Introduction
The healthcare system of the U.S.A. drastically differs from those of other industrialized countries. The state is claimed to spend billions of dollars annually per person, more than any other affluent nation. According to the source, “in 2021, the United States spent an estimated $12,318 per person on healthcare — the highest healthcare costs per capita across the OECD countries” (“How does the U.S.”, 2022, para. 3). These numbers are linked to the fact that the government considers utilization (the number of services) and price as the key factors that affect healthcare costs.
Discussion
What is more, the American healthcare system is distinguished by its insurance policies. Unlike Canada, Sweden, and other states with universal health insurance, the U.S. proliferates the Affordable Care Act, which provides health coverage for citizens only. However, the government is trying to introduce new eligibility criteria to make it more accessible and affordable. Now, the majority of the population has to pay out-of-pocket for services; the costs of medications are ranked the highest in the country. This point makes the U.S. underperform in protecting citizens’ well-being, causing adverse health outcomes statistics.
Conclusion
Finally, the American medical system has an individualistic orientation based on the state’s political ideology. It signifies that the hospitals do not provide social services – one has to obtain insurance to receive medication or treatment. Moreover, this individualism was reflected in the time of the pandemic when the country adopted its protective measures. Unlike in Australia, where they announced a total lockdown, American authorities introduced measures that boosted the spread of the virus (“How does the U.S.”, 2022). Hence, U.S. healthcare remains the most expensive and inaccessible due to its political approach.
Reference
How does the U.S. healthcare system compare to other countries? (2022). Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Web.