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The Economic and Ethical Costs of American Health Care

Gerald Parker

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Published in Priced Out: The Economic And Ethical Costs Of American Health Care

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Priced Out: The Economic and Ethical Costs of American Health Care

by Uwe E. Reinhardt

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12500 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	220 pages

The United States spends more on health care than any other country in the world, yet its health care outcomes are no better than those of other developed countries. In fact, the United States has some of the worst health care outcomes among developed countries, including:

Higher infant mortality rates
Lower life expectancy
More preventable deaths
Higher rates of chronic diseases

The high cost of American health care is a major burden on families and businesses. In 2019, the average American family spent over $20,000 on health care. This is more than the average family spends on food or housing. The high cost of health care is also a major drag on the economy. In 2019, the United States spent over $3.8 trillion on health care, which is more than 17% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The high cost of American health care is not only a financial burden, but also an ethical concern. The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee health care to all of its citizens. This means that millions of Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and they often have difficulty accessing the care they need. The lack of access to affordable health care is a major cause of poverty and inequality in the United States.

There are a number of solutions that could be implemented to reform the American health care system and reduce its costs. These include:

Expanding access to health insurance
Reducing the cost of prescription drugs
Reforming the way health care is delivered
Investing in prevention and wellness

Reforming the American health care system is a complex challenge, but it is one that we must address. The high cost of American health care is a major burden on families, businesses, and the economy. The lack of access to affordable health care is a major cause of poverty and inequality. By reforming the health care system, we can improve the health of Americans, reduce costs, and create a more just and equitable society.

Priced Out: The Economic and Ethical Costs of American Health Care

by Uwe E. Reinhardt

4.6 out of 5