Is the U.S. Healthcare System Barbaric or Simply Inefficient?

There's a common misconception that the U.S. healthcare system is archaic. While it's true that there are inefficiencies and that the system is not perfectly fair, labeling it as archaic might not capture the full scope of the issues. The system is better described as barbaric due to its predatory nature and lack of fairness.

Healthcare Isn't Archaic, Funding Is

The core of healthcare itself is not flawed. However, the funding mechanism for healthcare in the United States is a different story. The system is a patchwork of different philosophies and ideologies, resulting in an increasingly random experience for individuals. The fairness of the system is compromised when access to coverage and cost coverage vary wildly from one person to another.

Variants of healthcare funding exist from different philosophies but the system as a whole is far from stable. The randomness in who has coverage and how the costs are covered is a significant issue. If you don't have insurance, you end up paying the most out-of-pocket – a situation that is clearly not fair. Some insurance companies negotiate "discounts" that range from 50% to 90%, which can further complicate the system and create confusion.

The Role of Medicaid

Medicaid, a public health insurance program in the U.S. for eligible individuals and families with low incomes, faces unique challenges. In my state, Medicaid is legally required to pay less than the cost it takes to provide the services. This creates a significant financial burden that has to be made up by someone else. Uninsured individuals and those who bear the full cost of their care end up subsidizing the system, adding to the complexity and unfairness of the current system.

Employer-Sponsored Coverage: Random and Unpredictable

The landscape of employer-sponsored non-governmental coverage is no less random and subject to change than Medicaid. Many employees are unaware of how much the insurance they have through their employer actually costs. Employers can unpredictably cut costs by dropping coverage or shifting more of the cost to employees. This shift can amount to a pay cut in disguise, and since it is often not called that, employees are often unaware of the full impact.

The Predatory Nature of the Healthcare System

While the system is full of inefficiencies, the profit motive plays a significant role in making it predatory. Insurance companies and other private healthcare providers sometimes prioritize profit over patient care, leading to practices that can be described as predatory. The negotiation of "discounts" by insurance companies might on the surface seem like a benefit, but in reality, it can lead to a system where those who can afford it pay less while those who are uninsured or underinsured end up shouldering a much greater burden.

Conclusion

Instead of labeling the U.S. healthcare system as archaic, a more accurate description would be barbaric. The system is in need of significant reforms to ensure fair and equitable access to healthcare for all Americans. The problems with funding, the random nature of coverage, and the profit-driven practices that put the most vulnerable at a disadvantage require a comprehensive overhaul to address the systemic issues.