing it is the government’s responsibility, compared to just 36% of Republicans.
Despite the frustration with the system, any effort to increase government participation in the system would likely face fierce resistance. Satisfaction with the healthcare system has declined significantly, with 44% of Americans expressing satisfaction, down from 54% in 2013. The system is unique in the developed world, with a reliance on employers to provide optional health coverage.
Other countries have government-run healthcare systems or require citizens to pay for more affordable private insurance, insuring nearly all of their citizens. The US pays a higher amount per person and as a percentage of GDP to cover a smaller portion of its population, resulting in a lower life expectancy.
Studies have shown that administrative costs are higher in the US, and other countries require coverage for everyone, with the government providing subsidies. In the US, the government only provides healthcare for the neediest through Medicaid and older Americans through Medicare, with the Affordable Care Act providing subsidies for those who don’t get coverage from their employer.
The rise of Medicare Advantage plans, run by private insurers, is a side story to watch, as they can end up costing the government more and denying coverage to the sickest patients. Struggles with health insurance are not unique to the US, with the National Health Service in the UK facing similar challenges.
Source link